Chapter 8 - THE PASSENGER WHO TOOK THE PHOTOGRAPH
The photograph threatening Evelyn had been taken by a passenger seated in business class.
Investigators identified him through the image's original digital file, recovered during the inquiry.
His name was Daniel Rusk.
He was a freelance security consultant.
And he had received payment from a company connected to Luca Vitelli.
When questioned, Rusk initially claimed he'd taken the photograph out of curiosity.
Then investigators showed him the payment records.
His story changed.
He admitted that he'd been asked to document Antonio's movements during the flight.
He denied knowing about the attempted poisoning.
But he identified the person who had instructed him.
Luca's assistant.
Evelyn listened to the update from Inspector O'Connell.
“So he was watching Antonio?”
“Yes.”
“And me?”
“Once you intervened, you became relevant to the people monitoring him.”
Evelyn swallowed.
O'Connell continued.
“The threatening message appears designed to frighten you into silence.”
Evelyn looked down.
Then asked, “Did it work?”
The detective studied her.
“You're still here.”
Evelyn smiled faintly.
“No. I suppose it didn't.”
That evening, Antonio visited her hotel lobby with his physician's permission and security arrangements coordinated through the authorities.
He looked thinner.
Paler.
But alive.
Evelyn stood when she saw him.
“You shouldn't be out.”
He smiled.
“That's what everyone keeps telling me.”
“Maybe everyone is right.”
He laughed softly.
Then his expression became serious.
“They identified the man who threatened you.”
“I know.”
Antonio nodded.
He looked at her.
“I wanted to thank you in person.”
Evelyn smiled faintly.
“You already did.”
He shook his head.
“No.”
He took a breath.
“You didn't just notice I was dying. You refused to let people around me interfere with my care.”
Evelyn looked down.
Antonio continued.
“I've spent years surrounded by men who obey me. That night, I needed someone who wouldn't.”
She looked up.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Evelyn said, “You should probably get used to that.”
May you like
Antonio laughed.
“I think I already am.”
