Chapter 15 - THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FEAR AND MURDER
Marcus’s attorney called it a misunderstanding.
Luciano nearly laughed when Daniel told him.
“A misunderstanding?”
“They’re claiming Marcus wanted Mercer to frighten Elena into backing off, not hurt her.”
“She died.”
“I know.”
“Because Marcus sent a man after her.”
“I know.”
Luciano paced the office. “So what happens?”
“Prosecutors decide what they can prove.”
Luciano stopped. “And if they can’t prove murder?”
“Then they may pursue conspiracy, reckless endangerment, financial crimes, kidnapping, fraud—Marcus has problems either way.”
Problems.
That night, Luciano sat beside Theo’s bed in Sofia’s guest house. He had moved them there while the estate was processed as evidence.
Theo held the repaired locomotive. Luciano had replaced the broken wheel himself.
“Daddy?”
“Yeah?”
“Did Uncle Marcus kill Mommy?”
Luciano froze.
“Who told you that?”
“I heard Aunt Sofia talking.”
Luciano pulled the chair closer.
“We don’t know exactly what happened yet.”
“But he did something bad.”
“Yes.”
Theo looked at the locomotive. “Are you going to hurt him?”
Luciano remembered the threat he had thrown at Marcus and hated that Theo had heard it.
“No,” Luciano said. “I’m not going to hurt him.”
“You said—”
“I know what I said. I was angry. I was wrong.”
Theo looked up.
“What are you going to do?”
“Tell the truth. Protect you. Let the police and the court do their jobs.”
Theo considered that.
Then he handed Luciano the train.
“You can keep it tonight.”
“Why?”
“So you remember.”
“Remember what?”
“That you’re my dad.”
Luciano swallowed hard.
Later, when Theo was asleep, Daniel called.
“Bernadette wants to testify against Marcus.”
Luciano stared into the dark room.
“Why?”
“Because she says she finally has proof he lied to her about Elena.”
“What proof?”
May you like
“A recording.”
* * *
