Exposed to the CEO Behind the Mafia Mask

Chapter 383: Chapter 167 Facing the Dead

Gemma’s POV

Relief flooded through me when I finally saw my mother was safe. The fact that Vincenzo had crossed paths with her seemed beyond coincidental—one of those inexplicable moments some attribute to luck and others to divine intervention. Whatever it was, I owed this kid yet again. After hearing their account of the mall incident, and Dominic confirming that the Nancy accompanying my mother was indeed his ex-girlfriend and a known associate of rival family operations, everything clicked into place.

Now we were headed to meet Daniel Martinez—my mother, Vincenzo, Dominic, and myself. All I wanted was to collapse in my own bed, but Daniel had requested our presence for the cleanup debrief, leaving us no choice in the matter. In the Thorne family’s world, when their police contact called, you answered.

”Remind me again why Daniel needs us for this debrief?” I asked Dominic, still bitter about postponing my reunion with my pillow.

Dominic sighed, his jaw tightening slightly. ”Gemma, you were Nick’s target. The fake kidnapping was clearly designed to lure you to him. Plus, your mother’s stolen phone was used in the scheme.” His explanation remained consistent, but I sensed he was withholding something about how the family had handled the situation.

”I just want to go home,” I whined, jutting my lower lip out.

”Gemma, stop behaving like a petulant child,” my mother admonished, which made Dominic smile in amusement despite the gravity of our situation.

”Come on, aunt, don’t ruin my excitement,” Vincenzo piped up. ”I’ve never been part of a family cleanup operation before.”

Dominic groaned. ”Good grief, Vincenzo! You shouldn’t be thrilled about this kind of business. Your mother will have my head for involving you. I still can’t believe I let you talk me into it.”

”She won’t blame you, uncle. Besides, I’m the hero who saved aunt Gemma—again. Inspector Daniel needs my firsthand account of how I tracked down those bastards,” Vincenzo declared with unmistakable pride, which made me laugh despite my exhaustion.

Upon arrival at the downtown precinct, I noticed unusual activity—several unmarked vehicles and men in expensive suits who definitely weren’t regular cops. We were immediately escorted to Daniel’s office, where he awaited us with that familiar mix of authority and carefully controlled violence that marked all of Dominic’s associates.

”There she is!” Daniel rose and embraced me, his grip firm and reassuring. ”Woman, you’re quite the trouble magnet.”

”You’re telling me,” Dominic quipped, but there was genuine concern in his voice.

”Have a seat, everyone. I need to update you on how we handled the situation,” Daniel said. After greeting each person individually, he settled back into his chair. ”Gemma, after Vincenzo alerted Dominic about what was happening, Dominic contacted me with the details. We traced Nick’s cell signal to Scout Kieran warehouse district. I happened to be there leading a coordinated sweep, and when we investigated, we discovered Nick among the suspects already in custody.”

”So Nick was arrested?” I asked, hope rising in my chest.

Daniel spoke deliberately, weighing each word. ”Gemma, there was an exchange of gunfire during the operation. Nick was killed during the confrontation.”

”Dead?” I echoed, absorbing this bombshell as Daniel confirmed with a nod. ”Does it make me a terrible person that I feel relieved?”

”Not at all, Gemma.” Daniel offered a sympathetic smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. ”However, I’d like you to identify the body to verify it’s truly him. We found his identification and matched the photo, but the family prefers certainty in these matters. You won’t see any injuries—he’ll appear peaceful, almost sleeping. Can you manage that?”

”Absolutely, Daniel. Just tell me when and where. I have no qualms about facing that corpse.” Silently, I added that I wouldn’t mind spitting on his face—he was surely burning in hell by now.

”Perfect. The medical examiner’s facility is adjacent to us. I’ll escort you there now,” Daniel stood, straightening his jacket in a way that suggested he was armed.

We exited the precinct and entered the neighboring medical examiner’s building. Daniel guided us through corridors that seemed unusually quiet, exchanging coded words with the coroner, who offered me a friendly but nervous smile. The man clearly knew who was paying his bills.

My mother remained outside with Vincenzo, who was visibly disappointed about being barred entry. His curiosity was insatiable as he pelted Daniel with endless questions about family operations. Teenagers could be bizarre, especially when they’d grown up around the Thorne organization!

I proceeded inside with Daniel and Dominic. The pungent odor of formaldehyde mingled with death assaulted my nostrils; the room was ice-cold and eerily quiet. The medical examiner directed me to a table where a body lay beneath a white sheet. I approached and glanced at Daniel.

”Whenever you’re ready, Gemma,” he encouraged gently, though his hand rested casually near his weapon.

Steeling myself, I lifted the sheet. There lay Nick, indeed appearing as if in peaceful slumber. No visible bullet wounds, just the pale stillness of death.

”Rot in hell, you monster!” The words escaped me involuntarily.

”Well, that certainly confirms it’s Nick,” Daniel remarked with a hint of dark amusement.

”He was the embodiment of evil,” I muttered, replacing the sheet over his face. ”Thank you, doctor. Feel free to dissect him thoroughly—he wasn’t worth anything alive anyway.” The doctor chuckled nervously at my dark humor.

”Let’s get you out of here before you request a scalpel to perform the autopsy yourself,” Daniel joked as we exited, though I caught the meaningful look he exchanged with Dominic.

Back in the reception area, Vincenzo rushed toward me, bombarding me with questions about what I’d seen. We returned to Daniel’s office where he recorded our statements—though I suspected these were more for show than any real legal process. The Thorne family handled their own justice.

”Now we need to address Nancy’s involvement. She was deeply connected to rival family operations and assisted Nick. I apologize again about keeping your phone as evidence, Willow,” Daniel added regretfully.

”Don’t fret, Daniel. I’ll purchase another tomorrow,” my mother replied nonchalantly.

”Tomorrow? No way! We’re going directly to the mall after this to get you a new one,” I insisted.

”And it’s my treat, Willow,” Dominic added generously, already reaching for his wallet.

”Perfect timing for the mall visit—I’m famished!” Vincenzo interjected, causing everyone to laugh despite the day’s grim business.

”Vincenzo, your appetite is boundless. How do you stay so trim?” I asked, genuinely curious.

”Auntie, I’m in my growth phase, plus I train constantly. Swimming, martial arts, weapons training. On weekends, Dad and I practice tactical driving together,” Vincenzo explained, revealing his impressive and somewhat concerning activity schedule.

By nightfall, exhaustion had settled into my bones, but for the first time in what felt like forever, I experienced genuine relief and tranquility—Nick could never hurt me again, and the Thorne family’s protection ensured it.