CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY FOUR – FINDING ALESSANDRO

Joan listened intently as Caporelli continued his story. "They came after my family. My wife, my little girl. I managed to get them out, send them far away where they'd be safe. But I had to stay behind, face the music." "That must have been terrible," Joan said softly. Caporelli nodded, his eyes haunted by old memories. "It was. But I survived. Found ways to pay off my debts, make myself useful to the right people. And all the while, I never forgot why I was doing it. For them. For the chance to see them again someday." "Did you? See them again, I mean?" A sad smile crossed Caporelli's face. "No. By the time I was free and clear, too much time had passed. They'd moved on, built a new life without me. But knowing they were safe, that was enough." Joan felt a lump form in her throat. "I'm so sorry, Caporelli." The old man waved her sympathy away. "Don't be. I made my choices, and I lived with the consequences. The point is, Joan, you've got to find something to hold onto. Somethi