Chapter 6 - THE HOUSE WITH TWO SECRETS
The independent security audit uncovered something no one expected.
The hidden passage behind Sophie's room was part of a network of old service corridors built during the mansion's original construction.
Most had been sealed decades earlier.
But several had been reopened.
One connected the servants' wing to a disused office above the garage.
Inside that office, investigators found old financial documents, a damaged laptop, and a storage key.
The key was labeled:
HARBOR 19.
Dante recognized the name.
Harbor 19 was a private storage facility in Connecticut.
His mother had mentioned it in her letter.
With legal counsel involved, the evidence was preserved and the appropriate authorities contacted.
The storage unit was accessed through lawful procedures.
Inside were boxes of records.
Photographs.
Old contracts.
And a video recording.
Dante watched the recording in a conference room with his attorney.
Marco appeared on the screen.
Alive.
Older than Dante remembered.
His hair was longer.
His face thinner.
The recording was dated four years after his disappearance.
Dante stared.
He could barely breathe.
Marco spoke directly to the camera.
"If anyone finds this, I need you to know I didn't leave because I wanted to."
Dante gripped the table.
Marco continued.
"I discovered Rafael was moving money through companies connected to the waterfront. When I confronted him, he threatened me."
The video shook.
Marco looked toward something offscreen.
"I tried to tell Dante. But Rafael intercepted the message."
Dante closed his eyes.
Marco continued.
"I don't know who I can trust anymore."
The recording ended.
For eleven years, Dante had mourned his brother.
Now he knew Marco had survived at least four of those years.
But where was he now?
That evening, Dante returned home and found Sophie sitting on the kitchen floor beside Bruno.
She was teaching the dog to wear a paper crown.
Dante stopped.
Sophie looked up.
"Mr. Dante, Bruno is a king."
Dante smiled faintly.
"He certainly thinks so."
She studied his face.
"Are you sad?"
He nodded.
"A little."
Sophie considered.
Then stood and placed the paper crown on Dante's head.
"There."
He blinked.
"What is this?"
"A brave crown."
Dante looked at the crooked paper circle.
May you like
Then at the little girl.
And for the first time that day, he smiled.
