Chapter 8 - THE MAN WHO HAD EVERYTHING TO LOSE
Nicholas visited the apartment three days later.
He called first.
Asked whether it was convenient.
And arrived carrying a bag of groceries rather than an expensive gift.
Daniel opened the door.
“Did you bring lasagna?”
Nicholas looked at him.
“Hello to you too.”
Daniel inspected the bag.
“Pasta. Cheese. Tomatoes. Close enough.”
I appeared behind him.
“Daniel.”
“What?”
“Let the man inside.”
Nicholas smiled.
We ate dinner at the small kitchen table.
No servants.
No crystal glasses.
No expensive china.
Just three people sharing pasta while snow fell outside.
After Daniel went to finish his homework, Nicholas helped me clear the plates.
“You don't have to do that,” I said.
“I know.”
He picked up a dish towel.
“I'm capable of washing a plate.”
“Are you?”
He looked offended.
“I own restaurants.”
“That wasn't the question.”
He laughed.
Then his expression changed.
“Emily, I need to tell you something.”
I stopped.
“What?”
“My business isn't entirely legitimate.”
I stared.
“I know.”
He looked surprised.
“You do?”
“Everyone knows.”
He set down the plate.
“I've spent years telling myself that certain things were necessary to protect the family.”
I waited.
“Some of those things hurt people.”
I thought about Richard.
About the notebook.
About my parents.
“What are you going to do?”
Nicholas looked toward the window.
“I'm working with attorneys to separate the lawful businesses from the criminal operations. It won't be simple.”
“Will people get hurt?”
“I'm trying to prevent that.”
I studied him.
“Trying isn't always enough.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
There was a long silence.
Then he said:
“I don't expect you to admire me for admitting what I should have confronted years ago.”
I looked at him.
“Good.”
He smiled sadly.
“But I want you to know I'm serious.”
I picked up another plate.
“Then show me.”
Nicholas nodded.
“I intend to.”
And for the first time, I began to believe that change might be possible.
May you like
Not because he promised it.
But because he had stopped pretending he was already a good man.
