Franco couldn't sleep that night. His eyes remained open, staring at the dark ceiling, memories and thoughts about Marco, Luca Ferri, and everything he had discovered in the last few hours clashing in his mind. He felt like he was trapped and couldn't get out of it, and that every step he took was dragging him deeper into the darkness.
With the first light of the morning, Franco decided that he couldn't stay in a state of waiting. He had to confront Marco, but not in the office or in a public place. The perfect place for that was the café where they used to meet informally. He knew that Marco wouldn't suspect a thing there.
He arrived at the café early, and sat in the corner where they used to sit. He drank his coffee slowly, contemplating the details he was noticing for the first time. He felt that everything around him was hidden behind a veil of lies.
It wasn't long before Marco entered the café. He was acting as usual, smiling, and walking with that confident look that he used to show everyone. But today was different. Today Franco knew the truth.
"Hello, Franco. I didn't expect you to meet me this early." Marco said as he approached.
"I need an answer, Marco," Franco replied in a calm, yet sharp voice.
Marco smiled condescendingly, but he didn't seem surprised. "Answer what?"
"About Luca Ferri, about everything. About you." Franco said, staring straight into Marco's eyes.
Marco stopped smiling for a moment, and Franco could see the tension looming in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and said calmly, "I think there's a misunderstanding here, Franco. Everything you see is just complicated situations."
"Complicated situations?" Franco replied in a sharp voice. "Do you think I'm an idiot? How long have you been working with Luca Ferri? And what about all those games we played together?"
Marco took a deep breath, then looked around as if catching his breath before answering. "It's more complicated than you think, Franco. You weren't just a victim, you were part of the game from the beginning. Luca Ferri was watching you because you were the one who could complete the mission."
"Complete the mission? What mission?" Franco asked, pressing Marco even harder.
"Being the cop who doesn't know everything," Marco replied, this time in a voice closer to a whisper. "Being the one who hunts down criminals while actually being part of the same network. You've been exploited in a way you can't imagine."
The words were like a thunderbolt. Franco felt as if the ground beneath his feet was disappearing. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Everything was turning into a living nightmare before him.
"Why, Marco? Why are you betraying me?" Franco asked, trying to process what he had heard.
"I didn't betray you, Franco," Marco replied sadly. "I was just playing a role. But you always thought you were on the right side. Luca Ferri needed someone like us. He wanted you because you had the skills to make people trust you. But in the end, it was all part of a bigger plan."
Franco felt confused. He didn't know what to say or how to confront Marco now. There was anger inside him, but he also felt a deep sadness for the friendship that had been lost.
"What do you want me to do now?" Franco asked, his voice now calm despite all the tension.
"You're in the middle of the battle now, Franco. If you decide to stand against us, you'll pay a heavy price. But if you want to get out of this game, you have to be strong enough to refuse."
Franco was silent for a moment. The choices before him were clear, but he knew that this choice could change the course of his life forever. He knew that he would never be the same person again.
Will Franco follow his inner voice and reveal the truth? Or will he remain in the shadows, part of the game he has no control over?