Chapter 5 - the silk ribbon
Ten minutes later, Victor walked into the rear office of the diner on the Brooklyn waterfront.
Seven-year-old Maya looked up from her coloring book and let out a squeal of joy. "Daddy!"
She ran across the room, throwing her small arms around Victor’s waist. Victor immediately dropped to his knees, scooping his daughter up into his broad chest, holding her tight as a wave of relief washed over him.
"You're safe, baby," Victor whispered, kissing her head. "Daddy's here."
Sofia stepped out from behind the counter, handing Victor a hot cup of black coffee. "Celeste tried to buy off the safehouse guards, Victor. I intercepted the signal on the family network."
"Thank you, Sofia," Victor said softly.
Maya reached into the small pocket of her denim jacket, pulling out a folded piece of pale pink silk ribbon.
"Daddy," Maya said innocently, holding the ribbon out to him. "A pretty lady at the park gave me this yesterday. She told me to keep it secret until you found me."
Victor took the delicate silk ribbon. Embroidered along the edge in fine silver thread were two initials: E.M.—Elena Moretti.
Victor's eyes narrowed. "What did the lady look like, Maya?"
"She had bright blue eyes and dark wavy hair," Maya said, swinging her feet. "Just like the picture in your study."
Victor’s heart hammered against his ribs. The woman in his study picture was his dead wife.
May you like
Sofia stepped closer, looking at the ribbon in horror. "Victor... Elena was buried ten years ago. I was at the funeral!"
"We're opening her grave tonight," Victor said coldly.
