Chapter 14
The traitor at my meeting was a capo named Vincent Shaw.
Walter’s man.
He had arranged access to my vehicle.
When my guards brought him to the house, he saw Walter under restraint and understood immediately.
“Boss.”
I looked at him.
“Which one?”
His face changed.
Good.
Walter still believed himself one.
Vincent looked at me.
“You.”
Walter shouted:
“Coward.”
Vincent laughed.
“You’re the one caught with a child’s suitcase.”
That ended whatever loyalty remained.
I asked one question.
“What did Walter promise you?”
“South crews.”
Heather laughed bitterly.
“He promised those to me.”
Vincent stared.
Walter said nothing.
I almost smiled.
Same trick.
Promise the same future to multiple useful people.
Vincent looked at Walter.
“You said Heather was leaving.”
Heather’s face changed.
“What?”
Lydia looked away.
Another layer.
Vincent continued:
“He said after Joanna’s accident, Heather would take the blame for the car.”
Heather stared at her father.
“You were going to sacrifice me.”
Walter shrugged.
“You made mistakes.”
She laughed.
Something ugly.
Broken.
“You made me shave a three-year-old’s head.”
“You chose to.”
Heather froze.
There it was.
The moment useful people discover obedience buys no protection.
Walter continued:
“You were careless with the bracelet.”
“You told me to plant it.”
“You left fingerprints.”
“We’re family.”
“That doesn’t make you competent.”
Heather looked at Lydia.
“Did you know?”
Her mother stayed silent.
“Mom.”
Lydia finally said:
“It was necessary.”
Heather’s face collapsed.
Both parents.
Same answer.
Useful until inconvenient.
I stepped closer to Heather.
“This does not erase what you did to Louisa.”
“I know.”
Good.
At least she didn’t ask.
“But if you know anything else, talk now.”
She nodded.
“Dad has another man.”
“Who?”
Walter closed his eyes.
Heather answered:
“Peter Hale.”
I knew the name.
Old Miller enforcer.
Supposedly living in Florida.
“He’s at the north lodge.”
“Why?”
Heather looked at Walter.
“To prepare the room for you.”
My skin went cold.
May you like
Walter had recreated Adam’s final night almost piece by piece.
Only this time, I had come home early.
