Chapter 19

Bruno Valentino's chest tightened like a vice as he stared at Stephano's photo. Pain shot through his arms, his chest, his head, his back—everywhere. He yelled for his wife, urging her to dial 911. It felt like a heart attack in the making.

Stephano dashed into the room and found his father sprawled on the floor. He swiftly grabbed a pillow, sliding one under Bruno's feet and another beneath his head. His eyes fell on the crumpled paper nearby, and he scooped it up, reading the ominous words. Then, he noticed another piece of paper—a full-length photo of himself, limbless. "Holy crap," he muttered, realizing the gravity of the situation. He couldn't let anyone else stumble upon these. Quickly, he folded them up and tucked them into his pocket.

Turning his attention back to his father, Stephano couldn't contain his shock. "Did you do this?"

Bruno's response was grim. "It was a matter of honor."

"But his daughter wasn't even alive when your dad was killed."