Chapter 5 - The Snake in the Grass
"She’s clearly out of her mind," Victor stammered, his polished corporate facade cracking as beads of sweat formed across his temples. "Luca, look at her. She’s making up fairy tales to save her job!"
Before Luca could respond, Marco leaned down heavily over Luca’s shoulder. His knuckles turned white where he gripped the back of Luca’s high-backed leather chair.
"Luca, don't listen to her," Marco whispered urgently, his breath hot against Luca’s ear, his eyes darting frantically toward the tape on the table. "Don't play that tape. It’s an insult to Alessandra’s memory. She died in an accident, man. Digging up ancient garbage right now in front of Sophie... you’ll traumatize the poor girl. Just sign the papers, Luca. Let Alessandra rest."
Sophie shrank back, sensing the venomous panic in Marco’s voice. She buried her tiny face against Luca’s ribs, whispering softly, "Daddy... I'm scared."
Luca’s arm instinctively wrapped around his daughter, pulling her securely against his chest. His touch was tender, but his eyes were pure ice.
He didn't miss the subtle twitch in Marco’s jaw. He didn't miss the way Marco’s left hand slowly reached toward the edge of the table, attempting to palm the VHS cassette when no one was looking.
Luca moved faster.
With blinding speed, Luca’s hand slammed down over the cassette, pinning it firmly against the mahogany wood. The loud crack silenced Marco instantly.
Luca slowly looked up at his cousin.
"Why are you sweating, Marco?" Luca asked, his voice calm, steady, and chillingly devoid of emotion. "If this tape is just garbage, why are your hands shaking so badly?"
Marco froze, his outstretched hand suspended inches above the table. Across the room, an antique television console sat against the paneled wall—the very setup Luca’s grandfather had installed decades ago, preserved for old family archives.
"Bring the player," Luca commanded softly.
May you like
👉 What horrific secret was captured in the grainy black-and-white tape from eight years ago?
***
