Chapter 7 - THE FATHER WHO NEVER DIED
Vittorio DeSantis had staged his death with extraordinary care.
A closed-casket funeral.
Forged medical records.
A paid physician.
A body substituted before cremation.
For two years, he had operated from overseas.
Moving money.
Controlling criminal networks.
And preparing to reclaim the empire Roman had inherited.
Roman's cooperation with investigators threatened everything.
So Vittorio returned.
He contacted Roman through an encrypted channel.
A video appeared on the screen.
Vittorio sat in a dark room.
Older.
Thinner.
But smiling.
“My son.”
Roman's face hardened.
“You're supposed to be dead.”
Vittorio laughed.
“Death is useful when people believe in it.”
Sadie stood behind Roman.
Vittorio noticed her.
His smile widened.
“Nora.”
She went cold.
“You've grown up.”
Sadie stared.
“You don't get to speak to me.”
Vittorio laughed softly.
“Still spirited.”
Roman leaned forward.
“Where is Elena?”
Vittorio smiled.
“Safe. For now.”
“And Sophie?”
Vittorio's expression changed.
“Ah. The little girl.”
Sadie's stomach tightened.
Vittorio continued.
“She has something I need.”
Roman stared.
“What?”
“A key.”
Sadie frowned.
“A key?”
Vittorio smiled.
“Your sister was clever, Nora. Clever enough to hide evidence where nobody would think to look.”
He leaned toward the camera.
“Bring me the documents Elena stole.”
Roman's jaw tightened.
“And if I refuse?”
Vittorio smiled.
“Then the child disappears.”
The screen went black.
Sadie began shaking.
Roman turned toward her.
She looked at him.
“Don't tell me to stay out of this.”
He nodded.
“I won't.”
She swallowed.
“Then help me bring them home.”
May you like
Roman looked at her.
And for the first time in three years, they stood on the same side.
