Book 2: Chapter Seventy-Five - Seeking Carlos's Help
Book 2: Chapter Seventy-Five - Seeking Carlos's Help
Amelia’s eyes filled up with happy tears. Her little sister, at last, had found the happiness she deserved. She was glad Brandon pursued her and married her after so many years.
“Why are they coming here? Do they know I live here?” asked Amelia with dread. With her own life under a threat, she didn’t want to meet anyone. She didn’t want to endanger their lives as well.
“No. They'll be here to attend Carlos’ wedding and to celebrate their first anniversary, maybe. Even Brandon’s twin, Brooklyn and her husband, are coming over. Don’t you know? She’s your best friend,” said Evita.
Evita’s words surprised Amelia. How did she know everything about her? Then how did she not know anything about Matteo? Or did she? Could she help?
“I didn’t keep in touch with Brooklyn in the last five years. I called her five years ago to inform her about my family. After Matteo’s disappearance, life has been unbearable for all of us. With the mafia after us, we’re struggling to stay safe.” Evita sighed and frowned, as if deep in thought.
“Why don’t you seek Carlos’s help? He was in this line for years. He has lots of connections. I think he can help you in your search for Matteo. I can talk to him since I’m related to both of them,” offered Evita.
“I don’t know, Evita. He’s getting married and settling down. I wouldn’t want to endanger his life as well.”
“Rubbish! It’ll be child’s play for Carlos. He doesn’t fear danger. He has more powers than the DIA, the Europol, and the FBI.” Amelia considered her suggestion for a second. Should she seek Carlos’ help? If he could rescue Gia, maybe he could rescue Matteo too.
“I’ll think over a call you. Give me your phone number.” They exchanged numbers and Evita handed her Rafael’s last will. A deep sigh escaped her as she went through the contents. It clearly stated that all his wealth would be divided into three equal parts after his death. His son, Evita, and Genelia would receive them. It also stated that all the money he earned from Synergist Trading would go to Genelia.
“I’ll give you his lawyer’s number. Can you coordinate with him about the company funds? I can transfer the rest of the amount to your bank account.”
“Why don’t you transfer them to Genelia when she comes over to Florence?” asked Amelia.
“I don’t want to face her, please. I loved Rafael, but he loved her. Genelia hates me and I hate her, too. Please accept the money, Amelia, and release me from this responsibility.” There were no other options than to accept the money on Gia’s behalf. Maybe she should speak to the lawyer first.
“I’ll talk to his lawyer before accepting any money. I don’t want to fall into any legal problems later.”
“Sure, I understand. Would you accept all the money through his lawyer?”
“Yes.” She handed Amelia the lawyer’s card and got up to leave.
“I’ll wait for your call, Amy. I’m sure Carlos can help you find Matteo.” Amelia nodded, and she walked out of the room. Later, Amelia informed Marco about her conversation with Evita. However, she didn’t tell him about her suggestion to seek help from Carlos.
“Evita is a wonderful person. Her only fault was she was too naïve. She fell for my evil cousin, Rafael, who destroyed her life,” said Marco with a sigh. He helped Amelia with the legal hassles and the money was transferred into her account. Amidst it all, Amelia forgot to call Evita. She was still indecisive about involving Carlos. It was different with Gia. He knew Gia, but why would he help her? What if he declined? After all, he was just getting married now!
Evita waited for Amelia’s call for the next few days. She knew her family was in Florence and this was the perfect opportunity to seek their help. However, after Carlos’ wedding, she couldn’t wait any longer. Soon, Brandon and Genelia would renew their vows, and they all would return home. She had to take matters into her own hands.
It was late in the night when the anniversary celebrations were over and they all returned to Carlos’ house. Evita called Carlos’ sister, Catarina, to confirm first.
“Non posso disturbare fratello adesso,” said Catarina. (I can't disturb bro now.)
“He and Rosetta just retired to their room.” Evita smiled, knowing how short-tempered Carlos was.
“Oh, I’ll have a talk with him later. Are his friends still there at your place?” she asked hopefully.
“Yes, but maybe they’ll leave soon.” Evita knew she couldn’t wait for Amy’s approval now. She had to talk to Carlos or Brooklyn before they all left Florence. She knew how powerful Brooklyn’s husband, Nikolas Ardolf, was. If he joined hands with Carlos, maybe they could rescue her cousin.
