Chapter 9 - THE MAN WHO SOLD HIS OWN FAMILY
Vincent Russo was arrested the following morning.
Investigators had gathered evidence linking him to financial fraud, threats, unlawful confinement, and Elena's disappearance.
He denied everything.
Dante wanted to confront him.
Detective Bennett refused.
“Let us do our job.”
Dante's jaw tightened.
“He took my wife.”
“And we intend to find her.”
Dante stared.
Then nodded.
During questioning, Vincent tried to shift blame.
He claimed Elena had discovered illegal financial activity and planned to flee.
He said he had merely helped her.
But the evidence contradicted him.
Surveillance footage showed Vincent entering the greenhouse.
Financial records showed payments to security contractors.
And Rebecca Sloan's testimony established the threats.
Eventually, Vincent admitted that Elena had been held against her will.
But he claimed he no longer knew where she was.
Dante received the news in silence.
I found him in the garden.
He stood beneath a tree.
Rain soaked his shoulders.
“Dante.”
He didn't turn.
I approached.
“You'll get sick standing out here.”
He laughed bitterly.
“That's your concern?”
I looked at him.
“Yes.”
He turned.
His eyes were red.
“I trusted him.”
I nodded.
“He was family.”
Dante shook his head.
“He sat at my table. Held Sophia when she was born. Called Elena his sister.”
His voice broke.
“And he took her.”
I stepped closer.
“You didn't know.”
He looked at me.
“I should have.”
I shook my head.
“Knowing someone doesn't mean you can predict betrayal.”
He stared.
Then whispered:
“I don't know how to fix this.”
I looked toward the house.
Sophia was watching from the window.
“You don't have to fix everything tonight.”
He closed his eyes.
I continued.
“Just don't let Vincent take anything else from you.”
Dante opened his eyes.
“What do you mean?”
“Your daughter still needs her father.”
He looked toward the window.
Sophia lifted one small hand.
Dante lifted his.
And something in his face softened.
That evening, he sat beside Sophia until she fell asleep.
No phone calls.
No meetings.
May you like
No business.
Just a father keeping a promise.
