Chapter 9 - THE LIE SILVIO BUILT
Silvio Marchetti had served the Castellano family for twenty years.
He knew their accounts.
Their properties.
Their security systems.
Their enemies.
And their secrets.
When Dominic Castellano died, Silvio had helped Roarke consolidate control.
He had stood beside him at the funeral.
He had sworn loyalty.
He had promised to protect the family.
Now Roarke sat in his office reviewing documents that suggested his closest lieutenant had concealed information about Dominic's final hospitalization.
Nora Bell stood beside him.
"Silvio approved several unusual payments to Saint Catherine's contractors around the time of your father's death."
Roarke studied the records.
"Who received them?"
"Three companies. Two no longer exist."
"And the third?"
Nora hesitated.
"A private consulting firm connected to Bernard Pike."
Roarke looked up.
"The hotel supervisor?"
"Yes."
Silence.
Roarke leaned back.
Silvio had arranged Adeline's employment.
Pike had hired her.
And someone had threatened her little sister.
Roarke looked toward the window.
For years, he'd believed Silvio was the man who kept danger away from the family.
Now he wondered whether Silvio had been deciding which dangers Roarke was allowed to see.
"Preserve the records," he said.
Nora nodded.
"And contact outside counsel."
"Already done."
Roarke looked at her.
"One more thing."
"Yes?"
"Remove Silvio's access to my private systems."
Nora hesitated.
"He'll notice."
May you like
Roarke's expression hardened.
"I know."
