Chapter 7 - THE GREENHOUSE
The old greenhouse sat behind a row of dead hedges on the far edge of the Bellmont property.
It had not been used in years.
Alessandro approached alone.
At least, he appeared alone.
Rosalie and two security officers stayed beyond the tree line.
The greenhouse door stood open.
“Livia?”
Nothing.
He stepped inside.
Broken glass crunched beneath his shoes.
“Livia!”
A chair stood in the center of the room.
Empty.
A child’s white ribbon rested on the seat.
Livia’s ribbon.
Alessandro grabbed it.
His phone buzzed.
Another message.
TOO SLOW.
Then he heard movement.
Behind him.
He turned.
A man stepped from behind an overgrown wall of ivy.
Thirty-five.
Tall.
Unshaven.
Black suit with no tie.
Daniel Voss.
Alessandro recognized him from the photos security had pulled while he was walking over.
“You.”
Daniel raised both hands.
“I don’t have a weapon.”
“Where is my daughter?”
“I told you. I don’t have her.”
Alessandro crossed the space and slammed him into a metal post.
“Wrong answer.”
Daniel grunted.
“If I took her, why would I come here?”
“To watch me panic.”
“Tempting, but no.”
Alessandro pressed harder.
“Talk.”
Daniel looked him in the eyes.
“Bianca took something from me.”
“What?”
“Money.”
Alessandro released him slightly.
“How much?”
“Two million dollars.”
Rosalie stepped into view.
“So this is about money.”
Daniel looked at her.
“Who are you?”
“The person deciding whether to kick you in the teeth.”
“Charming.”
Alessandro ignored them.
“Explain.”
Daniel straightened his jacket.
“Bianca and I built a company six years ago. Event logistics, luxury clients, rich people paying stupid money for flowers and chairs.”
“And?”
“When we separated, she cleaned out an investment account and disappeared.”
Bianca had told Alessandro she built her wedding business alone.
Another lie.
Daniel continued.
“She also took documents.”
“What documents?”
“Client records. Payments. Offshore transfers.”
Alessandro’s eyes narrowed.
“You laundering money?”
“No.”
“Bianca?”
Daniel hesitated.
That was answer enough.
A sound came from the rear of the greenhouse.
A whimper.
“Daddy?”
Alessandro turned.
“Livia!”
He ran.
Behind a stack of old wooden benches, he found her sitting on the floor.
Hands bound with zip ties.
Alive.
He dropped to his knees.
“Oh God.”
She threw herself against him.
“I knew you’d come.”
He held her so tightly she squeaked.
“I’m sorry, baby. I’m sorry.”
Daniel stared.
“I swear to you, I did not put her there.”
Rosalie cut the ties.
Alessandro looked around.
“Who did?”
Livia wiped her eyes.
“The lady.”
“What lady?”
“The one from upstairs.”
“Did you see her face?”
Livia nodded.
“She took off her wig.”
Alessandro’s heart pounded.
“Do you know her?”
Livia looked toward the greenhouse entrance.
Her expression changed.
She raised one shaking finger.
“Yes.”
May you like
Everyone turned.
Vivienne stood in the doorway.
