Chapter 4 - The Shadows of the Estate
By midnight, Emma found herself riding in the back of a bulletproof SUV flanked by armed escorts, entering the gates of the massive Moretti estate on the outskirts of the city. What started as a desperate shift to pay her landlord had transformed into an entrance into a dangerous underground world.
Inside the estate, Rosa led Dante and Emma past the lavish parlors and deep into the mansion's private library. She walked straight to an antique grandfather clock in the corner, pushed aside a hidden latch, and pulled out a worn leather notebook filled with names, dates, and coded transactions.
"This belonged to my late husband," Rosa signed, as Emma translated aloud for Dante. "When he died, Marco and his allies told you it was a heart attack. It wasn't. They poisoned him slowly over months. I realized it too late, but I began gathering evidence. I knew if I spoke out without proof, they would kill me—or kill you."
Dante took the ledger, his knuckles turning white as he flipped through the pages. The ledger contained names of high-ranking police officials, rival crime bosses, and trusted members of Dante's own executive board.
"Why didn't you write this down on paper for me?" Dante asked, his voice breaking with emotion.
May you like
Rosa smiled sadly and signed: I tried. Marco intercepted my notes. He threatened to kill you if I ever wrote another word down. Sign language was the only secret language I could learn without them understanding.
Dante dropped to one knee in front of his mother's chair, taking her aged hands in his. "I am so sorry, Ma. I was so focused on keeping the family safe that I stopped listening to you."
