Alex entered the hospital for the second time that day, only this time, he was a lot more scared than he was the first time. He hardly knew what the people around him were doing or saying, and he somehow managed to get Arianna admitted with the help of an officer who had come with them.

He couldn’t help but feel responsible for Arianna. He was with her just before she was kidnapped, and even though he knew her location, he had stayed outside the scene of action until it was too late. That thought almost made his heart stop.

No, no, no, no. Please no. Please let me not be too late. I can’t be too late.

He sat waiting till a doctor came out to give him an update.

“She’s fine. The blow didn’t cause any damage. She’s still unconscious and resting. We’ll be monitoring her closely.”

“Thank you so much, Doctor,” Alex said, surprised to find his eyes tearing up. I am so sorry, Ana, I couldn’t reach you earlier. Please, please be okay.

His phone vibrated with a message from Buzz.

We’re ready to interrogate Brian. You should be there for this.

Alex stood up, his eyes full of fire. He took a step forward, then hesitated. Something pulled him back. I don’t want to leave you and go, Ana. But I want to ensure Brian is behind bars.

When he reached the police station, Buzz had set up an interrogation room with Brian. He nodded to one of the deputies who had helped him get Arianna admitted.

“How is it going?” he asked.

“Not too good. He doesn’t seem to be cracking, no matter what Inspector Hughson is throwing at him. Either he is a pathological liar or he’s insane,” the deputy said, turning his attention back to the interrogation room.

Brian not admitting anything is not going to help anyone. He needs to confess. Alex’s eyes sparkled with an idea. He tapped on the glass. Buzz stopped his line of questioning and looked behind him. A minute later, he had walked out of the room.

“What’s up? How’s Arianna?” he asked, seeing Alex in the room.

“She’s unconscious, but the doctors are optimistic of recovery. This isn’t a good week for her and Sophie.” Thinking about them made his heart clench.

Buzz was about to leave when Alex stopped him.

“Buzz, I have an idea. Why don’t we use Antonio to break Brian? Why don’t we make it look like Franco is the bad guy?” He stopped when he saw Buzz’s raised eyebrows and then comprehension dawned on his face.

“You mean let Antonio tell him the truth and see what happens? That’s a great idea. Maybe he will spill his guts about Franco once he realizes the betrayal.”

Buzz moved out of the room and into the room where Antonio was held.

“Here’s your chance to make it right for your daughters. It’s too late for your son; he will be arrested. But I think you should be given a chance to tell him the truth. You should tell him everything. Maybe then he will not be as hostile to you.”

Antonio’s eyes sparked when he heard this.

“Talk to Niccolo and tell him my story? I would love to have that opportunity.” Antonio was almost in tears.

Just as they were leaving the room, Buzz said, “Franco drove in a lot of wedges between you and Niccolo. Get him to confess everything about the Moretti so we can take them down. and it will be redemption for you and him.”

Antonio gave an emotional nod and walked in the room.

Even though Brian was handcuffed, he stood up in anger when he saw Antonio enter.

“What is he doing here?” he questioned the Sheriff. “I have nothing to say to the man who abandoned me when I was a baby for no fault of mine.”

“Niccolo, please listen to me. Son…” Antonio pleaded.

“I am not your son, and my name is Brian.” There was fire in Brian’s eyes.

“Alright, Brian, please listen to me and my story, then decide if you want me to go away from your life and I will. No questions asked.”

Brian fumed and sat down, looking away from Antonio.

Antonio repeated his story about Lucia. He spoke in a lot of detail about how he raised his son and his pride for him. He even confessed his role in helping Franco with his jobs. This was no holds barred and Antonio held nothing back. There were tears in his eyes when he finished. Brian stared at him, dumbfounded, when he finished.

“Did you hear?” Buzz spoke quietly, breaking the somber mood in the room. “Your father loves you. Franco has always been someone who didn’t want you in his life. You were a loose end. Look at what he did to your mother; she was a loose end and he cut her out of his life. He wanted you to sink Antonio, or maybe sink yourself. Still think you want to defend a man who has no interest in you? He’s been playing you all along.” Buzz’s words struck deep.

“Now’s the time to confess, my boy.” the Sheriff added.

Brian looked around, crazed. As Buzz’s point hit the mark, his eyes became dim. His shoulders drooped and he nodded.

“Niccolo, son. Please forgive me. I was a coward five years back. I’m not a coward now. I’m going to transfer the winery to you. I want you in my life.” Antonio seized Brian’s hands.

Brian shook his head. “It’s too late, Papa. It’s too late. I will be going to prison. I committed fraud, money laundering, even assaulted my sisters. I obstructed justice. No jury can find me innocent. But, will you wait for me? We will begin our life together when I am out of prison.”

Antonio’s eyes filled with tears. “Yes. Yes, my son. Yes, Brian.”

“No, Papa. Niccolo. I am your Niccolo.”

Brian looked at the Sheriff. “Please give me a paper and pen. I want to confess.”

Antonio was in tears when he walked out. Alex came out to see him sobbing.

“Thank you, Inspector. Thank you for healing everything with my son.” Buzz stared at him, feeling disgusted. Alex shook his head. He would never understand Antonio, and he was not going to try.

“That’s a fine job done on this one, Inspector.” The Sheriff shook hands with Buzz. “Don’t let them hear me say this, but it was a real pleasure working with you. I hope we never have to meet again. Will you be processing these arrests?”

“I’ve called it in and the FBI will be in to book Brian. His testimony will help us get to Franco as well. Hopefully there are no data leaks anymore.” He looked at Alex, who laughed.

The Sheriff looked at Antonio. The man looked upbeat, and even a little happy. He nodded to his deputy, who went to Antonio and placed handcuffs on him. Antonio looked surprised.

“Antonio Belmonte, you’re under arrest for money laundering. I will now read you your rights.” The deputy moved Antonio to a cell.

Buzz and Alex walked outside.

“Thank you so much for your help, Buzz. This whole operation would not have been possible without you and your support.” Alex had a look of gratitude on his face.

“Alex, be grateful you mentioned everything to me at the right time. Otherwise, who knows what would have happened.”

Alex couldn’t talk. Everything had worked out in such a way that Arianna was safe. If one of these factors had not happened, who knows what would have. That thought sobered him up.

He hugged Buzz. He was distracted by his phone ringing. His heart raced when he saw it was an unknown number. Brian is in jail. Who can it be?

“Hi, is this Alex Garner? I’m calling from the hospital. You wanted an update on Arianna Belmonte? She just woke up now and gave us your name. Can you come in?”

Alex’s heart leapt. His Arianna was awake!

“Buzz, it’s the hospital. She’s awake. She’s awake.” Alex looked around in wonder.

“Well, don’t stick around here, go get her.” Buzz gave him a gentle shove. Alex nodded, smiled, and moved towards his car.

I’m coming for you, Ana. I’m coming.