Chapter 17 - THE LAST LOOSE END
Teresa had been planning to reach Mariana’s father.
Why remained unclear.
Then police searched her luggage.
They found cash.
Fake identification.
A second passport.
And a folder.
Inside were copies of letters Mariana had sent her father before her death.
One letter mentioned Renata.
Another mentioned evidence.
Alejandro immediately called his former father-in-law, Rafael.
The old man answered from Madrid.
“Alejandro?”
“Rafael, listen carefully.”
His voice changed.
“What happened?”
“Did Mariana send you anything before she died?”
Silence.
Then Rafael said:
“Yes.”
Alejandro closed his eyes.
“What?”
“A package.”
“When?”
“A few days before the accident.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“She told me not to open it unless someone came asking questions about her death.”
Alejandro almost laughed from disbelief.
“Someone is asking now.”
Rafael went silent.
Then:
“I’ll get it.”
The package had remained inside a safe for four years.
Rafael opened it while Alejandro stayed on video.
Inside was a memory card.
A handwritten note.
And a small recording device.
Mariana had been preparing.
She knew nobody believed how dangerous Renata had become.
So she began recording encounters.
One recording captured Teresa.
Her voice was unmistakable.
“Leave Alejandro and take the child.”
Mariana responded.
“You’re threatening me.”
Teresa laughed.
“I’m offering you a chance.”
Then Renata spoke.
“If you don’t take it, don’t blame me for what happens.”
The recording became crucial evidence.
Teresa’s claim that she knew nothing collapsed.
But there was more on the memory card.
A photograph taken the morning Mariana died.
Renata stood beside Mariana’s car.
Bent near the rear wheel.
Alejandro stared at it.
Mariana had photographed her through a window.
Timestamp:
9:17 a.m.
Hours before the crash.
Forensic experts compared the brake-line damage.
The prosecution now had a theory supported by physical evidence.
Renata tampered with the vehicle.
Later, she followed Mariana.
When Mariana continued driving despite brake problems, Renata pursued her.
Then struck her car.
The crash was not one impulsive moment.
It had begun hours earlier.
Maybe days earlier.
Alejandro felt no satisfaction.
Only grief.
Justice could punish Renata.
It couldn’t give Lucía her mother back.
Months passed.
The case moved toward trial.
Renata’s attorneys offered a plea.
Alejandro refused to participate in negotiations.
“That’s the prosecutor’s decision.”
He told Sofía.
“I just want the truth on record.”
Renata eventually accepted a deal only after prosecutors made clear they were prepared to present the recordings, video, forensic evidence, financial records, and Lucía’s limited testimony.
Alejandro fought to keep Lucía from appearing in open court.
The judge agreed to protections.
Lucía would not be turned into entertainment.
Renata pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including responsibility for Mariana’s death.
Teresa pleaded guilty to conspiracy and obstruction.
Guillermo received no immunity for the kidnapping.
The Salazar family entered court wealthy and powerful.
They left in custody.
Outside, reporters surrounded Alejandro.
“What do you have to say to Renata?”
He kept walking.
“Mr. Rivera!”
“Do you forgive her?”
Alejandro stopped.
He looked at the cameras.
“This was never about whether I forgive her.”
The reporters went quiet.
“It was about making sure my daughter never had to be afraid of her again.”
Then he walked away.
Lucía was waiting in the car.
“How did it go?”
Alejandro got inside.
“It’s over.”
Lucía studied his face.
“Really over?”
He smiled.
“Really over.”
She hugged him.
But three days later, Alejandro received a package with no return address.
Inside was one final photograph.
It showed Mariana.
Renata.
And a man Alejandro recognized immediately.
A man who had testified against the Salazars.
The mechanic.
May you like
On the back were four handwritten words.
HE LIED ABOUT EVERYTHING.
