Chapter 8 - THE KEY INSIDE THE STAR
The key was hidden inside Sophie's necklace.
That was Rebecca's theory.
Elena had once used the star-shaped pendant to conceal a tiny compartment.
Sadie remembered it.
Their mother had given Elena the necklace when she turned sixteen.
Inside was a miniature photograph.
Later, Elena had replaced it with a small metal key.
Sadie stared at the old family photograph.
“She always said the star held her secrets.”
Roman nodded.
Rebecca examined the image.
“The pendant may contain a storage key or identifying code.”
They needed to find Sophie.
Investigators traced Vittorio's movements to a private estate in Connecticut.
The property belonged to a shell company.
Security was heavy.
Cameras covered every entrance.
Roman wanted to go immediately.
Rebecca stopped him.
“If you approach the property, you'll jeopardize the operation.”
Roman's jaw tightened.
“That's my father.”
“And he's holding a child.”
Sadie looked at Roman.
“Listen to her.”
He stared.
She continued.
“You spent years solving problems with fear. This time, do it differently.”
Roman closed his eyes.
Then nodded.
Federal investigators obtained the necessary warrants and coordinated a rescue operation.
Sadie waited at a secure location.
Roman sat beside her.
Neither spoke.
At 2:14 a.m., Rebecca's phone rang.
She answered.
Listened.
Her face changed.
Sadie stood.
“What?”
Rebecca looked at her.
“Elena is alive.”
Sadie covered her mouth.
“And Sophie?”
Rebecca smiled faintly.
“Alive.”
Sadie began crying.
Then Rebecca's expression grew serious.
“But Vittorio escaped.”
Roman stood.
His face hardened.
Rebecca continued.
“And Elena says he wasn't working alone.”
Sadie looked up.
“Who helped him?”
May you like
Rebecca swallowed.
“Someone inside Roman's organization.”
