Chapter 5 - THE WOMAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
The investigation led to an old charitable foundation.
Isabella had supported a program for children whose families were affected by organized crime.
The foundation provided counseling, emergency housing, and legal assistance.
One case involved an eight-year-old girl named Annie Bell.
Her father had been a bookkeeper for a criminal organization.
He disappeared after agreeing to cooperate with investigators.
Annie's mother died shortly afterward.
Isabella had arranged temporary protection for Annie.
Then the records ended.
Valentino stared at the file.
"Why didn't I know?"
His attorney, Gabriel Ross, hesitated.
"Your wife may have wanted to keep the child outside your business affairs."
Valentino looked devastated.
That evening, Becca found him alone in the library.
He held a photograph of Isabella.
"She was always trying to save people," he said.
Becca sat nearby.
"Maybe she was trying to save Annie."
He nodded.
Then he looked at her.
"Do you think my daughters saw something?"
Becca answered carefully.
"I think they remember Annie. But we shouldn't guess what they witnessed."
Valentino sighed.
"I've spent two years searching for answers."
"And your daughters have spent two years trying to feel safe."
He looked at her.
Becca continued.
"Those aren't always the same thing."
For the first time, Valentino understood that finding the truth would not automatically heal his children.
Later that night, Marco entered the library.
"We found the photographer."
Valentino stood.
"Where?"
Marco hesitated.
"Dead."
The photographer had been found in an abandoned warehouse.
The police were investigating.
Then Marco placed another envelope on the desk.
Inside was a note.
STOP ASKING ABOUT ANNIE.
Valentino stared at it.
Then looked toward the nursery.
May you like
And whispered:
"Someone is still afraid of a little girl."
