Vultures (John Milton Book 24) by Mark Dawson

Author:Mark Dawson [Dawson, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Unputdownable Thrillers
Published: 2025-03-14T00:00:00+00:00

PART V

VENICE

41

Marco and Chiara stepped off the water bus and onto the path. Chiara looped her arm through Marco’s and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

“It’s going to be fine,” she said.

Marco nodded, though the anxiety twisting in his gut told him otherwise.

Isobel was waiting for them outside the small studio.

“Evening,” she said. “How are you feeling?”

Marco forced a smile. “Like I’d rather be anywhere else.”

Isobel chuckled. “That’s understandable. But I’m glad you’re here. You’re doing something important. Telling your story will make a difference.”

Chiara nodded. “We know. We’re just a little overwhelmed.”

Isobel smiled reassuringly. “The journalist’s name is Alessia Romano, and she’s great. Very professional. She’s done work with victims of financial fraud before, so she understands how sensitive this is.”

Marco swallowed. “How will it go? We just answer her questions?”

“Exactly. You don’t have to go into any details you’re not comfortable with, and remember, we’re keeping things general—no specifics about your home or work. Alessia will guide you through it.”

Chiara looked toward the entrance of the studio, her expression tight. “What if we say something that makes things worse?”

“You won’t. Just speak from the heart.”

Isobel led them inside. The reception area was modern, with soft lighting and a few plush chairs arranged neatly along the walls. Marco and Chiara took a seat while Isobel checked them in with the receptionist.

Alessia Romano stepped inside a moment later. She was petite but carried herself with an air of quiet authority, her dark hair was pulled back into a neat bun, and she wore a stylishly understated black dress. She greeted them with a warm smile.

“It’s lovely to meet you both,” Alessia said, shaking their hands firmly. “I appreciate you taking the time to come here today.”

Marco managed a tight smile. “Thanks. I hope we can help.”

“I’m sure you will,” Alessia assured him. “Come with me—let’s get you settled in.”

She led them down a quiet hallway into the studio itself. The room was smaller than Marco had imagined, with a backdrop displaying the station’s logo and two chairs positioned in front of a row of cameras. A sound technician bustled around, adjusting wires and setting up microphones.

Chiara gave Marco a nervous glance. He could see the worry etched into her features and took her hand in his, squeezing it gently. She nodded, her grip tightening around his.

Alessia gestured to the chairs. “Take a seat, and we’ll get you mic’d up.”

Marco sat down, his fingers twitching in his lap as a technician clipped a microphone to his collar. He was acutely aware of the lenses of the cameras pointed at him. Speaking to Isobel in a quiet café had been difficult enough, but this was on a whole different level; this felt real. It felt permanent, that anything they said here would be written in ink and not pencil.

Alessia crouched in front of them. “Just remember,” she said, “you’re here to tell your story. There’s no right or wrong way to do it—just tell the truth and speak from your own experience.”

Marco nodded.

“Do

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