Chapter 6
Child protective services did not treat Dominic as a hero.
That angered several Carvelli men.
It relieved Grace.
A caseworker inspected the home.
Interviewed Lulu.
Reviewed security arrangements.
Asked about firearms.
Asked about staff.
Asked why an adult known to resent Lulu had access to party planning.
Asked why bodyguards protected doors but not the child’s emotional safety.
Dominic answered some questions well.
Others badly.
He said:
“Marcella would never have done that if I were in the room.”
The caseworker replied:
“That means your daughter was safe only when you were physically present.”
He had no answer.
Lulu received medical care and dental follow-up.
The tooth fairy did not come that night.
Lulu asked why.
Dominic said:
“Because this tooth is evidence for now.”
She stared at him.
“Evidence means grown-ups are in trouble?”
“Sometimes.”
“Is Aunt Marcella in trouble?”
“Yes.”
“Are you?”
He paused.
“Yes.”
That mattered.
He did not say no.
He did not say only she is.
He had slapped Marcella in front of Lulu.
He had built a house where adults were afraid to challenge Marcella until a child was hurt.
Those were different wrongs.
Both real.
The prosecutor offered Dominic a misdemeanor diversion agreement for striking Marcella.
Anger-management counseling.
Community service with no Carvelli donations.
No contact with Marcella.
No witness intimidation.
If completed, the charge could be dismissed.
His men saw humiliation.
May you like
Dominic saw Lulu listening in the next room.
He signed.
