Chapter 9 - THE TRUTH ABOUT THE MORETTI FAMILY
Nicholas's story took hours.
He told it slowly.
Sometimes stopping to catch his breath.
Sometimes looking toward the lake as though the past were written across the water.
Twenty-three years earlier, he had discovered that Vittorio Moretti was using the family's businesses to conceal violent crimes and financial fraud.
Nicholas wanted out.
He planned to cooperate with federal authorities.
But someone leaked his intentions.
“Vittorio ordered me killed,” Nicholas said.
Gabriel closed his eyes.
“I told him you were leaving.”
Nicholas nodded.
“I know.”
Gabriel looked devastated.
“I thought I was protecting you.”
Nicholas stared at him.
“You were protecting the family.”
Gabriel lowered his head.
“Yes.”
Nicholas continued.
A trusted driver helped him escape.
The car found near the river had been staged.
The blood came from an injury sustained during the escape.
Nicholas believed Elena had reached safety.
He planned to reunite with her.
But then he learned that people were watching her.
“Every time I tried to contact her, someone appeared,” Nicholas said.
Harper stared.
“Who?”
Nicholas looked toward Gabriel.
“Dominic Russo.”
Gabriel went still.
Dominic had worked for Vittorio.
After Vittorio died, Dominic remained close to Gabriel.
He controlled security arrangements.
Handled sensitive information.
And quietly maintained relationships with people who wanted Nicholas's records destroyed.
“He was the one who kept me away,” Nicholas said.
Gabriel's jaw tightened.
“And now he's after Harper.”
Nicholas nodded.
“Because she has the key.”
Harper looked down.
“I don't have it anymore.”
Gabriel nodded.
“The investigators do.”
Nicholas exhaled.
“Good.”
That evening, Harper sat with her father on the porch.
The lake reflected the sunset.
She looked at him.
“Why didn't Mom tell me?”
Nicholas was silent.
Then said:
“She wanted you to have a normal life.”
Harper swallowed.
“I wish she'd told me.”
He nodded.
“So do I.”
She looked at his hands.
They were rough.
Scarred.
The hands of a man who had spent years working with tools.
“Did you ever marry?”
Nicholas shook his head.
“No.”
“Did you love anyone else?”
He looked toward the lake.
“I cared about people.”
Harper waited.
“But I never stopped loving your mother.”
Tears filled her eyes.
Nicholas reached into his pocket.
He pulled out a small silver locket.
Inside was a photograph of Elena.
Young.
Smiling.
Beautiful.
Harper began crying.
“I've never seen that picture.”
Nicholas handed it to her.
“She gave it to me before you were born.”
Harper held it carefully.
Then Nicholas said:
“I know I can't give you back the years.”
She nodded.
“I know.”
“But if you'll let me, I'd like to know you now.”
Harper looked at him.
May you like
Then smiled through tears.
“I'd like that.”
