Chapter 10 - THE FALL OF THE GALLO EMPIRE
The investigation widened.
Vincent Gallo was charged in connection with the attempted assassination of Nico Ferraro.
Raymond Pike faced charges related to Evan Walsh's death.
Several financial intermediaries were arrested.
And the illegal gambling operation began collapsing under the weight of its own records.
Nico's company came under intense scrutiny.
Some of his employees had knowingly participated.
Others had been intimidated.
Some had looked away.
Nico could no longer pretend the criminal side of his business was separate from the legitimate one.
He made a decision.
He would dismantle the syndicate's illegal operations and cooperate with authorities.
His attorneys warned him that the process could expose him to serious consequences.
He accepted that.
For years, he had benefited from a system built on fear.
Now he would have to face what that system had done.
When Eden learned of his decision, she went to see him.
He was standing beside the windows of his office.
The Chicago River moved below.
She looked at him.
"Are you sure?"
He nodded.
"It won't be easy."
"I know."
He turned.
"I may lose businesses."
"I know."
"Money."
"I know."
"People."
Eden stepped closer.
"Maybe some people need to go."
He smiled faintly.
"Probably."
She studied him.
"Why are you doing this?"
Nico looked at her.
"Because I don't want another Evan Walsh."
Her eyes filled.
He continued.
"And because I don't want you looking at me one day and realizing I chose power over what was right."
Eden swallowed.
"Then don't."
May you like
He nodded.
"I won't."
