"Promise me."
"I promise. Lawyer only. Nothing else."
We stood there holding each other, both trying to prepare for what was coming. Trying to be brave. Trying not to break down.
The buzz came at eleven-thirty AM.
The voice over the intercom was loud, authoritative, unmistakable.
"FBI. Let us up."
Valentino's hand tightened in mine. "This is it."
"This is it." I kissed him hard. "I love you. No matter what happens in the next few hours, remember that. I love you."
"I love you too."
Another buzz. "Mr. Romano. Mr. Russo. We have arrest warrants."
I let go of Valentino's hand and authorized the elevator to come up.
Six federal agents in tactical gear. Reeves at the front, looking satisfied.
"Luca Romano," Reeves said. "Valentino Russo. You're both under arrest."
Everything happened fast after that.
Agents flooded into the penthouse. Someone was reading me my rights while someone else pulled my hands behind my back. Cold metal of handcuffs clicking into place. The same was happening to Valentino a few feet away.
"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law..."
I tried to catch Valentino's eye but an agent was between us.
"You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you..."
"I want my lawyer," I said clearly. "Emilio Rossi. I'm invoking my right to counsel."
"Noted." Reeves smiled. "You'll see him at arraignment."
They led me toward the door. I finally saw Valentino—also handcuffed, being held by two agents. Our eyes met for a second.
"It'll be okay," I said to him. "Don't say anything. Lawyer only."
"Mr. Romano, save your advice for your attorney." Reeves stepped between us. "You're going to different locations for processing. Mr. Russo will be transported to the Manhattan FBI field office. You'll be going downtown."
"Why separate locations?" My voice was harder than I'd intended.
"Standard procedure for co-conspirators." His smile widened. "Wouldn't want you coordinating your stories."
They led Valentino out first. He looked back at me once, face pale but composed. Then he was gone.
"Move," one of the agents said, pushing me forward.
They led me out of my building in handcuffs. Building security watched. Residents watched. Someone was taking pictures with their phone. The humiliation was exactly what Reeves wanted—public perp walk, maximum embarrassment.
I kept my head up and didn't react. Didn't give them the satisfaction.
They put me in the back of an unmarked SUV. One agent in front, one beside me. The car pulled away from my building and headed downtown toward federal plaza.
