Chapter 7 – THE HEIRLOOM NECKLACE IN THE VAULT

“A second copy?” I asked.

Luca stared at the paper.

“Victor must have made a backup. He knew I would kill him if he failed.”

“What heirloom necklace?”

Luca’s eyes widened.

“My mother’s diamond necklace. The one she wore on her wedding day. It’s kept in the private vault at the downtown bank.”

He looked at Daniel, who had just walked down the stairs.

“Daniel. We need to get to the bank. Now.”

“Boss, the police are still everywhere outside. If you leave now, they’ll want to question you.”

“I don’t care. If Victor told anyone else about that necklace, the FBI will be raiding that vault by noon.”

Luca turned to me.

“Olivia. Stay here. Stay safe.”

“No,” I said, standing up and dropping the blanket. “I know what Vanessa’s brother looks like. The man who was with her yesterday. If he’s trying to get the necklace, I can identify him.”

Luca hesitated, then nodded. “Let’s go.”

We took the armored SUV, slipping out the back gate while the lawyers handled the police at the front.

The drive downtown was tense and silent.

When we arrived at the massive stone bank, it was just opening.

Luca bypassed the line, walking directly to the bank manager. A few whispered words and a flash of a heavy gold ring got us immediately escorted to the subterranean vaults.

The vault room was lined with stainless steel safety deposit boxes.

Luca used his key, and the manager used his, pulling a long metal box from the wall.

He set it on a private viewing table and left us alone in the room.

Luca opened the box.

Inside, resting on black velvet, was a breathtaking diamond necklace.

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered.

Luca didn’t admire the diamonds. He picked up the heavy gold clasp at the back of the necklace.

He twisted it carefully.

With a soft click, the clasp opened, revealing a tiny, hollow compartment.

Empty.

Luca slammed his fist onto the table.

“It’s gone,” he growled.

“Who could have taken it?” I asked. “Only you have the key.”

“Not only me,” Luca said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “My brother, Matteo.”

I stared at him. “You have a brother?”

“He was exiled five years ago when Victor was ousted. I thought he was in Sicily.”

Before we could say another word, the heavy vault door swung shut with a deafening CLANG.

The electronic lock beeped, turning red.

We were locked inside.

A voice echoed through the vault’s intercom speaker.

“Hello, Luca.”

Luca stepped forward, his eyes burning with rage.

“Matteo.”

“I’m sorry, brother,” Matteo’s smooth voice echoed. “But the list belongs to me now. I’m selling it to the FBI. Immunity for me, and life in a federal supermax for you.”

“You’re a dead man, Matteo!” Luca roared.

“Goodbye, Luca. Enjoy the vault. The air should last about three hours.”

The intercom cut off.

We were trapped.

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