Chapter 9 - THE REAL TARGET
I stared at the recording device.
“What does that mean?”
Lorenzo replayed the final sentence.
Lena is the key.
The recording continued.
“If Matteo comes for her, do not give him the records.”
“Her bloodline is the only thing capable of opening the final vault.”
Lorenzo looked at me.
“Her bloodline?”
I shook my head.
“I don't understand.”
Gabriel explained.
His family had hidden a genetic access code inside a sealed trust.
Lena's birth records contained the final authorization.
Without her, the vault could never be opened.
Matteo wanted the vault.
Inside was enough evidence to destroy him.
But there was more.
The ledger also contained ownership documents.
Properties.
Businesses.
Accounts.
Everything Matteo had stolen.
Then the lights went out.
Lena whispered:
“Mommy?”
I pulled her close.
A metal door slammed shut behind us.
Someone had locked us inside.
Lorenzo drew his weapon.
Then a voice echoed through the vault.
“Give me the girl.”
Matteo.
Lorenzo stepped in front of us.
“No.”
“You don't understand what she carries.”
“I understand enough.”
“You will die protecting her.”
May you like
Lorenzo answered quietly:
“Then I'll die protecting her.”
