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It’s a response from Cindy Sullivan.

My heart starts pounding again.

Ms. V,

Thanks for reaching out. Most of what I relied on for that piece is either linked below or came from archived reporting in Italy around the time of Anna Conti’s death. I’ve included a few English-language references and translated summaries that may be helpful.

Best,Cindy

Below the email are links.

I click the first one.

Seen it.

Second.

Seen it.

Third… Fourth…

My hope deflates so quickly it almost makes me dizzy.

Absolutely nothing new.

I reply before I can overthink it.

Thank you for sending these. I’ve come across most of them already. I’m sorry to ask directly, but did you find anything that was not available online? Any public record, archived source, or reporting note that pointed you toward the wording in your article about the circumstances not being fully clarified?

I hit send.

Then I wait.

This time, the answer comes much quicker.

There was more, but not the kind of thing I want to put in writing. Too easy to misconstrue, and I am careful about leaving a trail when discussing people with Conti-level legal resources. May I ask the reason you’re inquiring? If you have a legitimate reason for asking, I’d be open to speaking in person.

My skin goes cold.

There is more.

But not the kind of thing she wants to put in writing?

I read it again.

Then again.

My hands start shaking.

A legitimate reason. What qualifies as legitimate?

I am pregnant with his child and trying to decide whether I may be carrying the baby of a man who killed his wife?

I get the feeling Cindy Sullivan would have a field day with that one.

I set the laptop down on the couch and walk away from it.

I make it three steps.

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