Chapter 5 - The Gift of Safety
Later that afternoon, I returned to the modest house on the corner.
When Sarah opened the door this time, she looked rested for the first time in months. Mason was sitting at the kitchen table, doing his homework under the bright light.
"Mr. Romano," Sarah said, stepping aside to let me in. "The school called me two hours ago. The principal said Leo Carbone and two other boys were suspended, and... and they delivered a full refund to my bank account. Over three thousand dollars was deposited as restitution."
"It was the least they owed you," I said, taking off my hat.
Mason ran out of the kitchen, looking up at me with wide, admiring eyes. "Mr. Gabriel! They... they gave me my money back! And the principal said those guys won't ever touch me again!"
I crouched down so I was at eye level with the boy, just as I had on the side of Route 17.
"They won't, Mason," I promised. "Because from now on, everyone in this town knows you're under my protection."
Sarah wiped a tear from her eye, looking at me with deep gratitude. "How can I ever repay you? I don't have much—"
"You don't owe me a dime, Sarah," I interrupted gently. "In fact, I have an offer for you."
I pulled a crisp white envelope from my jacket—not like the ones Salvatore used, but one bearing the official seal of the Romano Charitable Foundation.
"My construction firm recently acquired a series of residential properties near the park," I said, handing her the envelope. "We need an administrative manager to oversee tenant relations and property maintenance. The salary is double what you make at the diner, it comes with full health benefits, and the working hours are eight to four—so you can be home every evening when Mason gets off the bus."
May you like
Sarah stared at the paper in her hands, her lower lip trembling. "I... I don't know what to say. This is... this is a miracle."
"It's not a miracle, Mrs. Vance," I said, standing up and smiling warmly. "It's justice. Your son stood up for you. Now it's time the world stands up for both of you."
