Chapter 11 - SIX MONTHS AFTER HE DIED
The false signature changed everything.
Sofia sent the document to the investigator with Thomas Walker’s death certificate and the company records. A judge ordered the Whitmores to preserve all files related to the sale. The closing was postponed.
Patricia called Emma that evening.
“You’re making a mistake,” she said.
Emma stood at the window of her mother’s house. “You used my father’s name on a document after he died.”
“I didn’t prepare that paper.”
“Then tell the investigator who did.”
Patricia breathed out slowly. “You think Dante Moretti is helping you out of kindness? His money was behind the purchase.”
“I know what his company considered. He told me.”
“After he saw the other paperwork, I’m sure.”
Emma said nothing.
Patricia went on. “Men like him don’t give up opportunities because they feel sorry for someone.”
“I’m not asking him to decide what happens to my company.”
A pause. Then Patricia said, “You sound like your father.”
Emma ended the call.
She had barely spoken to Dante since the diner. He had sent Sofia documents showing when he learned Emma owned a share and when he froze his involvement. He had also given the investigator the threatening message from the cathedral. He had done what he said he would do.
Emma called him.
“Patricia says your company still has a stake in the deal.”
“It did. I withdrew the financing proposal in writing. Sofia has the notice.”
“I saw it.”
“Then what do you need from me?”
Emma considered the question. “I wanted to tell you myself that I saw it. I was angry when I learned your name was on the offer.”
“You had reason to be.”
“I’m still angry you waited to speak to me.”
“I know.”
She watched headlights move along the street. “Can we start there?”
“Yes.”
A little later, he came to the house. Ruth let him in and left them alone in the kitchen.
Dante did not bring flowers or make a speech. He placed an envelope on the table.
“These are photographs my grandfather kept of your father’s work. He restored part of our family’s old building. I thought you might want them.”
Emma opened it. Thomas stood on a scaffold in work clothes, grinning at the camera. In another picture, he held a level against a stone arch.
“He looks happy,” she said.
“He was proud of that job. I met him twice. He talked about you both times.”
Emma looked up.
“He said you could look at a broken thing and figure out how to make it strong again.”
Tears came before she could stop them. Dante waited while she wiped her face.
The doorbell rang. Ruth called from the hall that Sofia had arrived.
Sofia came into the kitchen holding her phone. “Veronica has agreed to give a formal statement.”
“That’s good,” Emma said.
“She also told me Patricia has been meeting with the developer in private. They may be trying to sell the land through a different company.”
May you like
Emma set down the photograph. “Can they?”
“Not without taking a serious risk,” Sofia said. “But Patricia has taken a few already.”
