Chapter 16 - No More Family Secrets
Sofia survived.
The bullet passed through her shoulder without hitting an artery.
She was handcuffed to the hospital bed before surgery.
Grace refused to visit her.
I understood.
Some wounds do not require one final conversation.
Nicholas was examined at the children's hospital and declared healthy. I held him for the first time in a quiet room at 3:17 that afternoon.
He opened one eye, made a face like he already disapproved of me, and wrapped his fingers around mine.
I cried so hard Grace laughed through her own tears.
"You look terrifying," she said.
"Good. He should respect me."
"He's nine days old."
"Start early."
For ten minutes, we were just parents.
Then Helen Ward entered.
"I hate to interrupt."
Grace looked at her.
"What now?"
Helen placed a sealed evidence bag on the table.
Inside was the wedding ring I had found in the crib.
"We tested the blood on the nursery railing. It wasn't Grace's."
I frowned.
"Whose was it?"
"Matteo's."
Grace and I looked at each other.
Matteo had told us he never entered the nursery the night Grace disappeared.
Helen continued.
"We also found his fingerprints on the crib and on the hidden camera mount in the west wing."
My relief vanished.
"He said he was helping her."
"Maybe he was. But he has not told you everything."
Grace closed her eyes.
"I warned you not to make him a hero."
An officer appeared in the doorway.
"Ms. Ward? We have a problem."
"What?"
"Matteo Rossi is gone."
I stood.
"Gone where?"
"We don't know."
Then my phone buzzed.
May you like
One message from Matteo.
I'M SORRY. THERE'S ONE LAST THING GRACE DOESN'T KNOW.