“Do you have Brooklyn’s number, Catarina? It’s urgent. I’ll tell you everything when we meet.”
“Sure, I have. Hang on, I’ll forward her number to you.” She disconnected the call and within minutes, her phone buzzed with an incoming message from Catarina. It was Brooklyn’s number. Evita was in two minds about calling Brooklyn so late in the night, but what if she left the next morning? It was now or never. Taking a deep breath, she called the number Catarina had forwarded.
After a few rings, Brooklyn accepted her call.
Hello? Who’s this?” asked Brooklyn. Evita released the breath she was holding with relief. She hadn’t expected Brooklyn to take her call.
“Are you Amy’s friend, Brooklyn?” she asked, hesitating a little. There was a deafening silence at the other end, and then Evita could hear sniffles. Was Brooklyn crying for her friend?
“Yes. Who are you? Do you know where she is? I’ve lost all contact with her for the last five years.” Evita could hear voices in the background as Brooklyn broke down uncontrollably.
Suddenly, a male voice spoke into the phone. Maybe Brooklyn had put it on speaker mode.
“I’m Brooklyn’s husband, Nikolas Ardolf. We are searching for Amy. So who are you? What do you know about her?”
“I’m Evita Ricci. I’m Matteo’s cousin from his father’s side and Carlos’s cousin from his mother’s side. I know where Amy lives. In fact, I just met her. She needs help.”
“Evita Ricci! Aren’t you the mother of Rafael’s son?” asked Nikolas, immediately alert.
“Yes, I am, but now I called to seek your and Carlos’ help in rescuing Matteo. He has been missing for the last five years.”
A gasp of horror escaped Brooklyn’s mouth while Nikolas frowned at the information.
“Where’s Amy?” he asked with concern.
“She’s under police protection. I know the base where she lives with Matteo’s family. She can tell you the exact details about Matteo’s disappearance.”
“Fine, give me the address, Evita. We’ll meet her tomorrow,” promised Nikolas.
Evita gave him the address and directions.
“I wanted to call Carlos, but he is resting now. So Catarina gave me Brooklyn’s number. I’ll have a word with Carlos tomorrow and ask him to help rescue Matteo. Please don’t leave without meeting Amy.”
“We won’t. Thanks for the help, Evita.” After disconnecting the call, Nikolas Ardolf called Ryan, Brandon, and Carlos to update them about the latest developments on the case. They had involved Nikolas’s friend, Thomas Scott, from the SWAT team to look into the case. Now, after Evita’s call, they received their first breakthrough. They would meet Amy first and find out everything that has been going on. She had fought a lone battle for so long. Now it was time for results. They would unite her with her Matteo.
They all met in Carlos’s living room.
“I just hope he is alive,” said Nikolas gravely.
“If he’s alive and under Di Salvo’s custody, I can seek him out,” said Carlos.
The next morning, Brooklyn and Genelia were determined to accompany them to the base to see Amy.
“The cops won’t allow so many of us. Let us first talk to her. She’s in a very vulnerable state,” said Nikolas.
“There’s a threat looming over her head. It wouldn’t be wise for all of us to go,” said Brandon.
“I think Carlos and Nikolas should visit her,” said Ryan.
“You all can come along. My uncle is in the Arma dei Carabinieri, the national police force of our country. If he accompanies us, we can meet her.”
After a hasty breakfast, Brooklyn, Nikolas, Brandon, Genelia, Carlos, and Ryan left with his uncle, Giorgio Sorrento. They headed for the national police base where Amelia was staying.
“I can’t imagine what she’s going through. We should have searched for her earlier,” said Brooklyn, feeling guilty.
“I co-ordinated with the DIA this morning. I’ll meet officer De Felice at the base. He’s the one who’s investigating the case,” said Carlos’s uncle.
“Why haven’t they arrested the criminals for the past five years? It’s really frustrating!” said Carlos. “Can’t we investigate this our way, uncle?”
“You can, but you have to abide by the laws of the country. Don’t do something that will put you behind the bars.”
“I promise I won’t,” said Carlos. No one knew what Carlos would do, but he looked confident enough. Maybe this time, they would rescue Matteo if he was alive.