Page 205 of Lorenzo

Angelo belonged behind bars.

I believe that.

I believed it then.

I believe it now.

What happened afterward is different.

“He was killed in prison,” I say.

Tomasso curses under his breath.

“By who?” Dante asks.

“A rival of his father’s,” Mario responds.

That is what Marcello has never forgiven.

When he still had influence, he could make sure people knew the consequences of touching Angelo while he was inside.

He could arrange favors, transfers, protection. He could buy other prisoners, guards, hell, the warden.

Whatever was needed.

But by the time Angelo went to prison, all of that was gone.

Angelo was attacked inside.

By the time anyone intervened, he was dead.

Diego walks closer.

“Lorenzo.”

I know what he is going to say before he says it.

“What happened to Angelo was not your fault.”

I keep looking into the fire.

“You took down a business,” he continues. “You did what we came here to do.”

“I know.”

“Angelo committed the crimes that sent him to prison.”

“I know.”

“And someone else killed him.”

“I know that too.”

“Then stop taking responsibility for the choices of others,” he says, voice hard.

I say nothing.

There is no point arguing.