"Noted." The judge made notes. "Let's discuss bail. Mr. Romano, you're charged with RICO conspiracy, which typically warrants denial of bail due to flight risk and danger to the community. However, given your ties to the community and lack of prior convictions, I'm inclined to set bail. The question is how much."
The prosecutor stood. "Your Honor, Mr. Romano has significant financial resources and international connections. He's absolutely a flight risk. We request bail be set at ten million dollars."
Ten million. High but manageable. I stayed silent.
Emilio stood. "Your Honor, Mr. Romano has lived in New York for over a decade. He has legitimate business interests here. He's not a flight risk. We request bail be set at one million."
"I'll set it at five million." Judge Morrison's voice was firm. "Cash or bond. Mr. Romano will surrender his passport andsubmit to electronic monitoring. Any violation of bail conditions and I'll revoke it immediately."
Five million. Manageable.
"Mr. Russo." The judge turned to Valentino. "You're charged with conspiracy and obstruction. Lesser charges but still serious. Bail is set at one million dollars. Same conditions—surrender passport, electronic monitoring."
One million for Valentino. Good. That was manageable too.
"Both defendants are ordered to remain in New York State pending trial. No contact with witnesses. Trial date to be set at a later hearing." She banged her gavel. "Court is adjourned."
They led us out through different doors. I caught Valentino's eye one more time—he looked relieved—and then he was gone.
Emilio walked beside me as the marshals removed my handcuffs. "Bail is being posted now. You'll be released within the hour."
"And Valentino?"
"Jessica is handling his bail. He'll be released soon after you."
They processed my release. Returned my phone and wallet and keys. Had me sign paperwork. Fitted an ankle monitor that felt heavy and humiliating but was better than jail.
Finally, they led me to the courthouse exit.
"Ready?" Emilio asked. "Media circus outside."
"Ready."
He opened the door and immediately I was hit with noise. Cameras flashing. Reporters shouting questions.
"Mr. Romano, are you guilty?"
"Did you coerce Valentino Russo?"
"How do you respond to the charges?"
I kept my head up and didn't answer. Just walked through the crowd with Emilio beside me. Got to the car that was waiting—Sandro's car—and got in.
Sandro was in the driver's seat. Matteo in the passenger seat. Both of them turned to look at me.
"You okay?" Sandro asked.
"I'm okay." I buckled in. "Valentino's still inside. I need to wait for him."
"We'll wait." Sandro pulled the car around to a side street with a view of the courthouse exit. "Take your time."
We sat there for twenty minutes. Then thirty. I kept watching the door, waiting, needing to see him.
Finally, at almost six PM, Valentino emerged.
He looked exhausted. Disheveled. He stood on the courthouse steps blinking in the late afternoon sun like he couldn't quite believe he was free.
Then he saw our car. Saw me through the window.
