Chapter 9 - Pressing The Retired Coroner For The Terrifying Truth
Dr. Alistair’s suburban estate in Westchester County was surrounded by manicured hedges and high security perimeter fencing.
At 2:30 AM, the automated iron gates groaned open as Mason’s black sedan bypassed the call box using a cloned electronic signal.
The vehicle glided silently up the circular gravel driveway, parking right in front of the grand double front doors.
Lorenzo stepped out into the crisp night air, walking up the stone steps with unhurried, terrifying calm.
He didn't bother ringing the doorbell; he simply raised his heavy signet ring and struck the solid mahogany three times with crushing force.
Inside, muffled footsteps hurried across the hardwood foyer before an elderly man in silk pajamas cracked open the heavy oak door.
Dr. Alistair peered out into the darkness, his face pale and sleep-deprived as he recognized the towering figure standing on his porch.
“Mr. DeLuca... what is the meaning of this—?” the coroner stammered, trying to close the door.
Lorenzo caught the edge of the heavy wood with his palm, pushing it open with enough force to send the doctor stumbling backward into the foyer.
Mason followed closely behind, locking the front door from the inside and standing guard against any escape.
“Mr. DeLuca, this is an illegal trespass! I’ll call the state police!” Alistair shouted, his voice trembling with genuine terror.
“Go ahead,” Lorenzo said softly, walking toward him across the marble floor. “Tell them the mob boss you helped frame is standing in your hallway.”
The doctor’s knees buckled slightly, his hands shaking as he gripped the banister of the grand staircase for support.
“I don't know what you’re talking about,” Alistair whispered, sweat beading on his forehead despite the cool air conditioning.
Lorenzo reached into his coat, pulling out the slashed photograph and slamming it down onto the hall table beside a silver bowl.
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“My wife is alive, Alistair,” Lorenzo said, his face inches from the terrified coroner's eyes. “And you signed the death certificate that gave the men hunting her a clean slate.”
“I had no choice!” Alistair sobbed, collapsing onto the bottom stair with his head in his hands. “They threatened my children!”
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