Chapter 8 - THE SECRET MATTEO LEFT BEHIND
The cross contained encrypted files.
Luca arranged for an independent forensic specialist to examine them.
The files included shipping records, financial transfers, and internal correspondence.
Most dated back six years.
The year Matteo died.
One document contained a handwritten note.
If Dominic sees this, tell him I tried.
I stared at the screen.
My chest tightened.
Matteo.
My reckless, stubborn, impossible little brother.
He had been trying to stop something.
And I hadn't listened.
The files showed that Bellini Holdings had diverted shipments through Moretti-owned warehouses.
Some cargo involved stolen electronics and falsified customs documents.
Other transactions suggested bribery and money laundering.
Matteo had discovered the operation.
He confronted Vittorio Bellini.
Then he disappeared.
The evidence didn't establish exactly how he died.
But it gave investigators a reason to reopen the case.
I sat alone in my hospital room that night.
The cross rested in my hand.
Grace entered quietly.
She saw my face.
Then stopped.
“Dominic?”
I looked up.
“My brother tried to tell me.”
She approached.
I swallowed.
“He called me before he died.”
My voice broke.
“And I told him to wait.”
Grace sat beside me.
“You couldn't have known.”
I shook my head.
“I should have listened.”
She took my hand.
For a long time, neither of us spoke.
Then she whispered:
“You're listening now.”
May you like
I closed my eyes.
And for the first time in six years, I allowed myself to cry.
