Chapter 7 - THE ACCIDENT THAT WASN'T AN ACCIDENT
Massimo told me the full story the next morning.
He and Sofia had been returning from a charity dinner.
Their driver had called in sick.
Massimo drove.
On a narrow road outside Gloucester, a commercial truck crossed the center line and struck their vehicle.
Sofia died at the scene.
Massimo survived with severe injuries.
The truck driver disappeared before police arrived.
The official investigation initially suggested mechanical failure, but several questions remained unanswered.
"Why didn't you tell anyone you suspected something else?" I asked.
He looked at me.
"I did."
"What happened?"
He smiled bitterly.
"Nothing."
I frowned.
"Nothing?"
"The witnesses changed their statements. The trucking company dissolved. The driver vanished."
My stomach tightened.
"That sounds suspicious."
"It is."
I looked at him.
"Do you think someone targeted you?"
He nodded.
"Yes."
"Who?"
He hesitated.
Then said:
"My cousin."
I stared.
"Your cousin?"
"Luciano Pascale."
I remembered the name.
Luciano managed several family businesses while Massimo recovered.
He was often at the mansion.
Always smiling.
Always polite.
Always watching.
"Why would he do that?"
Massimo looked toward the window.
"Because he wanted control."
That afternoon, Luciano arrived unexpectedly.
He entered the therapy room without knocking.
"Tessa."
I looked up.
"Mr. Pascale."
He smiled.
"How's our patient?"
Massimo's expression hardened.
"Recovering."
Luciano laughed.
"Wonderful."
He looked at me.
"Any chance he'll be walking by Christmas?"
I closed the chart.
"Recovery is individual. We can't promise a particular outcome."
Luciano's smile faded.
"Surely you have an estimate."
"His medical team can discuss prognosis with him. I can't share private details without his permission."
Luciano stared.
Then laughed.
"You're very protective."
I looked at him.
"I'm professional."
Massimo smiled faintly.
Luciano turned toward him.
"Careful, cousin. She might start thinking she's in charge."
Massimo's expression went cold.
"She is in charge of my rehabilitation."
Silence.
Luciano stared.
Then smiled.
"Of course."
He left shortly afterward.
I watched him go.
Massimo noticed.
"What?"
I hesitated.
"He's interested in your recovery."
Massimo laughed bitterly.
"Yes."
May you like
I looked at him.
"Maybe not for the reasons he claims."
