Chapter 8 - WHAT VINCENT LOST
Raymond’s arrest triggered investigations across three states.
Dozens of convictions were reviewed.
Several officials resigned.
Sofia’s case reopened.
Her boyfriend, who had avoided prosecution years earlier, was charged after preserved evidence and witness testimony resurfaced.
Vincent attended every hearing.
He never threatened anyone.
Never made a call.
Never bought an outcome.
For perhaps the first time in his adult life, he waited for justice instead of manufacturing it.
It was painfully slow.
He discovered that was part of the point.
One evening Amelia found him sitting alone in Castellano’s.
“You okay?”
“No.”
She sat opposite him.
“Good answer.”
He smiled.
“Therapy is making me irritatingly honest.”
She blinked.
“You’re in therapy?”
“Don’t spread it around.”
“Your terrifying reputation would never recover.”
He laughed.
Then became serious.
“I’m leaving.”
Her smile disappeared.
“Brooklyn?”
“The organization.”
Amelia stared.
Vincent had inherited businesses both legal and illegal.
For years he had convinced himself that because he prohibited drugs and senseless violence, he was somehow different.
Sofia’s case destroyed that illusion.
He began dismantling the criminal side.
It cost him money.
Influence.
Friends.
One lieutenant called him weak and left.
Another threatened him.
Vincent let them go.
“You’re giving everything up?” Amelia asked.
“No.”
He looked around the diner.
May you like
“I’m figuring out what was worth keeping.”
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