Page 114 of Burning Caine

“When you brought this one in, it was the first thing I did. Please know, my mother was not aware of any of this. She was taken with you.”

“So, let me guess. Your father and sister knew the whole time?”

I ran a hand through my hair, rather than fall to my knees and beg for forgiveness. “I found the copyist. His information is in there.”

“It wasn’t you? That would be perfect.”

“No, Samantha, it was not me.”

“I guess all those interviews I did, I could’ve asked you all along.” She folded her arms, Work-Samantha in control. “Who did your parents buy it from?”

“Bobby Scott.”

“Right. So, Thursday, in the truck, when you suggested Bobby had sold it and had the forgery done without telling his wife…” She clenched her jaw and squeezed her eyes shut, a tear forming in the corner of her eye. My heart broke yet again. I never should have lied to her.

“Samantha, I’m so sor—” I took her hand, but she tore it away, dragging it across her cheek.

“And Mason’s. Why were you there?”

“I wanted to see you again—”

“No.” She picked up the case and the envelope. “You were protecting yourself, weren’t you? Making sure Rhonda didn’t reveal your little secret, because your father was the one who offered on it while it was there?”

“I’m sorry for all—”

“What I want to know most, though, is did you ever actually care about me, or was it all—” Her lip curled and she turned to leave.

My throat hurt and I swallowed hard to get the words out. “Mi piange il cuore.”

“Bene.” She faced me, pushing the knife deeper as her voice quavered. “So does mine.”

A wide-eyed Sofia stood at the dividing wall with Lucy, whispering to her. Samantha collected her, thanked Sofia for everything, and left.

My anchor was gone.

Sofia waved me into my office at the back.

“I have to go home and pack.” I had argued and argued with Papa not to send me. Or postpone the trip. But this was a Ferraro responsibility now. He had convinced them to take me, so I had to go, or our name would be tarnished.

“Are you alright?”

“I shouldn’t have lied to her. I knew it, but I did it anyway.”

“I’m sure she’ll forgive you eventually, little brother.” She put her arms around me. “Did you write her that note we talked about?”

“It’s with the report.”

“I hope it works. Call me if you need anything.”

I nodded and left through the back. In my car, I dialed her number, just in case, but it stopped on the first ring.

Chapter 45

Samantha

Lucyclimbedintothepassenger seat next to me. “My heart weeps.”

“What?”