Chapter 15 - LUCA’S PLEA
Luca Moretti did not walk free.
That disappointed people who misunderstood cooperation as absolution.
He pleaded guilty to racketeering-related crimes, extortion offenses, financial conspiracies, and obstruction tied to his own years running the Moretti organization.
In exchange for substantial cooperation, prosecutors reduced some exposure and agreed to protective measures for certain uninvolved family members.
He testified against Arthur.
Before the plea hearing, Clara saw him once.
No glass this time.
A secure conference room.
Agents nearby.
Luca’s hair had been cut.
The silver ring was gone, held in evidence.
He looked older without it.
“You hate me less?” he asked.
“No.”
He smiled.
“Healthy.”
Clara sat.
“Why did Dad trust you with half the key?”
“He didn’t.”
“You keep saying that.”
“He trusted my self-interest.”
Luca leaned back.
“Michael knew I wanted Arthur exposed because Arthur was eating my organization from the inside. He gave me a piece because I would protect what preserved my leverage.”
“That sounds like trust.”
“No. That sounds like engineering.”
Clara almost smiled despite herself.
Her father would have liked that distinction.
Then Luca said:
“I am sorry about Michael.”
She looked at him.
“Are you?”
“Yes.”
“Would you make the same choice again?”
Long silence.
“That’s the problem, Clara.”
“What?”
“I might.”
Honest.
Terrible.
Useful.
She stood.
“Then don’t ask me to forgive you.”
“I wasn’t going to.”
Good.
As she reached the door, Luca said:
“He talked about you.”
Clara stopped.
“What?”
“Your father.”
She turned.
“What did he say?”
“That you were going to spend your whole life taking responsibility for people who should learn to carry themselves.”
Clara’s throat tightened.
Luca continued:
“He was worried.”
She looked down.
“Turns out he was right.”
“Dead accountants usually are. Annoying profession.”
Clara laughed once.
May you like
Then hated that he made her.
She left without saying goodbye.
