Chapter 7 - THE WIDOWS OF BOSTON HARBOR
Dante established an independent restitution fund.
Not controlled by the Lombardi family.
Not managed by old associates.
An independent board reviewed claims and distributed money to families harmed by the stolen compensation trust.
Gemma helped organize the records.
But she refused to become Dante's assistant again.
“I resigned,” she reminded him.
Dante smiled faintly.
“I noticed.”
She looked at him.
“I want to do something that matters beyond managing your calendar.”
Dante nodded.
“What?”
Gemma considered.
“Help the families.”
He smiled.
“Then do it.”
She shook her head.
“Not as your employee.”
Dante stared.
“As my own person.”
He nodded.
“Fair enough.”
Gemma founded a nonprofit legal assistance organization for families affected by waterfront corruption.
She recruited attorneys.
Social workers.
Financial counselors.
The work was exhausting.
But meaningful.
One afternoon, Evelyn Mercer arrived at the office.
She was seventy-three.
Her hands trembled as she held a letter.
“Miss Thorne?”
Gemma stood.
“Yes?”
Evelyn began crying.
“They found my husband's claim.”
Gemma smiled.
“Yes.”
Evelyn looked at the letter.
“It says we're receiving compensation.”
Gemma nodded.
The older woman covered her face.
“My grandchildren can stay in school.”
May you like
Gemma embraced her.
And in that moment, she knew she'd made the right decision.
