Chapter 11 - HER MOTHER'S LAST WARNING|
Elena sat completely still as the recording continued.
Her mother's voice was quieter than Elena remembered, but unmistakable. She described the financial scheme, the falsified invoices, and the pressure placed on employees who asked questions.
Then she mentioned a name.
“Richard says he's protecting the Moretti family. He says the money has to move because Alessandro's father made promises he cannot keep. But I saw the original contracts. The money is not being used to protect anyone.”
Alessandro's face tightened.
The recording did not prove that Richard had harmed Elena's mother, but it established that she had confronted him before her death.
The tape continued.
“If anything happens to me, Elena, please don't blame yourself. You were trying to take care of your sister. That is not a weakness. That is the best part of you.”
Elena began to cry.
Sophie wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“I miss her,” Elena whispered.
“Me too.”
Alessandro remained beside them, silent until Elena was ready to continue.
The final section of the recording contained a warning about a second set of records. Her mother had hidden them with someone she trusted, someone who had once worked at the Moretti estate.
Maria Santos.
The recording gave no address, only a reference to a church on the north side of Chicago and a date.
Marco researched the church records and discovered that Maria had used a local community center as a mailing address for several years after leaving the mansion. The center still operated, though its director had never heard of her.
The police agreed to help locate her.
Before the meeting could be arranged, Richard Sloane arrived at the mansion unannounced.
He entered the library with his usual confidence, carrying a leather folder.
“Alessandro, we need to discuss these rumors about the old accounts.”
Alessandro did not offer him a seat.
“Have you been paying Ryan Mercer?”
Richard looked genuinely offended.
“Absolutely not.”
“Did you authorize anyone to access the storage facility?”
“No.”
“Did you know Elena's mother?”
For the first time, Richard hesitated.
“I knew many employees who worked with the company. I can't remember every name.”
Elena stepped forward.
“My mother remembered yours.”
She placed the recorder on the desk.
Richard's expression changed as he recognized the device.
“You should be careful about relying on old recordings,” he said. “People can be confused. They can misunderstand what they hear.”
“Then you won't mind giving the police your statement.”
His eyes moved toward Alessandro.
“This is a private family matter.”
“No,” Alessandro replied. “It involves financial records, threats, and a woman's death. The authorities can determine what it means.”
Richard closed his folder.
“You're making a serious mistake.”
“Perhaps. But it will be my mistake, made openly.”
Richard left without another word.
Later that evening, the police confirmed that they had located a possible address for Maria Santos. They planned to contact her through a social worker rather than approach her unexpectedly.
Elena felt hope for the first time since hearing the tape.
Then a call came from the college.
Sophie had left class and never arrived at the designated pickup point.
May you like
Her phone was switched off.
And a witness had seen her climbing into a black SUV.
