Chapter 8 - THE FILE HIDDEN IN THE GARAGE
I didn't investigate Luciano.
That wasn't my job.
But Massimo did.
He hired an independent investigator and asked his attorney to review the accident records.
I continued focusing on rehabilitation.
Still, it was impossible not to notice the tension growing inside the mansion.
Security increased.
Visitors were screened.
Luciano stopped coming without appointments.
And Massimo became quieter.
One afternoon, I found him staring at an old photograph of Sofia.
He looked exhausted.
"Bad day?" I asked.
He nodded.
I sat nearby.
"Want to talk?"
He shook his head.
I waited.
Finally, he said:
"They found the truck."
My stomach tightened.
"What?"
"The one from the accident."
I stared.
"Where?"
"In a storage facility."
He looked down.
"The investigator found records connecting it to a company Luciano controlled."
I swallowed.
"Does that prove anything?"
"Not yet."
His jaw tightened.
"But it's a start."
Two days later, Massimo's attorney, Daniel Mercer, arrived with a sealed folder.
I was preparing to leave the therapy room when Massimo asked me to stay.
I hesitated.
"This sounds private."
"It is."
He looked at me.
"But I trust you."
My heart tightened.
Daniel opened the folder.
Inside were photographs.
Vehicle records.
Insurance documents.
And a maintenance report.
Daniel explained that the truck's braking system had been altered before the collision.
The findings required independent forensic confirmation, but they suggested deliberate interference.
Massimo stared at the papers.
"Luciano."
Daniel nodded cautiously.
"We have evidence connecting his company to the truck. We don't yet have proof he ordered the collision."
Massimo's hands tightened.
I watched his face.
Anger.
Grief.
Something darker.
He looked toward the window.
Then whispered:
"Sofia died because someone wanted my chair."
I felt cold.
Daniel said nothing.
Massimo turned toward me.
"Tessa."
I looked at him.
"Yes?"
His voice was low.
"Tell me not to do something stupid."
I swallowed.
Then said:
"Don't let the person who hurt your family decide who you become next."
He stared.
For a long moment, neither of us spoke.
Then he looked at Daniel.
"Take everything to the authorities."
May you like
Daniel nodded.
And I realized Massimo Pascale had just made a choice that could change his entire life.
