Act like my wife

54: All a dream...

Patrizio's Point of View

I sat in the grey interrogation room, with my hands clasped together on the metal table and a handcuff around my wrists. My body shivered thanks to the cold air.

Standing across the room was Rodriguez, glaring at me. His brown eyes darkened with each passing second. I could feel the accusation in his gaze, he had already passed judgment on me. But despite the hateful look he threw my way, I knew I had done nothing wrong. At least, not in Spain.

He rolled up his sleeves and took slow strides towards the table. The mustache above his lips moved when he talked.

"So, Don Patrizio," he began in his firm voice. "We have evidence of numerous illicit transactions that took place in your casinos and clubs within the last ten years. Money laundering, drug trafficking." He threw documents on the table. "Care to explain?"

I glanced at the papers, they did seem to validate his point, but they all seemed strange to me.

I looked up at him with a raised eyebrow and a hint of amusement on my face. "Where did you get these fake documents from?"

He chuckled darkly. "You must think that UDYCO dances to your tone." He slammed his fist on the table. "Tell me the truth, you fucking bastard! With your chain of hotels and restaurants scattered all over the country, how am I to believe that you have not gotten your hands dirty!"

I shook my head, still amused. "I'm afraid you have the wrong man, sir. I am just a businessman who has contributed positively to the economy of your country."

Rodriguez snorted. "Save it, Don Patrizio. We have a sworn testimony from your wife, Mira Moretti. She provided all the financial records and emails showing your involvement in these crimes, including the murder of Quintus Cicero."

It became clear that Mira had it out for me from the start, she must have orchestrated this with Leo, not only to kill me but to tarnish my reputation here in Spain. Now, my businesses, my investments, everything I had spent my life building—were under scrutiny by the Spanish government.

My expression remained unfaltering. "I am innocent."

Just then, the door burst open and Alberto Gusto, my lawyer, strode in. He stood confidently beside me and faced Rodriquez. "Enough, Detective. My client has no business being here." He handed Rodriguez a folder full of documents.

A scowl appeared on Rodriquez's forehead. "We have strong evidence—"

"I don't care what you think you have, but your superiors have found them to be baseless. Perhaps you should go ask them."

Begrudgingly, Rodriguez stormed out of the room. Alberto came to sit across the metal table and spoke in a low voice. "Don Federico called me, sorry I'm late, boss."

"Why am I here?"

"Mira was trying to frame you for Antonio's crimes. I just found out that Antonio worked with a few of your employees to launder money and sell drugs through your businesses."

I swallowed hard. "I thought Antonio was my brother, but he betrayed me in more ways than one." I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I opened them and stared dead into Alberto's blue eyes... "Where is Veronica?"