Chapter 9 - THE SECRET INSIDE THE DIAMOND
The engagement ring remained in police custody.
Investigators examined it after Roman provided evidence of its connection to Elena.
A jeweler confirmed the ring had been custom-made eleven years earlier.
The original purchase records listed Roman DeLuca.
But there was something unusual about the setting.
A small compartment had been built beneath the central diamond.
Inside was a tiny memory card.
Genevieve stared at the photograph.
"Elena hid something in the ring?"
Roman nodded.
"She must have known she was in danger."
The card was old but readable.
It contained encrypted files.
Digital forensic specialists worked to recover the contents.
When the files were opened, they revealed photographs of shipping containers, financial records, and names connected to the trafficking operation.
One video showed Elena speaking directly into a camera.
Roman watched in silence.
His sister looked tired.
But determined.
"If you're watching this," she said, "something has happened to me."
Roman's hands began shaking.
Elena continued.
"The Witmores are involved. But they're not acting alone."
She looked away from the camera.
Then whispered:
"Roman, if you ever find this, don't trust the people who tell you I ran away."
The video ended.
Roman covered his face.
Genevieve sat beside him.
For the first time, she reached for his hand.
May you like
He held it tightly.
And neither let go.
