Chapter 12 - THE HOUSE WHERE THE DEAD WERE KEPT
The facility stood behind high walls and iron gates.
It looked more like a private estate than a hospital.
Cedric arrived with Tomaso, Meera, and a small team of trusted security personnel.
I stayed beside him.
Inside, the halls smelled of antiseptic.
A nurse led us to a private room.
And there he was.
Alberto Spedaro.
Older.
Thinner.
But unmistakably alive.
Cedric froze.
His father looked up.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Alberto smiled.
"My son."
Cedric's face hardened.
"You let me bury you."
Alberto sighed.
"It was necessary."
I felt sick.
Cedric moved closer.
"Necessary?"
His voice trembled.
"You left us."
Alberto looked at him.
"I protected the family."
Cedric laughed bitterly.
"You protected yourself."
Silence.
Then Alberto looked at me.
His expression changed.
"Elena's daughter."
My heart stopped.
"You knew my mother?"
He smiled faintly.
"Very well."
I swallowed.
"Did you kill her?"
May you like
Alberto looked away.
And that was answer enough.
