Chapter 9 - My Father Begged Me to Save Him
Franklin called Elena from a motel two states away.
He was crying.
She had never heard him cry.
“Damian is going to kill me.”
Elena closed her eyes.
“Did you kill Mom?”
“No.”
“Did you give Damian Matteo’s location?”
Silence.
“Yes.”
Luca stood across the room.
His face turned stone-cold.
Franklin continued.
“I didn’t know Damian would kill him.”
“You knew enough.”
“Elena, please.”
“Did you take Mom from the ambulance?”
“Yes.”
Her knees weakened.
“Was she alive?”
“Yes.”
“Then what happened?”
Franklin began sobbing.
“I took her to Damian.”
Elena stopped breathing.
“Why?”
“Because she had evidence.”
“And then?”
“I left.”
“You left her with him?”
“I was afraid.”
Elena’s voice became almost inaudible.
“So was she.”
Franklin begged Elena to protect him.
She agreed to one thing.
A lawful surrender.
Full testimony.
No private revenge.
Luca stared at her afterward.
“He helped kill my brother.”
“I know.”
“And your mother.”
“I know.”
“You’re saving him.”
“No.”
Elena looked at Luca.
“I’m making sure he lives long enough to tell the truth.”
For several seconds Luca said nothing.
Then he nodded.
May you like
“That,” he said quietly, “sounds like Evelyn.”
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