Where to start in proving my innocence? "I need everything on Umberto Vitale's case. The arrest, the evidence, who compiled it. Who is behind his murder.”
Joe lets out a whistle. “That case is what… five, six years ago? Isn’t it better to let sleeping dogs lie?”
“Not if it’s got a paw on my neck. I need to know if I was set up too.” If that’s the case, I could still be at risk. "Someone orchestrated Umberto's arrest and either by design or luck made it look like I was responsible. I want names. Proof."
"And if it was someone in your family? Or hers?"
My family? I can’t imagine it. The Vitale family? I’m more inclined to think it’s someone out of the families, out of La Corona, even, but I’m willing to face the truth, whatever it is.
"I need the truth."
“I have some contacts that might give me some info since the case is older. Could take me a little time.”
"How long?"
"A week. Maybe two." In the background, papers shuffle. "I assume you want this kept quiet?"
"Complete discretion. Not even my father can know."
“Well, you know if he asks, I can’t lie.”
“Of course.” But my father won’t ask. “This is important, Mr. Longer. I’ve lost seven years of my life from this. I won't lose another day."
"I'll be in touch."
When I hang up, I have a feeling of hope.
Like I’m moving in the right direction.
But clearing my name is only the beginning. Her children are a part of her life.
Part of the package.
If I want Elena, I need to show her I can be there for them too.
That I can protect them, care for them, be what they need.
The thought of taking on a father role fills me with a strange sense of purpose.
Those kids deserve a man who'll move mountains for their mother.
A man who understands what family means.
I just need to convince Elena.
She may run from me now, but soon she'll understand, I'm not the villain in this story.
And I'm done letting her believe I am.
We’re nearly at my father’s office building when my phone rings. Monti Shipping.
"Monti."
"Mr. Monti, it's Vince from accounting." His voice trembles slightly. "We have a situation at the docks."
I straighten, immediately on alert. "What kind of situation?"
"The quarterly audit… we found discrepancies. Large ones." He lowers his voice. "Someone's been skimming from the shipments. Nearly a quarter of a million over the past year."
