Chapter 4 - THE LAB REPORT
The preliminary laboratory report arrived the following afternoon. It identified an unusual plant-derived compound on the green leaves and in residue from the sauce. Further analysis was needed to determine its concentration and likely effects, but the physician advised Luca to treat the matter as a suspected poisoning attempt.
Luca set the report down.
“Who had access to the plate after the chef prepared it?”
“Kitchen staff, two servers, Vanessa, and anyone who entered through the service door,” Marco replied. “We're checking the footage.”
The recording showed the chef placing the two covered plates on the counter. Vanessa appeared alone a few minutes later. She looked toward the dining room, switched the plates, opened her purse, and touched something to the food.
The action lasted less than ten seconds.
Luca watched it twice.
“That's enough to establish she handled the food,” Marco said.
“It's enough to ask her why.”
A second message arrived. The financial team had reviewed transfers from a company connected to Vanessa. Money had moved from a charitable foundation associated with Luca's legitimate businesses into a consulting firm owned by Richard Bellini.
“Was I authorizing those payments?” Luca asked.
“No. The approvals came through a delegated account. Someone used an old authorization code.”
“Who had access?”
“Three people. You, Vanessa, and Peter Lang from the finance office.”
“Bring me Peter's records.”
Marco hesitated. “There's something else. Peter resigned this morning.”
“Did he leave the city?”
“We're checking.”
Luca looked again at the footage. The plate switch and the financial transfers suggested that dinner was not an isolated incident.
“Find Peter. And find Richard Bellini.”
At that moment, his phone rang. It was Emma.
“Mr. Moretti? I'm sorry to bother you. I found something in my apron pocket. I think someone put it there.”
“What is it?”
“A note.”
“Read it to me.”
Her voice shook. “Stop asking questions if you want your father to stay safe.”
Luca went still.
“Where are you?”
“At home.”
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“Lock the door. Don't open it for anyone. I'm sending security.”
He looked at Marco. “Get a team to Emma's address. Now.”
