Chapter 6 - The Cost of Telling the Truth
The interviews lasted through the next day.
Lucas sat in one room.
Michael in another.
Hannah gave her statement inside a smaller office with no windows.
Agent Ruiz explained that Michael had cooperated secretly for eighteen months.
He provided shipping information, financial records, and names of compromised officials.
He remained hidden because the task force suspected someone inside Lucas’s inner circle reported directly to Salvatore.
“Was it Marco?” Hannah asked.
“No.”
“Marco began working with Michael after the warehouse ambush.”
“Who was the informant?”
“We do not know yet.”
Ruiz placed the port ledger on the table.
“This can dismantle Salvatore’s network.”
“It can also expose crimes committed by Lucas and Michael.”
Hannah looked toward the observation glass.
“Michael helped you.”
“He also participated in the organization before he helped us.”
“Cooperation reduces consequences.”
“It does not erase them.”
That was the first honest description Hannah had heard since the locket fell onto Table 6.
No one became innocent merely because a worse man betrayed them.
Lucas admitted extortion, illegal gambling, and ordering assaults.
Michael admitted money laundering and weapons transport before discovering Salvatore’s plan.
Both agreed to surrender illegal assets.
Both agreed to testify.
The legitimate Valentasi businesses would enter federal receivership.
The criminal operations would close.
Employees who had nothing to do with the crimes could keep their jobs if the businesses survived review.
Lucas signed first.
Michael signed separately.
When they were brought together, each saw the other’s signature.
Lucas looked at his brother.
“You chose prison.”
“I chose to stop pretending our name made crimes less criminal.”
Lucas gave a humorless smile.
“You learned morality from the federal government?”
“I learned consequences from you.”
Their anger remained.
So did their bond.
Ruiz released Hannah into protective custody.
She asked to return to Rosewood.
The diner had been closed after men were seen watching the entrance.
Kayla had gone into hiding with relatives.
Hannah called her.
Kayla answered by shouting for almost a full minute.
“You were kidnapped by a mafia boss.”
“I was not kidnapped exactly.”
“You left in a black SUV surrounded by armed men.”
“That is the definition people use.”
Hannah laughed for the first time since the diner.
Then Kayla began crying.
“I thought you were dead.”
“I am sorry.”
“Do not apologize.”
“Just never call any of this fine again.”
The task force moved Hannah to a safe apartment.
That night, she found an envelope beneath the door.
No guard saw who delivered it.
Inside was a photograph of Sofia Valentasi.
Lucas and Michael’s mother sat tied to a chair.
A note was written across the back.
BRING THE LOCKET TO THE OLD FUNERAL HOME.
May you like
COME ALONE.
OR THE FAMILY BURIES ANOTHER BODY.
