Chapter 9 - The Federal Prosecutor's Surprise Visit
By the end of the week, Elena was slowly regaining her strength, walking through the gardens with Sophia in a pram.
On Friday afternoon, the estate’s security gate chimed, announcing the arrival of an uninvited, highly sensitive visitor.
A sleek black government sedan parked in the driveway, and a middle-aged woman in a sharp grey suit stepped out carrying a leather briefcase.
It was Assistant United States Attorney Clara Vance—the head of the federal organized crime task force in Chicago.
Frankie and three armed guards flanked Clara as she walked onto the back terrace where Enzo and Elena were sitting.
“Ms. Vance,” Enzo said smoothly, not bothering to stand up from his chair. “You’re far outside your jurisdiction in Lake Forest.”
Clara Vance looked at Enzo, then turned her eyes to Elena, her expression complex and filled with professional frustration.
“I’m here to see my informant,” Clara said, setting her briefcase on the iron table.
“Elena Bennett promised me a fully encrypted hard drive six days ago in exchange for federal witness protection.”
Elena sat up straight, taking a deep breath as she looked at the prosecutor.
“I didn't deliver it because I was ambushed, Clara,” Elena explained calmly.
“And I no longer require your witness protection program.”
Clara frowned, pointing her finger toward Enzo. “Elena, this man is the head of the largest crime syndicate in the Midwest!”
“You spent six months putting your life on the line to bring his faction down!”
“No,” Elena corrected firmly, her voice steady and clear.
“I spent six months building a case against Mateo Moretti’s faction because they were poisoning this city with human trafficking and narcotics.”
“Lorenzo never allowed those businesses in his territory.”
Clara stared at Elena in disbelief, then looked at the flash drive sitting on the table between them.
“So you’re just going to hand over the evidence against Moretti’s dead organization and walk away?” Clara asked.
“I’m protecting my family,” Elena replied, taking Enzo’s hand in hers.
“The case against Moretti is complete. Take it, prosecute his remaining lieutenants, and leave us alone.”
Clara looked at the couple for a long, silent moment, finally reaching out to pick up the drive.
May you like
“You’re playing a dangerous game, Elena,” Clara warned softly, closing her briefcase. “If Vitale steps out of line once, I won't hesitate.”
“He won't,” Elena said, looking into Enzo’s eyes. “I’ll make sure of it.”
