Chapter 18 - PROTECTING THE LIGHT
By morning, the news of Julian Rossi's arrest and the final dismantling of the old Chicago Syndicate dominated every television channel and newspaper headline. The last shadow hanging over the Moretti name had been permanently erased.
At the estate, the sun broke through the remaining rain clouds, casting brilliant beams of light across the damp lawn and the blooming gardens.
Ethan ran out onto the terrace, wearing his pajamas and holding a plate of half-eaten pancakes. "Father! Mother! Did you catch the bad guys?"
Dante was sitting on the wooden bench, his arm wrapped around Grace. He stood up, catching Ethan as the boy jumped into his arms, tossing him gently into the air before holding him close.
"The bad guys are gone, Ethan," Dante smiled, rubbing his cheek against his son's. "They won't ever come back."
"Did you use your sword?" Ethan asked wide-eyed.
Dante looked at Grace, his eyes filled with profound love and pride. "No, buddy. We used something much stronger than a sword. We used your mother's brain."
Grace laughed, a sound like musical bells echoing across the terrace. She walked over, placing her hands on Dante's shoulders and leaning up to kiss his cheek. "We made a good team, Mr. Moretti."
"The best team, Mrs. Moretti," Dante whispered.
Marcus walked out onto the terrace, carrying a leather tray with two cups of hot coffee. He set it down on the table, a relaxed, genuine smile on his face—a rare sight for the hardened security chief.
"Perimeter guards have been scaled back to normal, Dante," Marcus reported. "The media is calling you a hero for helping the feds shut down the Rossi cartel."
"I don't care about being a hero, Marcus," Dante said, looking out at the calm lake. "I only care about this home."
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"Well, you built a good one," Marcus said warmly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, Rosie invited me to the diner for breakfast, and I don't intend to be late."
As Marcus walked away, Grace leaned into Dante's side, watching the morning mist rise off the water. The air smelled of clean pine, wet wood, and absolute peace.
