POV: Emilia Conti
The statement didn't come from me.
That was the part Luciano hadn't planned for.
It came from a hospital room with pale walls and a nurse who refused to be reduced to collateral. Claire Benson's words were careful, precise, and devastating in their restraint.
Strauss read it aloud to me just after noon.
"—was questioned multiple times by individuals presenting themselves as affiliated with private security," she recited. "They asked about Dr. Emilia Conti's movements, associations, and influence. They did not identify themselves as law enforcement."
She looked up. "Claire refused to sign until that sentence stayed intact."
I nodded slowly. "Good."
Strauss continued. "—the injury I sustained occurred during an attempted robbery that escalated when I refused to answer further questions."
Silence filled the room.
"They escalated," I said quietly. "Not panicked. Escalated."
"Yes," Strauss replied. "That matters."
