Chapter 11 - THE MAN WHO RETURNED FROM THE DEAD
Carlo Vescari was found in Arizona.
He had been living under another name, managing a small freight company.
The federal investigators working the case located him through financial transfers connected to Anthony Caruso.
Roman was told before the arrest.
He wanted to go.
Every instinct told him to find Carlo himself.
To demand answers.
To make the man understand what he'd stolen.
But Teresa stopped him.
“Roman.”
He looked at her.
“Mother.”
She took his hand.
“I lost Lucia because men believed violence could solve everything.”
Roman said nothing.
“I won't lose you the same way.”
He looked away.
Teresa continued.
“Let the investigators do their work.”
Roman closed his eyes.
Then nodded.
Carlo was arrested two days later.
The investigation connected him to the fire, the abduction, false identity documents, and financial crimes.
Anthony Caruso was also taken into custody on charges arising from the broader conspiracy.
The legal proceedings would take time.
There would be hearings.
Evidence disputes.
Testimony.
And painful questions.
But the truth was no longer buried.
Norah was asked to provide a formal statement.
She agreed.
Roman accompanied her to the courthouse but remained outside the interview room.
When she emerged, she looked exhausted.
He stood.
“How did it go?”
She shrugged.
“I told them everything I remember.”
Roman nodded.
“Thank you.”
Norah looked at him.
“You don't have to thank me.”
“Yes,” he said.
“I do.”
She smiled faintly.
Roman hesitated.
“Norah, there's something I need to say.”
She waited.
“For years, I believed my family's power could protect the people I loved.”
He looked toward the courthouse.
“But all it did was make our enemies more dangerous.”
Norah studied him.
“Power doesn't make someone good or bad, Roman.”
He looked at her.
“Choices do.”
Roman nodded slowly.
May you like
Then he said something nobody in his organization had ever heard him say.
“I think it's time I made different ones.”
