Chapter 10 - THE NEW DAWNSix months later, the empire south of the harbor looked very different.
The violent extortion and bloody turf wars had quietly faded, replaced by legitimate real estate holdings, community outreach foundations, and a sprawling animal rescue shelter funded entirely by anonymous donations—managed directly by a foundation bearing Elaine Reyes’s name.
Marcus Reyes was currently sitting in a federal penitentiary in maximum security, serving a twenty-year sentence for fraud and conspiracy, completely forgotten by the city he had tried to conquer.
Richard Vance's financial empire had been completely liquidated, its assets redistributed into public housing projects across Dorchester and South Boston.
And under the bright, golden autumn sun of Boston Harbor, Daniel Reyes walked without bodyguards, without a gun in his waistband, and without fear.
Beside him trotted Bruno, his slate-colored coat shining in the light, stopping occasionally to sniff a fire hydrant or greet a passing child.
Daniel pulled his phone from his pocket as it buzzed with a simple text message from the hospital: She’s eating her lunch, Daniel. She’s asking when you're bringing the dog to visit.
Daniel smiled—a real, genuine smile that reached his eyes for the first time in his life.
May you like
He looked down at Bruno, who gave a sharp, happy bark, as if understanding every word.
"Come on, old boy," Daniel said, turning his steps toward the hospital. "Let's go home."
