Chapter 10 - THE COUSIN WHO LOST HIS POWER
Luciano was arrested six weeks later.
Investigators had uncovered evidence connecting him to the trucking company, suspicious payments, and efforts to conceal records related to the collision.
The criminal case was complicated.
There were multiple suspects.
Financial records.
Witnesses.
Forensic reports.
But the investigation was no longer something Massimo had to handle alone.
He cooperated with authorities.
Provided documents.
And began separating his legitimate businesses from the criminal operations that had surrounded his family for decades.
It was not easy.
Some associates abandoned him.
Others threatened retaliation.
Massimo worked with his attorney to address his own legal exposure and protect employees who had no involvement in wrongdoing.
He made decisions that cost him money and influence.
But he continued.
The day Luciano was arrested, Massimo sat alone in the library.
I found him staring at Sofia's photograph.
"How are you?" I asked.
He looked up.
"Tired."
I nodded.
He swallowed.
"I thought I'd feel better."
I sat nearby.
"Maybe relief takes time."
He looked at the photograph.
"She's still gone."
My throat tightened.
"Yes."
He closed his eyes.
"I wanted justice to bring her back."
I said nothing.
He looked at me.
"That's foolish."
"No."
I shook my head.
"That's grief."
His eyes filled.
He reached for my hand.
I hesitated.
Then allowed him to hold it briefly.
Not as a promise.
Not as a romantic declaration.
Just as comfort.
He looked down.
"Thank you."
I smiled.
"You're welcome."
The following week, Massimo asked Daniel to establish a scholarship fund in Sofia's name.
Not for publicity.
Not for tax advantages.
But because Sofia had wanted to open a restaurant that trained young people who couldn't afford culinary school.
The Sofia Pascale Culinary Scholarship would support students entering professional cooking programs.
When Massimo told me, I smiled.
"She would've loved that."
He nodded.
"I think so."
Then he looked toward the kitchen.
"Maybe we can teach the first class here."
I laughed.
"Only if you stop putting too much salt in everything."
May you like
He grinned.
"No promises."
