Chapter 7 - WHAT THEIR FATHER LEFT
Elena's father's attorney was named Robert Klein.
He had handled the estate from Zurich and had been trying to resolve the cemetery transfer for months. When Elena called, he asked her to come to his office immediately.
Mia insisted on accompanying her.
Robert greeted them with a worried expression.
“I was hoping this matter could be settled quietly.”
“Apparently it can't,” Elena said. “What did my father leave?”
Robert closed the office door.
“Your father kept records concerning the Moretti shipping companies. Not the criminal operation. The legitimate businesses. He believed someone was using those companies to move money without the knowledge of the board.”
“Who?”
“I don't know. He never gave me a name.”
“Why would he keep records?”
“He was an accountant for one of the companies before he retired. He found discrepancies. He copied the documents and placed them in a secure deposit box.”
Elena sat down.
“Did he tell Victoria?”
Robert hesitated.
“She asked him about the records several times.”
“Why?”
“She said she wanted to protect the family. Your father didn't trust her.”
Elena remembered her father's final months. The way he had become nervous whenever the phone rang. The way he had asked her to keep certain letters safe.
“Why didn't he tell me?”
“He wanted to keep you out of it.”
Elena gave a bitter smile.
“Everyone keeps me safe by keeping me ignorant.”
Robert opened a drawer and removed a sealed envelope.
“He left this for you.”
Elena recognized her father's handwriting.
My dear Elena.
She opened the letter carefully.
If you are reading this, I was unable to explain everything in person. I found evidence that money was being diverted through a company connected to Victoria. I do not know whether she understands the full extent of it. I only know that she asked questions she should not have known to ask.
I kept copies in a deposit box. The key is hidden with the record of my burial. I wanted you to have it because I trusted you to do what is right, even if it is difficult.
Do not confront Victoria alone.
Your father.
Elena lowered the letter.
“The cemetery,” she whispered.
Robert nodded.
“The transfer paperwork includes a small inventory record. Your father asked that it be given to you only in person.”
Mia looked at him.
“Can we go today?”
“I can arrange access tomorrow morning.”
Elena's phone vibrated.
A message from an unknown number.
Stop asking questions about your father.
She showed it to Mia.
“Victoria?”
“Maybe.”
Another message arrived.
You have a child now. Think carefully before you put him in danger.
Mia called Dante.
Elena tried to stop her, but Mia had already pressed the number.
He answered immediately.
“What's wrong?”
“Victoria has been threatening Elena.”
Dante's voice changed.
“Where is she?”
“Safe.”
“Put her on.”
Elena took the phone.
“I don't need you to rescue me.”
“I didn't ask whether you needed me. I asked where you were.”
“I'll handle it.”
“Victoria has people working for her. If she knows you're looking into your father's records, she may move before you can get to them.”
“Then tell me what you know.”
A pause.
“Your father came to me six months before he died. He said he had found irregularities in the shipping accounts. He believed Victoria was involved, but he didn't have enough proof.”
“Why didn't you tell me?”
“Because he asked me not to. He thought you were safer if you knew nothing.”
Elena closed her eyes.
“Another man deciding what I can handle.”
“I know.”
“Did you help him?”
“I gave him a lawyer and arranged protection. He refused it.”
“Was his death natural?”
Dante did not answer immediately.
“I don't know.”
“Then find out.”
“I will.”
“No. We will. I am not handing you my father's life and letting you decide what happens next.”
Dante's voice softened.
“All right.”
Elena ended the call.
She looked at Mia.
“Tomorrow, we're going to the cemetery.”
Mia nodded.
“And we're taking the lawyer.”
Elena folded her father's letter and placed it in her handbag.
For three years, she had believed the worst thing her family had done was choose Dante over her.
May you like
Now she was beginning to understand that the wedding might have been only the beginning.
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