Chapter 7 - THE MAN WHO RETURNED FROM THE DEAD
The search for Marco expanded.
Investigators traced the storage unit payments and associated records.
Several leads went nowhere.
Then one name appeared repeatedly.
Dr. Samuel Keene.
A retired physician living in Vermont.
Dante traveled to Vermont with his attorney and Luca.
He did not bring an armed entourage.
He wanted answers, not intimidation.
Dr. Keene lived in a small house surrounded by maple trees.
He was seventy-three, with trembling hands and tired eyes.
When Dante introduced himself, the doctor went pale.
"I wondered when you'd come."
Dante stared.
"You knew my brother?"
Keene nodded.
"Yes."
"Where is he?"
The doctor looked toward the window.
"That's complicated."
Dante felt anger rise.
"Eleven years, Doctor."
Keene lowered his eyes.
"I know."
He explained that Marco had been severely injured during an attack after confronting Rafael.
Marco survived but feared returning home.
He believed Rafael had compromised several people inside the organization.
With help from trusted contacts, Marco disappeared under another identity.
"Why didn't he contact me?" Dante asked.
Keene hesitated.
"He tried."
Dante went still.
"When?"
"Several times."
Keene produced copies of letters.
Each was addressed to Dante.
None had reached him.
Dante read the first.
Brother, I am alive.
The words blurred.
He read another.
I don't know whether you believe I betrayed you. I didn't.
Then a third.
If you ever find this, please know I wanted to come home.
Dante lowered the papers.
His hands shook.
"Where is he now?"
Keene looked at him.
"He's alive."
Dante stopped breathing.
The doctor continued.
"But he has spent years recovering from injuries and living under protection."
Dante stared.
"Can I see him?"
Keene nodded slowly.
"If he agrees."
Two days later, Dante received a phone call.
A voice he had not heard in eleven years said:
"Hey, big brother."
May you like
Dante closed his eyes.
Then cried.
