Chapter 7 - Agent Camila Reyes
Agent Camila Reyes did not look impressed by wealth.
That was the first thing Alejandro noticed.
She arrived at the hospital in a dark blazer carrying a government identification wallet and a notebook.
She worked with a federal unit specializing in stolen cultural property, financial crimes, and cross-border trafficking.
Valeria had contacted her once before through a museum colleague.
She had never shared evidence.
Until now.
Camila reviewed the memory card for nearly an hour.
She asked precise questions.
Where was each crate located?
Who had access?
What labels appeared?
Which works could Valeria identify personally?
Did Valeria move anything?
Touch anything?
Tell anyone?
Valeria answered carefully.
Then Camila looked at Alejandro.
“Do you consent to investigators reviewing Aranda corporate shipping records?”
“Yes.”
“Even if they expose crimes connected to your company?”
Alejandro did not hesitate.
“Yes.”
Camila studied him.
“You understand cooperation does not guarantee immunity.”
“I’m not asking for immunity.”
Valeria looked at her husband.
Something had changed in him.
For once, he was not calculating what truth would cost.
Camila closed the notebook.
“Good.”
She explained that the investigation would remain quiet initially.
They needed to verify Valeria’s photographs.
Warehouse 14 became a priority.
So did the underground storage area beneath the mansion.
But obtaining warrants required probable cause tied to specific offenses.
The memory card helped.
Tomás’s father’s note helped more.
Then Camila asked one final question.
“Who else can confirm the hidden rooms exist?”
Valeria answered immediately.
“Inés.”
The senior housekeeper.
She had worked for the Arandas for eighteen years.
Inés was the woman who had told Valeria about the old frame storage.
She had also seen Marcela confront Valeria after the accident.
Alejandro called the mansion.
No answer.
He called Inés’s personal phone.
Disconnected.
His expression changed.
He called the head of household staff.
“Inés left yesterday.”
Alejandro stood.
“Left where?”
“Doña Esther said she resigned.”
Valeria shook her head.
“No.”
Alejandro ended the call.
“She wouldn’t leave without saying goodbye.”
Valeria looked at Camila.
“Inés has a daughter in Toluca.”
Camila began writing.
“Name?”
“Sofía Mendoza.”
Within an hour, agents contacted Sofía.
Her mother had not called.
She had not resigned.
And she had not come to Toluca.
The hospital room became silent.
Camila’s expression hardened.
“When was Inés last seen?”
Valeria whispered.
“The morning after Marcela pushed me.”
Alejandro looked toward the window.
His family’s secret was no longer only about paintings.
A woman was missing.
May you like
Camila closed her notebook.
“From this point forward, nobody goes back to that mansion alone.”
