Chapter 6 - THE FALSE LEDGER
Luca decided not to cancel the merger meeting.
I thought he was insane.
Matteo agreed.
That helped.
“We know enough,” Matteo said.
“Not enough about Rizzo.”
“Police can find him.”
“Eventually.”
Luca looked at the original ledgers.
“Marco still thinks he needs these.”
The plan was simple.
Which meant I distrusted it.
The real ledgers went to attorneys and investigators.
The drawer received copies.
Not exact.
Enough to look authentic during a hurried theft.
Bruno’s tag?
Returned to the collar.
For appearance.
A decoy duplicate key was made.
Security deliberately leaked through a compromised channel that Luca had “found nothing useful” and planned to sign the Bellini merger Friday morning.
Marco took the bait.
At 1:38 a.m., the old study alarm registered access.
Camera:
Marco Bellini.
And Anthony Rizzo.
They entered through the rear service hall using an old security override Rizzo had failed to realize was now monitored.
Marco removed Bruno’s tag.
Opened the drawer.
Took the false ledger.
Rizzo searched the envelopes.
Everything recorded.
No Emma.
No dogs.
No staff bait.
Adults doing adult work.
Good.
Then Marco noticed the camera.
Too late.
He shoved Rizzo toward the door.
Security entered.
Marco ran through the library.
Luca stood in the hallway.
Not smart.
But there.
Marco stopped.
“You.”
Luca said:
“You drugged my dogs.”
Interesting opening.
Marco laughed.
“That's what you're angry about?”
“No.”
Luca stepped closer.
“That's simply the part I understand least.”
Marco lunged.
First attack.
He drove into Luca’s chest.
Luca caught his arm and threw him against the wall.
Controlled.
Nothing cinematic enough to break furniture.
Rizzo tried moving toward the service stairs.
Matteo intercepted him.
Then Marco rose.
Second charge.
More desperate.
Luca stepped aside.
Caught him at the shoulder.
Put him down hard.
No gore.
No heroic execution.
Marco reached inside his jacket.
Matteo drew first.
“Don't.”
Marco froze.
Police entered seconds later.
Cuffs.
Evidence.
Alive.
Useful.
Marco looked at Luca.
“You think Vanessa will testify against family?”
Luca’s expression remained calm.
“She already chose family once.”
Then:
“Now she gets to choose herself.”
Marco was taken away.
Rizzo began cooperating before sunrise.
May you like
Cowards sometimes make excellent witnesses.
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