Chapter 8 - Ashes and OrchidBy noon, the chapel had been scrubbed clean. The smoke had cleared, the damaged doors were temporarily barricaded, and the children were awake, eating breakfast from paper plates near the altar, laughing as if nothing had happened.
Sophie sat cross-legged on a velvet cushion, coloring a picture of a yellow bird.
Dominic walked over, his dark suit spotless, and knelt beside her.
Sophie looked up, tilting her head. "Is the noise over?"
"Yes," Dominic said, a faint, rare ghost of a smile touching his lips. "The noise is over."
"Good," Sophie said, handing him a purple crayon. "You need to color the sky. You always leave it blank."
Dominic took the crayon, his large hands looking absurdly out of place holding the wax stick. He carefully shaded the sky above Sophie’s drawn bird, bringing a splash of vibrant color to the paper.
Claire walked up behind them, holding two cups of hot coffee. She handed one to Dominic, her eyes filled with a mix of awe and profound gratitude.
"They're gone, aren't they?" Claire asked softly.
"Salvatore’s local operation has been wiped out," Dominic said, standing up and taking the cup. "Chicago won't send another team for a very long time. They realized Boston’s teeth are sharper than they thought."
Claire looked around the ancient sanctuary, then back at him. "We can't stay here forever, Dominic. This is a church, not a permanent home."
"No," Dominic agreed, turning to face her fully. "Harbor House will be rebuilt. Better than before. I'm transferring the deed of the old industrial block on Beacon Hill to your name. Fully funded, completely legal, untouchable by anyone in my world or yours."
Claire stared at him, stunned. "Beacon Hill? Dominic, that's worth millions. I can't accept—"
May you like
"You aren't accepting it," Dominic interrupted gently. "My father left a debt. And I am paying it. Not out of guilt, but because of what your daughter taught me about what it means to be alive."
Claire’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She reached out, resting her hand lightly on his arm. "Thank you, Dominic."
