Chapter 12 - THE BETRAYAL OF THE BROTHER HE CHOSE
Mateo had saved Lorenzo Bianca's life twice.
Once in Palermo.
Once in Chicago.
He had attended Lorenzo's mother's funeral, stood beside him through business wars, and carried his secrets for fifteen years.
Now a photograph suggested he'd been meeting with Carlo Vescari.
Lorenzo stared at the image.
"Where was this taken?"
Agent Carter replied, "Outside a private office in Milwaukee."
"Did they speak?"
"Yes."
"About what?"
"We're still investigating."
Rosie looked at Lorenzo.
For the first time, she saw fear beneath his composure.
Not fear of death.
Fear that the man he trusted most had betrayed him.
"Call him," she said.
Lorenzo hesitated.
"Rosie—"
"Call him."
He took out his phone.
Mateo answered immediately.
"Boss?"
"Where are you?"
"At the warehouse."
"Come to the Drake."
A pause.
"Why?"
Lorenzo's expression hardened.
"Because we need to talk."
Mateo arrived twenty minutes later.
He entered the security office and stopped when he saw Agent Carter.
Then his eyes fell on the photograph.
His face drained.
"Boss..."
Lorenzo stood.
"Tell me that's not you."
Mateo looked down.
"It is."
Rosie held her breath.
Lorenzo's voice became dangerously quiet.
"Why were you meeting Carlo Vescari?"
Mateo closed his eyes.
"Because he had my sister."
Lorenzo froze.
"What?"
Mateo swallowed.
"My younger sister, Sofia. She disappeared eight months ago."
Rosie watched his hands tremble.
"Why didn't you tell Lorenzo?"
"Because Vescari threatened to kill her if I involved anyone."
Lorenzo looked devastated.
"You should have trusted me."
Mateo's voice broke.
"I wanted to."
Agent Carter leaned forward.
"Did you provide Vescari with information?"
Mateo nodded.
"Yes."
"What information?"
"Security schedules. Shipment locations. Business meetings."
Lorenzo turned away.
The betrayal was real.
But so was Mateo's desperation.
Rosie stepped closer.
"Is Sofia alive?"
Mateo's eyes filled.
"I saw her three weeks ago."
"Where?"
"At the same property where Michael Hastings was being held."
Agent Carter immediately began taking notes.
Mateo continued.
"Michael helped her escape."
Rosie gasped.
"My father?"
Mateo nodded.
"He got her out while the guards were distracted."
"Then where is she?"
Mateo looked toward Lorenzo.
"Safe. With someone I trust."
Lorenzo slowly turned.
"You lied to me."
"I know."
"You put innocent people in danger."
Mateo lowered his head.
"I know."
Lorenzo stared at his oldest friend.
Then said quietly, "You'll have to answer for what you've done."
Mateo nodded.
"I will."
Agent Carter's phone rang.
She answered, listened briefly, then looked toward Rosie.
"Miss Hastings."
Rosie's heart slammed.
"What?"
"We found your father."
She stood so quickly the chair scraped against the floor.
"Where?"
Carter smiled faintly.
"He's asking for you."
Rosie covered her mouth.
"Can I see him?"
"Yes."
May you like
Then Carter added something unexpected.
"But he insisted you bring Antonella."
