Chapter 6 - THE DON'S SECRET MESSAGE
Z
Giovanni began communicating more easily.
His therapists helped him develop reliable ways to answer questions.
Some days were better than others.
His hands still trembled.
His speech remained severely impaired.
But his mind was determined.
One afternoon, Lorenzo sat beside him with the communication tablet.
“Dad, I need to ask about Victor Hale.”
Giovanni's expression changed.
His eyes widened.
Then he pressed a button.
DANGER.
Lorenzo leaned forward.
“What kind of danger?”
Giovanni struggled to move his hand.
The therapist waited patiently.
Finally, the message appeared.
HE WANTS THE TRUST.
Lorenzo stared.
“Why?”
Giovanni typed slowly.
MONEY.
Then:
GABLE HELPED.
Lorenzo felt his stomach tighten.
“Did she hurt you?”
Giovanni closed his eyes.
A tear slipped down his cheek.
Then he indicated YES.
The room went silent.
Lorenzo's hands curled into fists.
For a moment, he wanted to find Mrs. Gable and demand answers himself.
But Giovanni touched his wrist.
Slowly.
Deliberately.
Then typed:
NO MORE VIOLENCE.
Lorenzo stared.
His father looked at him.
PROMISE.
Lorenzo swallowed.
“I promise.”
The investigation continued.
Records showed Victor Hale had attempted to obtain influence over Giovanni's trust through intermediaries.
Mrs. Gable had helped restrict Giovanni's access to visitors and information.
But the exact scope of the wrongdoing still required proof.
That evening, Giovanni asked for me.
I had been discharged from the hospital with instructions to rest, attend follow-up appointments, and avoid heavy physical work.
Lorenzo arranged transportation to the estate for a short visit.
When I entered Room 4B, Giovanni's face brightened.
“Hello, John,” I whispered.
He smiled.
I laughed through tears.
“Sorry. Giovanni.”
He pressed a button.
JOHN IS FINE.
I covered my mouth.
I sat beside him.
“Lily says hello.”
I rested a hand on my stomach.
Giovanni looked down.
Then typed:
GOOD GIRL.
I laughed.
“She hasn't been born yet.”
He smiled.
STILL GOOD.
I told him about the hospital.
The baby.
My fears.
And the yellow curtains.
Giovanni listened.
Then typed something that took several minutes.
YOU DESERVE A HOME.
Tears filled my eyes.
I squeezed his hand.
“So do you.”
Lorenzo stood in the doorway.
Watching.
May you like
And for the first time, he understood that his father had found something more valuable than power.
Someone who loved him without knowing what he owned.
