Chapter 1 - THE NAMES SHE REMEMBERED
“I remember every one of their names.”
Evelyn Moretti’s voice was weak, but the words silenced the ballroom.
Luca crouched beside his mother. The paramedics had supported her
injured shoulder, and a nurse was checking her pulse. Sarah Collins
stood close, still holding Evelyn’s uninjured hand.
“Find the blue book,” Evelyn whispered.
“What blue book?” Luca asked.
“The original record. Richard never knew I kept it.”
Richard Bellini rose from his chair. “Evelyn is confused. She’s been
under enormous stress.”
“My mother knows exactly what she’s saying,” Luca replied.
Vanessa stood near the fireplace, guarded by two security men. Her red
gown looked suddenly out of place.
The paramedics carried Evelyn toward the ambulance. Luca turned to
Sarah.
“Stay with her, please.”
At the hospital, doctors confirmed a fractured collarbone, a concussion,
and several bruises. Evelyn was stable, but she needed to remain
overnight.
When she woke, she squeezed Sarah’s fingers.
“Your little girl,” she whispered. “Her surgery was approved.”
Sarah’s throat tightened. “By whom?”
“By me. Six months ago. I signed the authorization.”
“Why didn’t anyone tell me?”
“Someone made sure the letter never reached you.”
Sarah stared at her. She had spent months borrowing money, working
double shifts, and selling her mother’s jewelry to pay for her
daughter’s operation.
Evelyn’s eyes filled. “The money was there, sweetheart. Mia was never
supposed to beg for help.”
Luca entered quietly.
“Mom, the police want to speak with you when you’re ready.”
Evelyn nodded. Then she looked at him urgently.
“First, find the blue book. Your father hid it before he died. It has
the names.”
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“What names?”
“The children, Luca. All twelve.”
