Chapter 19 - The Ultimate Choice|
Elena looked into Matteo’s eyes, seeing the desperate plea of a father terrified for his child's life.
"I don't care," Elena said fiercely. "I'm not letting you die in a cell."
Before Matteo could reply, the heavy steel door of the interrogation room swung open.
A tall, sharp-suited federal prosecutor stepped inside, holding a thick manila folder. Behind him stood two armed federal marshals.
"Time's up, Miss Rossi," the prosecutor said, checking his silver watch. "We need your final decision. Do you have the cipher, or are we processing Mr. De Luca for transfer to the supermax facility in Colorado?"
Elena stood up slowly, her hand resting over her purse where the small red diary was hidden.
Matteo shook his head violently, his chains rattling loudly against the table. "Don't do it, Elena! Keep the diary and go back to Paris! Live your life!"
Elena looked at the prosecutor. "If I give you the cipher, I want full immunity for Matteo. I want him placed in the federal protection program immediately."
The prosecutor smiled thinly. "Sign the agreement, Miss Rossi, and he walks into a new life in five years."
Elena reached into her bag, pulling out the small red notebook. She held it out toward the prosecutor.
Just as the prosecutor reached for it, the fire alarm system throughout the building erupted into a deafening blare.
Red emergency lights flashed wildly in the hallway.
The heavy steel door was suddenly kicked open from the outside. A tear gas canister bounced across the floor, spewing thick, white chemical smoke into the room.
Coughs and shouts echoed through the smog.
A voice called out from the doorway—a voice that sent a wave of absolute horror through Elena’s veins.
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"Did you really think old Don Carmine was the only one who wanted that ledger, little girl?"
Stepping through the smoke, wearing a gas mask and holding a silenced pistol, was Luca Ferraro.
