His Collateral

Chapter 25

Aldo's P.O.V:
"Alessandro knows everything, Theresa," I said, my voice low as I sipped my whiskey while staring at Theresa who was sitting the opposite end of the dining table.

"What do you mean by everything?" She asked, worry taking over her features.

I placed the glass down. "Everything Theresa. He knows I killed his brother. He knows that we're not Bella's real parents. And he knows we were responsible for the death of her real parents."

Theresa's eyes widened in horror, and she stood abruptly from the chair. "No, that's not possible," she said, her voice shaking. "H..how did he find out?"

I shook my head. "I have no idea," I said, my tone resigned. "He met me at a cafe two days ago and confronted me about it and I...I couldn't deny any of it."

"And you're only telling me this now?" she yelled, her voice filled with fear.

"I had to make sure Alessandro wouldn't get his hands on the last piece of evidence that could bring us both down," I yelled back pounding my fists on the desk.

"And what is that evidence?" she asked, her voice still raised.

"Salvatore," I grunted pouring myself another glass of whiskey.

Theresa's expression changed, and I knew she was thinking about him. "Is he the one who..?" she began to say, her voice trailing off. Then, there was a knock at the door. She looked at me, a question in her eyes. "Are you expecting someone?" she asked.

I shook my head. "No," I said. "I'm not expecting anyone."

The knock sounded again, more insistent this time. "I'll get it," She replied heading for the door.

I heard the door open, and for a moment, everything was quiet. Then I began to hear muffled voices but I couldn't quite make out what they were saying.
"Theresa, who's there?" I called out to her, but there was no answer.

Holding my whiskey glass in one hand, I stood up and walked towards the front door. "Theresa I asked you who was at the-". I trailed off and felt my blood run cold at the sight of who was standing there.

"You're under arrest Mr. Aldo." The officer said looking me in the eye.

"What do you mean I'm under arrest. For what?"

"Not just you. We have a warrant for the arrest of you, your wife, and your two children, Mr. Luca and Miss Marion." the officer said, his voice cold and authoritative.

Arrest? Did Alessandro manage to get his hands on some evidence? But I made sure to get rid of everything!

"What evidence do you have to arrest my whole family?" I asked, my voice threatening with anger but the officer remained silent.

Why did Alessandro choose to involve my children in this? They're innocent, and shouldn't be dragged into this mess. It was Theresa and I who committed the crimes, and we should be the ones paying the price and not them.
Alessandro you're going to pay for this!

My anger was still burning hot when I heard footsteps coming down the stairs. I looked up, and saw my children, Luca and Marion, their faces pale and their eyes wide with fear. I could see the questions in their eyes, but I didn't have any answers. All I could do was stand there, frozen in place, as the gravity of the situation sank in.

"Mum, dad, what's going on?" Marion asked, her voice shaking. Theresa and I stood frozen, unable to respond. We both knew the truth, but we couldn't bring ourselves to say it out loud.

"On what charges are you arresting us?" Theresa asked.

The police officer stepped forward. "I'm not at liberty to discuss that. You'll have to come with us." "You have the right to remain silent as anything you say will be used against you in the court."

He turned to his colleagues behind him. "Cuff them." He instructed.

Immediately more officers stepped into the house and began putting cuffs on all of us.

Alessandro's P.O.V:
I picked up my phone and dialed Marco's number. He answered after a few rings.
"Alessandro what's up?" He asked

"Marco, I need you to do something for me," I said, my voice urgent but controlled.

"What is it?" he asked sensing the urgency in my tone.

"I need you to get the lawyer and meet me at the precinct," I replied. "I'll text you the address, be quick." I added and cut the call.

I made a beeline down the stairs and was rushing for the door when I noticed Bella. She was fast asleep on the couch. I stood there for a moment, watching her sleep. She looked so peaceful, and untroubled.

And I plan to keep it that way.

I walked over to where she laid and gently kissed her forehead, whispering, "I'll be back." Then I turned and left.
I got into my car and texted Marco the address before the starting the engine. As I drove, I thought about the call I had received from the police. They had taken Aldo and his family into custody, and a hearing had been set for next week. I knew this was going to be a long and difficult process, but I was determined to see it through. For the sake of my brother and Bella. I would do whatever it took to make sure that those who had done wrong were held accountable.
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