Chapter 9 - THE DEPTHS OF DESPAIR
Silence fell over the boathouse, broken only by the howling wind and crashing waves. Luca rushed forward. He dropped to his knees beside the edge. He grabbed the metal chain. He unlocked the padlock with shaking hands. “Sofia!” he cried, pulling her into his arms. “Daddy!” she sobbed, burying her face in his chest. “I've got you,” Luca whispered, tears finally mixing with the rain on his face. “I've got you, sweetheart.” Max stood by the water's edge, flashlight in hand. He swept the beam across the dark, swirling surface of the lake. “Boss,” Max called out. Luca looked up. “Did she surface?” “There.” Max pointed toward a dark shape bobbing near the pilings. Vanessa was fighting the current. The heavy red gown dragged her down like an anchor. “Help me!” she screamed, swallowing mouthfuls of freezing water. “Luca! Save me!” Luca stood up slowly. He held Sofia safely in one arm. He walked to the edge of the platform. He looked down at the woman who had tried to destroy his family. “Please!” Vanessa choked out, her hands flailing in the dark water. “I'm drowning!” Luca's face was expressionless. “You wanted to put my daughter in a cold, dark place,” Luca said. “Now you know what it feels like.” “Luca!” she shrieked. A massive wave crashed against the pier. It swept over her head. When the water receded, Vanessa was gone. Max shined the flashlight across the surface again. Nothing. Just dark, empty water. “She's gone, Boss,” Max said quietly. Luca turned around. He looked down at his daughter. “Let's go home, Sofia.” “Yes, Daddy,” she whispered. “Let's go home.”
