Chapter 6 - The Man Michael Was Warning Him About
Gabriel Caruso entered smiling.
“Vincent.”
His eyes moved toward Nora.
“And who is this?”
“The woman who read Michael’s notebook.”
Gabriel’s smile vanished.
Only for a second.
But Nora saw it.
So did Vincent.
Gabriel removed his coat.
“I heard about Anthony.”
“You heard quickly.”
“People talk.”
Vincent stepped closer.
“Did Michael talk?”
Gabriel’s expression hardened.
“Careful.”
Vincent showed him Nora’s photograph.
For the first time, Gabriel looked genuinely afraid.
“You killed him.”
Gabriel shook his head.
“No.”
“You stole from me.”
“No.”
“You used Anthony.”
Gabriel remained silent.
Vincent’s men moved toward him.
Then Nora interrupted.
“Wait.”
Everyone looked at her.
Nora studied Gabriel.
“If he killed Michael, why would Michael lead you here?”
Vincent stopped.
Nora continued.
“Michael knew you would understand ‘white house.’”
She looked around.
“He wanted you here.”
Gabriel suddenly looked toward the fireplace.
Nora followed his eyes.
A loose brick.
Vincent noticed too.
Marcus removed it.
Behind the brick was a small waterproof envelope.
Inside were photographs.
Bank statements.
Names.
And one handwritten note from Michael.
Vincent read it.
His expression changed.
Gabriel had been stealing.
But he had not killed Michael.
Anthony had.
Michael had discovered the theft.
Anthony panicked and shot him before Gabriel could stop it.
Gabriel lowered his head.
“I never ordered Michael’s death.”
Vincent looked at him.
“But you created the reason for it.”
Gabriel had no answer.
Vincent turned toward Marcus.
“Take him.”
Gabriel did not resist.
As he was led outside, Vincent remained beside the fireplace staring at Michael’s final note.
Nora quietly stepped away.
This was family grief.
She did not belong inside it.
“Nora.”
She stopped.
Vincent looked at her.
May you like
“Don’t disappear.”
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