Chapter 11 - THE CHOICE THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Nicholas made the announcement in March.
He would step down from direct control of several companies while independent legal and financial reviews were completed.
Businesses linked to criminal activity would be dissolved, sold where lawful, or surrendered as required by the authorities.
He would cooperate with investigations into past misconduct.
The announcement shocked Chicago's business community.
Some called him weak.
Others called him calculating.
A few believed he was finally trying to change.
I didn't know what to believe.
I knew only that change had consequences.
Nicholas lost contracts.
Associates abandoned him.
Several former allies threatened retaliation.
His lawyers warned that cooperating with authorities would not erase his own responsibility.
Nicholas accepted that.
One evening, he called me.
“Emily, I need to tell you something.”
His voice sounded tired.
“What?”
“There may be criminal proceedings involving decisions I made years ago.”
I sat down.
“Are you going to prison?”
“I don't know.”
My throat tightened.
He continued.
“I don't want you waiting for me because you feel obligated.”
I stared at the wall.
“Nicholas.”
“Yes?”
“I haven't promised to wait for anyone.”
Silence.
Then he laughed softly.
“Of course you haven't.”
I took a breath.
“But I do care about you.”
“I know.”
“And I want you to keep doing the right thing.”
He was quiet.
Then he said:
“Even if it costs me everything?”
I looked toward Daniel's schoolbooks on the kitchen table.
I thought about my parents.
About the night in the snow.
About the people who had suffered because powerful men believed consequences were for someone else.
“Yes,” I said.
“Even then.”
Nicholas exhaled.
“Thank you.”
I closed my eyes.
“Don't thank me yet.”
“Why?”
“Because I'm not going to make this easy for you.”
May you like
He laughed.
“I wouldn't expect anything else.”
