Chapter 8 - A Brother's Promise|
By Monday afternoon, a new sense of peace settled over the sprawling estate that had felt so cold for months.
Luca did something nobody in Chicago’s business or underworld circles expected: he cleared his calendar completely.
He canceled three high-stakes board meetings and delegated harbor inspections to his top lieutenants.
Instead, at three o'clock sharp, Luca’s black armored SUV pulled up to the curb outside St. Michael’s Academy.
Samuel walked out of the school gates with his backpack slung over both shoulders, looking down at his worn sneakers.
When he heard a familiar horn tap twice, the boy looked up and stopped dead in his tracks.
Luca stepped out of the vehicle, dressed casually in dark jeans and a black leather jacket, leaning against the door with a wide grin.
Other parents and students whispered among themselves, recognizing the powerful titan of Chicago industry.
Samuel didn’t care about the whispers; a brilliant smile lit up his young face as he sprinted across the lawn.
“You really came!” Samuel shouted, throwing his arms around his older brother’s waist.
“I told you I’d be here, didn’t I?” Luca laughed, catching the boy and swinging him around effortlessly.
“Hop in, buddy. We’ve got an important appointment to keep.”
Instead of heading straight back to the quiet mansion, Luca drove downtown to the biggest sporting goods store in the city.
For two hours, the powerful boss walked through the aisles, helping Samuel pick out a brand-new leather baseball glove.
He bought him three pairs of cleats, two custom maple bats, and a dozen regulation leather baseballs.
Whenever Samuel hesitated, nervously checking the price tags, Luca would ruffle his hair and toss the gear into the cart.
“Dad always said a good hitter needs the right tools, Sammy,” Luca said with a wink.
Afterward, they sat in a red vinyl booth at an old Italian diner on Taylor Street, eating deep-dish pizza together.
“Luca?” Samuel asked around a mouthful of melted mozzarella.
“Yeah, buddy?”
“Are you going to get married to someone else now?”
Luca paused, setting his soda glass down on the table, his expression thoughtful and completely honest.
“Not for a very long time, Sammy,” Luca answered gently.
“Right now, my only job is making sure you grow up safe, strong, and happy.”
“You’re my family, and family always comes first.”
Samuel wiped his hands on a paper napkin, looking down with a shy, earnest smile.
“I’m really glad you’re my brother, Luca.”
Luca reached across the table and grasped Samuel’s small hand in his own large, scarred palm.
May you like
“I’m the lucky one, Sammy,” Luca whispered, his eyes shining with unshakeable devotion.
“I promise you, on Dad’s grave, you will never have to wonder if you are wanted ever again.”
