Chapter 11 - THE CONFESSION THAT WASN'T ENOUGH
Vescari's words changed the investigation.
Rebecca immediately informed the authorities.
The meeting had been documented with the participants' knowledge, and the statement became part of the evidence investigators reviewed.
But Vescari refused to say more.
His attorneys denied wrongdoing.
They claimed the financial transfers were legitimate.
They challenged the records.
They questioned Agata's memory.
And they suggested Pietro Rossi had acted independently.
Nora was furious.
She wanted answers.
Not legal arguments.
Not delays.
Not another powerful man hiding behind expensive attorneys.
Dante found her in the restaurant kitchen after midnight.
She was washing glasses.
He stopped.
“You don't work tonight.”
“I know.”
“Then why are you here?”
She shrugged.
“I needed something to do.”
Dante approached.
“Nora.”
She set down a glass.
“Don't.”
He stopped.
She looked at him.
“Don't tell me to be patient.”
“I wasn't going to.”
“Don't tell me justice takes time.”
“I wasn't going to.”
“Then what?”
Dante looked at her.
“I was going to ask if you'd eaten.”
Nora stared.
Then laughed.
A broken little sound.
“No.”
He made her pasta.
Not because he was a chef.
He wasn't.
He overcooked it.
Used too much salt.
And somehow managed to burn garlic in a pan designed to prevent burning.
Nora watched from the counter.
“You own a restaurant.”
“Yes.”
“And you cook like this?”
Dante looked offended.
“I'm trying.”
She laughed.
For the first time in days, she laughed without crying afterward.
They ate together at a small kitchen table.
Dante looked at her.
“I need to tell you something.”
Nora's smile faded.
“What?”
He hesitated.
“My father wants you to move into the family house.”
She stared.
“No.”
“I told him you'd say that.”
“Then why ask?”
“Because he asked me to.”
Nora looked down.
Dante continued.
“He wants to know you.”
She swallowed.
“I don't know if I want that.”
“Then don't decide tonight.”
Nora studied him.
“You're different from him.”
Dante smiled faintly.
“That's the nicest thing anyone's said to me all week.”
She laughed.
Then grew serious.
“Dante.”
“Yes?”
“Why are you being so kind to me?”
He looked at her.
For a moment, he seemed uncertain.
Then answered:
“Because I know what it's like to grow up in a family where love comes with conditions.”
Nora's eyes filled.
Dante reached across the table.
She took his hand.
Neither spoke about what the gesture meant.
May you like
Not yet.
They had too many broken pieces to understand before they could decide what belonged together.
