Chapter 11 - Carlo Runs
The family jet never left.
Matteo called the aviation manager before police even reached the airport.
“Ground it.”
“Mr. Russo, Carlo authorized—”
“Luca’s trust controls the company now. Ground the aircraft.”
The engines shut down.
But Carlo wasn’t aboard.
He had used the flight request as a distraction.
By noon, detectives believed he was driving north.
Viola refused to tell them anything.
“He’s frightened.”
Detective Ramirez stared at her.
“He’s wanted for child endangerment and financial crimes.”
“He didn’t hurt that baby.”
“He held him above fire.”
“He would never have dropped him.”
The detective leaned closer.
“Do you hear yourself?”
Viola looked away.
Matteo received a message that afternoon.
Unknown number.
Meet me alone.
Carlo.
Elena saw it.
“No.”
“I’m not going alone.”
“He told you to.”
“I know.”
Matteo forwarded the message to investigators.
The meeting place was an old Russo development site outside Stamford.
Carlo appeared twenty minutes late.
He looked terrible.
No suit.
No confidence.
Just exhaustion.
Matteo wore a wire.
“You grounded the jet,” Carlo said.
“Yes.”
“You want me in prison.”
“I want you responsible.”
Carlo laughed bitterly.
“You sound like Dad.”
“Good.”
“Mom made me do it.”
Matteo stared at him.
“Did Mom pick Luca up?”
Carlo went silent.
“Did Mom carry him to the fire?”
“No.”
“Did Mom hold him there?”
“No.”
“You did.”
Carlo’s eyes filled with panic.
“She said Elena would sign.”
“You could have said no.”
“You don’t understand her.”
Matteo almost smiled.
“That excuse worked when we were twelve.”
Carlo looked away.
Then whispered:
“I never meant to hurt Luca.”
“But you were willing to terrify him.”
Carlo’s shoulders collapsed.
“I’m sorry.”
Matteo’s face hardened.
“Tell him someday.”
Police cars moved from behind the building.
Carlo turned.
“You set me up.”
“No.”
Matteo stepped back.
“You set yourself up at the fire pit.”
Carlo was arrested without resistance.
But before officers put him in the car, he looked toward Matteo.
“There’s something you still don’t know.”
Matteo stopped.
“Mom didn’t destroy Dad’s original audit.”
“Where is it?”
May you like
Carlo swallowed.
“I hid it.”
