Chapter 10
Camillo Vicari
Jackson, Mississippi, USA
Ten years ago
The verdicts had been handed down. The judge was just making her final remarks, but there was nothing left to do.
"We can appeal, but it is unlikely that we will be able to reverse this.
I am more confident that your sentences will be reduced for good behavior.
Even though your personal charges were minor, she presented irrefutable evidence of your connection to the società.
Then, the death of the two agents... Even though Lorenzo took the blame for the murders, your alleged involvement in the conspiracy weighed heavily on the sentence," Alessandro Lombardi whispered in my ear.
I nodded slowly as my brother and cousin swallowed the reality that awaited them behind bars. Mario was sentenced to ten years and Lorenzo to twenty-five. I, on the other hand, faced only charges of illegal possession of a weapon and resisting arrest. I was going to serve one year.
All because of her.
My gaze slid to the haughty brunette woman in an all-black suit. She sat with a triumphant expression, chin raised and eyes gleaming, wedged between District Attorney Salli Moore and a blonde bitch who had used my famiglia as a poster child for her political campaign.
Senator Madeleine Jones.
I wouldn’t forget her name or face. Nonetheless, she wouldn’t be my priority. Once my time was served and I was free again, I would go after the Assistant District Attorney.
I looked at her hand and couldn't help but sneer. She had the audacity to keep wearing the wedding band. Her face met mine and my smile slowly widened.
Valentina, Valentina... A slow death awaits you.
The session was over. Mario and Lorenzo were led out of the courtroom, but I was surprised when Alessandro Lombardi announced that Senator Jones and my dear wife, the Assistant District Attorney, had requested to meet with me in private.
I accepted.
We entered a small room that looked like an office. There was no sign of Valentina's superior, District Attorney Salli Moore, which could not bode well. I then looked at the women in front of me, my gaze clouded by hatred. Valentina was standing across the desk, to the senator’s right.
If I weren't escorted by guards and handcuffed, I would rip every piece of flesh from her pretty face.
“Mr. Camillo Vicari, thank you for agreeing to this brief conversation.” I didn't respond, fixing my gaze on the politician's lethal blue eyes.
"As you are probably aware, my mission is to put a stop to all criminal activity.
I believe in American justice above all else.
Valentina has shared my vision since she took office and allowed me to closely monitor the investigation that dismantled your family's illicit business.
" I smiled without showing a single tooth.
A deep, slow smile, and my gaze rose to Valentina's face.
“No one is to blame for the environment in which they were born, and it is clear that you were a victim of your circumstances.” Victim?
"Your wife always believed in you, and the lack of evidence of any involvement on your part in your family's business is clear proof of your character.
Therefore, Mr. Vicari, honor your wife's efforts.
Choose the right side of history and give us names.
Tell us where to look, who to look for, and you could avoid a year behind bars. "
Alessandro Lombardi scrutinized me, but said nothing. His famiglia was part of the Cosa Nostra in New York, so it wasn't hard to imagine what he thought of that and what he feared I might do. If I opened my mouth, a lot of people would fall. Including me.
I laughed, leaving the women wide-eyed and making the police behind me shift uneasily. Then, compiled what Alessandro Lombardi had told me about the senator before speaking.
“Is it worth it?” I asked maliciously. “I mean, is it worth being the good guy? The hero of the people?”
The blonde straightened her shoulders, disgusting pride overflowing from her facial expressions. “It's always worth doing the right thing, Mr. Vicari.”
I laughed again, clicking my tongue.
“Maybe. However, it won't bring your son back, will it, Senator Jones?” The pride drained from the senator in a fraction of a second.
Horror and hatred filled her eyes as she stared at me.
“So, unless you discover a miraculous solution to resurrect the dead, I'll have to decline your offer.
Although, I must say, even if I accepted, I would have nothing to tell you. I don't know anyone.”
“Camillo, please—”
“I want a divorce.” I cut Valentina off without hesitation, looking forward to the prison cell that awaited me. I turned to Alessandro Lombardi, who was clearly fighting a smile. “Signor Lombardi, can you take care of the paperwork for me?”
“With pleasure.”