Chapter 8 - THE SECRET BENEATH THE WHEELCHAIR
The next morning, Alessandro asked me to accompany him to the rehabilitation clinic.
It was the first time he'd left the estate for a medical appointment in months.
He seemed tense.
But determined.
Dr. Samuel Whitaker, a specialist in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, greeted him warmly.
They reviewed his medical history.
Discussed chronic pain.
Equipment.
Transfers.
Daily function.
And realistic goals for improving independence.
Nobody promised a miracle.
Nobody suggested that walking again was simply a matter of willpower.
For the first time, I watched Alessandro speak openly about his frustration.
His fear.
His anger.
And the exhaustion of living with constant pain.
Afterward, he sat quietly in the car.
I didn't speak.
Finally, he said:
"He treated me like a person."
I smiled.
"Because you are one."
He looked at me.
Then laughed softly.
"You're becoming very comfortable telling me obvious things."
I smiled.
"Someone has to."
That evening, a technician arrived to inspect Alessandro's wheelchair.
He was checking the electronic controls when he noticed something unusual beneath the seat.
A small black device.
Attached with industrial adhesive.
He frowned.
"Was this installed by your mobility provider?"
Alessandro looked down.
"No."
The technician carefully examined it without removing it.
Then called Luca.
Within minutes, the office was sealed.
An independent specialist confirmed that the object appeared to be a tracking device.
Not part of the wheelchair's original equipment.
Someone had been monitoring Alessandro's movements.
I stared at the device.
"How long has it been there?"
The specialist shook his head.
"We'll need to examine it."
Alessandro looked toward Luca.
"Who has access to my chair?"
Luca's expression hardened.
"Household staff. Medical staff. Your brother."
Silence.
Then Alessandro whispered:
"Marco."
But I shook my head.
"We don't know yet."
He looked at me.
I continued.
"We need evidence."
For a moment, he seemed ready to argue.
Then he nodded.
"You're right."
That night, the tracking device was preserved for investigation.
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And the next morning, Luca received a message from an unknown number.
TELL ALESSANDRO TO STOP ASKING QUESTIONS. THE NEXT ACCIDENT WON'T LEAVE HIM ALIVE.
