Chapter 18 - THE FINAL SECRET OF SOFIA COSTA|
The cemetery was quiet when we arrived.
Rain fell lightly across the rows of marble headstones.
Luca stood before his mother's grave for a long time.
"I haven't been here since the funeral."
I placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You don't have to do this alone."
He looked at me.
Then he nodded.
The key from the envelope opened a small metal compartment beneath the memorial stone.
Inside was a waterproof case.
It contained a notebook, several photographs, and a recording device.
Luca opened the notebook.
The first pages were written by Sofia.
She described the financial network, the stolen funds, and the men involved.
But the final pages contained a personal letter.
It was addressed to Luca.
My son, if you are reading this, I hope you have found the courage to become a better man than your father.
Luca stopped reading.
I took his hand.
He continued.
Michael Shaw is helping me protect the evidence. He has promised to keep Emma and Daniel safe. I know you may one day meet Emma. If you do, remember that she owes you nothing. Her father gave our family more loyalty than we deserved.
Luca lowered the letter.
His eyes were wet.
The recording device contained Sofia's final conversation with Victor.
It proved that Victor had ordered her murder.
It also proved that Anthony had helped cover it up.
But there was another voice.
A woman.
Victoria's mother.
She had been present during the final confrontation.
Her recording revealed that she had helped Victor hide the financial records in exchange for protection for her daughter.
Victoria had been manipulated too.
I looked at Luca.
"Now we know everything."
He nodded.
"Not everything."
He pointed to a final document.
It was a list of names connected to the organization.
One name was unfamiliar.
Nathaniel Cross.
Luca stared at it.
"Who is that?"
I read the attached note.
If Victor returns, Nathaniel will be the one who gives him access to the remaining accounts.
Luca immediately called Dominic.
No answer.
Then his phone rang.
The caller was Nathaniel Cross.
"Mr. Russo."
Luca answered.
"Where are you?"
"Somewhere safe."
"You're working for my father."
A laugh came through the phone.
"Your father is a difficult man to refuse."
"Where is he?"
"At the place where everything began."
"Meaning?"
"The old Costa warehouse."
Luca looked toward the grave.
Nathaniel continued.
"Bring the notebook. Bring the nurse. And don't bring the police."
The call ended.
I looked at Luca.
"We're going to the authorities."
He nodded.
"Yes."
"But Nathaniel said—"
"I don't care what Nathaniel said."
He placed the notebook inside his coat.
"For years, my family believed fear was the only way to survive. I'm finished playing by those rules."
As we walked toward the car, a security officer approached.
"Boss, there's another problem."
"What?"
He handed Luca a photograph.
It showed Daniel being escorted into a black vehicle.
The photograph had been taken ten minutes earlier.
May you like
On the back was a message.
BRING THE EVIDENCE OR YOUR BROTHER DOESN'T COME HOME.
