THE PRICE OF SILENCE IN THE ROMANO HOUSE

Nico stepped in front of me, shielding me with his body.

“Put the gun down, Bianca,” he said. His voice was steady, the authoritative tone of a man used to being obeyed.

But Bianca’s hands were shaking. Her eyes were wild, bloodshot, and devoid of the polished elegance she usually wore like armor.

“You were going to leave me with nothing,” she spat, the gun wavering. “After I protected this family. After I took the blame for mom!”

“You didn’t take the blame,” Nico said firmly. “I protected you. You were driving.”

“I wasn’t driving!” Bianca screamed, her voice bouncing off the tiled walls.

Nico froze. “What are you talking about?”

“I was passed out below deck! I woke up when she went over the side. But Marcus told me you needed me to take the fall. He said if I didn’t confess to being at the wheel, the police would look closer at you, Dad. He said you pushed her.”

Nico looked like he had been struck physically. He staggered back a step.

My mind was reeling. I reached into my bra and pulled out the broken silver locket. I opened it and held up the deposit slip.

“Two million dollars,” I said loudly, cutting through their family trauma. “Deposited into a Swiss account in your name, Bianca, on the day your mother died.”

Bianca stared at the slip of paper. “I don’t have a Swiss bank account.”

I looked at the signature on the slip. It wasn’t Bianca’s handwriting. I had seen her sign enough grocery deliveries to know.

“It’s Marcus,” Nico whispered, the color draining from his face. “Marcus set up the account in her name. He’s been extorting the trust.”

A cold laugh echoed from the darkness behind Bianca.

Marcus stepped into the light, easily snatching the gun from Bianca’s trembling hand.

“It took you both long enough to figure it out,” Marcus said smoothly, pointing the weapon at Nico’s chest. “Now, I think it’s time we wrap up this family reunion.”