Chapter 3 - THE EVIDENCE NOBODY WANTED FOUND
Lucian Ferraro was released the following afternoon.
The prosecutor declined to pursue the initial assault charge after reviewing the complete footage and available witness statements, while reserving the right to revisit the incident if additional evidence emerged.
Harper was standing outside the station when he walked through the doors.
He wore a charcoal suit.
His dark hair was slightly disheveled.
And his expression was infuriatingly calm.
“Detective Lane.”
“Mr. Ferraro.”
He smiled.
“Miss me?”
“Not particularly.”
“That's disappointing.”
She folded her arms.
“I spoke with Rose Bellini.”
His smile faded.
“How is she?”
“Recovering.”
He exhaled.
“Good.”
Harper studied him.
“Why were you near the flower shop?”
“Buying flowers.”
“For whom?”
“My mother.”
Harper frowned.
“It's her birthday.”
She looked toward the street.
“Your mother is alive?”
Lucian's expression changed.
“Yes.”
Harper felt faintly ridiculous.
She hadn't realized how little she knew about him beyond police reports and rumors.
Lucian glanced at her.
“You seem surprised.”
“I try not to make assumptions.”
He raised an eyebrow.
“Really?”
She ignored that.
“Rose says you knew her husband.”
“I did.”
“Did Antonio Bellini ever discuss redevelopment contracts with you?”
Lucian went still.
For the first time, the easy smile disappeared.
“Why?”
Harper watched him carefully.
“Because someone attacked Rose looking for documents.”
Lucian's jaw tightened.
“Did they find them?”
“No.”
He exhaled.
Harper narrowed her eyes.
“You know something.”
Lucian looked toward the courthouse across the street.
“Detective, I know a great many things.”
“Then start talking.”
He looked back at her.
“And risk ruining our first date?”
She stared.
“This is not a date.”
“No?”
“No.”
He smiled faintly.
“Then I suppose I'll have to keep asking.”
Harper turned to leave.
Behind her, Lucian spoke again.
“Detective.”
She stopped.
His voice had changed.
“Be careful who you trust at the station.”
She turned.
“Why?”
Lucian's expression darkened.
“Because Antonio Bellini wasn't the first man to discover those missing millions.”
May you like
Harper stared.
“And he wasn't the first to die afterward.”
