Chapter 4 - The Mafia Boss Chose Her Over His Own Blood

The church was empty when they arrived.

Rain struck the stained-glass windows.

Dominic entered first.

Clara followed.

The altar was covered in dust.

A single candle burned on the front step.

Victor stood beside it.

He was in his late sixties, impeccably dressed, with silver hair and a smile that never reached his eyes.

"Dominic."

"Victor."

"You brought her."

"She came voluntarily."

Victor smiled at Clara.

"Your father was a brave man."

Clara's jaw tightened.

"You knew him."

"Everyone knew Daniel."

"Then why did he die?"

Victor's smile disappeared.

"He knew too much."

Dominic stepped forward.

"You gave the order."

Victor shook his head.

"You've become dramatic."

"Samuel confessed."

Victor's eyes changed.

"Then you have no idea what's coming."

"What does that mean?"

Victor looked at Clara.

"Ask her what her father kept from her."

Clara frowned.

"I know enough."

"No."

Victor smiled.

"You know almost nothing."

He pulled an old photograph from his pocket.

Clara recognized it.

Her mother.

She had never seen that photograph before.

"What is that?"

Victor held it out.

"Your mother."

Clara's breath caught.

"She died when I was six."

Victor nodded.

"That's what your father told you."

Clara stared at him.

Dominic took the photograph.

"Where did you get this?"

"From Daniel."

"He lied to me."

"To protect you."

Clara's voice broke.

"From what?"

Victor looked at Dominic.

"From the reason your father became involved with the Carusos."

Dominic's expression darkened.

"What reason?"

Victor said quietly:

"Daniel owed my brother his life."

Then he looked at Clara.

"And your mother was not a victim."

Clara froze.

Victor left before either could stop him.

The rain grew heavier.

Back at the safe house, Clara sat silently.

Dominic placed the photograph in front of her.

"Do you want me to investigate?"

"Yes."

"Tonight?"

"Yes."

He nodded.

No questions.

No arguments.

Hours later, Daniel returned.

"Her mother is alive."

Clara stood so quickly the chair fell.

"What?"

"Her name is Laura Bennett."

"Where?"

"A private medical facility in Pennsylvania."

Clara covered her mouth.

Dominic stepped beside her.

"Why was she listed as dead?"

Daniel hesitated.

"She was a witness."

"To what?"

"Victor's first attempt to take control of the Caruso organization."

Clara looked at Dominic.

"My mother knew about everything?"

"Apparently."

"Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"Because you were the leverage."

The word hurt.

"What does that mean?"

Dominic answered softly.

"If Victor couldn't control your father, he could control your mother."

"And if he couldn't control her?"

"He would control you."

Clara's eyes filled.

"All these years..."

Dominic took her hand.

"You were protected."

"That's not protection."

"It was the best they could do."

"No."

She pulled her hand away.

"It was hiding."

He let her go.

That night Clara visited her mother.

Laura was pale and thinner than Clara remembered.

But her eyes were unmistakable.

"My baby."

Clara cried.

"I thought you were dead."

"I wasn't allowed to come back."

"Why?"

"Because Victor would have killed you."

Clara sat beside her.

"Tell me everything."

Laura looked at Dominic.

"You brought him."

Clara nodded.

"He was your father's friend."

Laura smiled sadly.

"Your father trusted Dominic more than he trusted himself."

Then she whispered:

"Your father didn't die because of the ledger."

Clara frowned.

"Then why?"

"Because he found the person who ordered my disappearance."

Clara's stomach dropped.

"Who?"

Laura looked at Dominic.

"His own father."

Silence.

Dominic went completely still.

"My father?"

Laura nodded.

"Angelo Caruso ordered me taken."

"Why?"

"Because I found out his criminal organization was using legitimate charities to move millions."

Dominic closed his eyes.

"Did my father know?"

"Yes."

"And Victor?"

"Victor helped him."

Dominic's jaw clenched.

"He always blamed Victor."

Laura shook her head.

"Victor wasn't the mastermind."

She reached for Clara's hand.

"There was someone above them."

"Who?"

Laura whispered:

"The judge who signed every sealed order."

Dominic looked at Daniel.

"Name."

Daniel checked his tablet.

Then froze.

"Judge Thomas Vale."

Dominic frowned.

"What?"

"He's dead."

Laura smiled sadly.

"Not according to me."

The room went silent.

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"He's alive," she said.

"And he's the one controlling everything."