Chapter 10 - THE LAST ORDER FROM DOMINIC RUSSO
Dominic Russo had spent thirty years surviving by remaining useful.
He knew the Moretti organization.
Its weaknesses.
Its secrets.
Its old loyalties.
He also knew that Nicholas's return threatened everything he had protected.
When he learned that federal investigators had recovered the Ashford records, Dominic panicked.
He contacted former associates.
Tried to move money.
Attempted to leave the country.
But investigators were already watching.
Gabriel received a warning from his attorney.
Dominic might attempt to contact Harper.
Gabriel immediately informed the authorities.
He did not send men to handle it privately.
Not this time.
Harper remained in Montana while Nicholas received medical treatment.
His illness was serious but manageable.
Doctors explained that he would need ongoing care.
Harper attended appointments with him.
She asked questions.
Took notes.
Helped organize his medications.
For the first time, her nursing education felt personal.
One afternoon, Harper received a message.
Your father isn't safe. Come alone if you want to protect him.
She stared.
Then called the investigator.
The message was traced to a device associated with one of Dominic's associates.
Authorities arranged additional protection.
Harper stayed inside.
Nicholas looked furious.
“I've spent twenty-three years hiding.”
Harper took his hand.
“I know.”
He looked at her.
“I don't want you living like that.”
She smiled sadly.
“Then let's help end it.”
Two days later, Dominic was arrested.
Several associates were detained.
Investigators recovered records connecting him to efforts to intimidate witnesses and conceal evidence.
The case would take years to resolve.
But the immediate threat to Harper had diminished.
Gabriel visited Nicholas that evening.
The brothers sat together on the porch.
Harper watched from inside.
She couldn't hear everything.
But she saw Gabriel bow his head.
Then Nicholas placed a hand on his shoulder.
Later, Gabriel approached Harper.
“Your father wants to see you.”
She smiled.
“Okay.”
Gabriel hesitated.
“Harper.”
She looked up.
“Yes?”
“I'm sorry.”
She nodded.
“I know.”
He continued.
“For what happened to Nicholas. For the life you lost. For the danger I brought to your door.”
Harper studied him.
“You didn't create every part of this.”
Gabriel looked down.
“But I helped create the world that made it possible.”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
He took a breath.
“I'm trying to change that.”
Harper looked toward the porch.
“Then keep trying.”
That night, she sat beside Nicholas.
The stars were bright above the lake.
He looked at her.
“Do you hate Gabriel?”
Harper thought.
“No.”
Nicholas nodded.
“Good.”
She looked at him.
“Do you forgive him?”
Nicholas was silent.
Then said:
“I'm working on it.”
May you like
Harper smiled faintly.
“Me too.”
