Chapter 15 - Marcus Points at Me
Marcus’s defense was simple.
Blame the Mafia Boss.
He claimed every shell company existed because I ordered it.
He said Valentina was afraid of me.
He said Peter Vale followed my instructions.
He said Ruby’s guardianship was meant to protect her from my criminal lifestyle.
The prosecutor asked whether I would testify.
“Yes.”
“They’ll bring up everything.”
“I know.”
So I testified.
Marcus’s attorney asked, “Mr. Falcone, are you telling this jury you are an innocent businessman?”
“No.”
“Excuse me?”
“I am telling the jury I did not authorize these transfers, did not forge guardianship papers, and did not order my daughter placed in a behavioral facility.”
“Have you broken laws?”
“Yes.”
Luca closed his eyes.
The prosecutor did not.
Marcus’s attorney pushed.
“Then why should anyone trust you?”
I looked at the jury.
“They shouldn’t trust my name. They should trust records.”
Marcus had built his defense around me lying.
So I gave him less room by admitting every fact I could.
On the final day of evidence, prosecutors played the banquet video.
Ruby approached the chair.
Valentina pulled it.
Ruby fell.
Marcus later grabbed my jacket and swung.
Then the video showed something no one had noticed before.
Marcus looked upstairs.
Not at Ruby.
Not at me.
At a man standing on the balcony.
The man nodded once.
Nico froze the frame.
I recognized him.
Rocco Falcone.
My cousin.
May you like
One of the five men with council access.
Marcus had not been the only family member watching the plan unfold.
