Chapter 19 - The Last Extinction
By late October, the Indiana vineyard was bathed in brilliant autumn colors of amber, deep gold, and crimson. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the sweet scent of ripe grapes ready for the final harvest.
Old Bruno sat on the porch bench, whittling a small wooden toy car for Leo, who sat at his feet in his denim overalls, chattering happily.
Clara walked out onto the wooden deck holding two mugs of steaming hot cider. She handed one to Alessio, who was leaning against the railing, watching his son.
"Agent Miller called this morning," Clara said softly, taking a sip. "The final indictments were handed down. Every asset connected to Thorne's syndicate has been liquidated by the federal receiver."
"And the hospital?" Alessio asked, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close against his side.
"Chicago Presbyterian has established a permanent grant in Leo’s name," Clara smiled. "It will fully fund pediatric emergency care for low-income families across the state for the next fifty years."
May you like
Alessio turned to look down at her face, his dark eyes filled with a tenderness that still made her heart skip a beat. "You turned a poison into a cure, Clara."
"We did," she whispered, leaning up to kiss his jaw. "Together."
