Chapter 5 - The Hunt for Father's Watch
Marco stepped behind the desk and walked over to the heavy green steel safe bolted to the concrete wall.
He fished the small brass key out of Enzo’s jacket pocket and unlocked the heavy door.
Inside were rows of velvet-lined jewelry trays.
Marco pulled out the top tray and brought it over to the table.
There, resting on the black velvet, was the 18-karat gold Patek Philippe watch.
Beside it were dozens of other items: gold rings, silver lockets, old military service medals, and vintage pocket watches.
Every single stolen piece from Don Salvatore’s retired staff.
Vincent released Enzo, tossing him back into his chair like a rag doll.
Vincent picked up the gold watch.
He turned it over under the dim warehouse lights.
On the back, clearly visible despite the scratches of time, was the inscription:
‘To Ada, the heart of our home. With eternal gratitude, Salvatore Romano.’
Vincent ran his thumb over his father’s name.
A profound calm settled over his face.
He looked down at Enzo, who was trembling, clutching his bruised chest.
“How much did you plan to sell these for, Enzo?” Vincent asked.
“A... a private collector in Dubai offered half a million for the entire private collection,” Enzo whimpered. “He wanted authentic artifacts from the Romano family. Celeste said... Celeste said nobody would notice if we squeezed the old-timers before the estate was settled.”
“You thought they had no voice,” Vincent said.
“Vincent, we’re family now! You’re marrying my sister next month!” Enzo pleaded, tears streaming down his face. “We can split the profits! We can work this out!”
Vincent looked at Enzo with utter disgust.
“You are not my family.”
Vincent turned to Marco.
“Box up every piece of jewelry in this safe. Every single one. We are returning them to their rightful owners tomorrow morning, along with a full apology and a ten-thousand-dollar restitution check from the Marchesi estate accounts.”
“On it, boss,” Marco replied, signaling the men to start packing the inventory.
Vincent grabbed Enzo’s phone from the table.
He unlocked it using Enzo’s face.
He scrolled through the text messages.
The screen was filled with messages from Celeste:
‘Did you get the watch from Moretti?’
‘Make sure the buyer wires the deposit tonight. Vincent’s accountant is asking questions about the foundation accounts.’
‘Once the wedding is signed, the Romano trusts default to Marchesi management. Just hold on for two more weeks.’
Vincent stared at the messages.
It was all premeditated.
Celeste hadn't just extorted the memorial guests.
She had planned a total legal takeover of the entire Romano empire, using fraudulent trust clauses and blackmail.
Vincent looked at Enzo.
“Call your sister,” Vincent ordered, tossing the phone back into Enzo’s lap.
“What... what do I say?”
“Put it on speaker,” Vincent said coldly. “Tell her you have secured the collection and you are coming to the estate to celebrate.”
Enzo dialled with trembling fingers.
The phone rang twice.
Click.
“Enzo?” Celeste’s sharp, anxious voice came through the speaker. “Where are you? Vincent left the memorial with his goons and that stupid cleaner! Something is wrong!”
Enzo looked at Vincent, terrified.
Vincent nodded once.
“I... I got the stuff, Celeste,” Enzo stammered into the phone. “The watch and the other pieces. I'm heading over to the estate now.”
“Good!” Celeste exhaled in relief over the line. “Hurry up! I’ve almost opened the bedroom safe. The bearer bonds are inside. Once we have those in hand, Vincent won't be able to touch us without exposing his father's off-the-books assets to the Feds. Meet me at the west wing gate in twenty minutes!”
The line went dead.
Vincent slipped Ada’s watch safely into his inner coat pocket.
He looked at Marco.
“Load Enzo into the third car,” Vincent said quietly.
“And what about Celeste, Don Vincent?” Marco asked.
May you like
Vincent walked toward the warehouse exit into the pouring rain.
“Tonight, the Marchesi family pays their debts in full.”
