Chapter 3 - Let Him Think the King Is Dying
For the next three days, Blackwood Manor became a stage.
Vincent stayed hidden.
Doctors were told his condition had worsened.
The board received notice that he was too weak to attend meetings.
Marcus called twice.
Vincent refused both calls.
On the third evening, Marcus arrived personally.
Rosa opened the door.
“How is he?”
“Sleeping.”
“I need to see him.”
“The doctor said no visitors.”
Marcus stepped closer.
“I am not a visitor.”
Rosa held her ground.
“Mr. Blackwood gave instructions.”
Marcus’s jaw tightened.
Then he smiled.
“Of course.”
From the upstairs landing, Daniel watched silently.
When Marcus finally left, Daniel entered Vincent’s room.
“He bought it.”
Vincent looked pale beneath the blankets.
“That’s because half of it isn't acting.”
Removing the poison had helped, but recovery wasn't immediate.
Daniel sat down.
“We traced the nurse.”
“And?”
“Payments from a shell corporation connected to Marcus.”
“Enough for an arrest?”
“Not yet.”
Vincent looked toward him.
“Then we need Marcus to move.”
“He already is.”
Daniel handed him a document.
“Emergency board meeting. Tomorrow morning.”
Vincent read it.
PERMANENT TRANSFER OF EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY.
He smiled.
“There it is.”
“Your company.”
“No.”
Vincent handed the document back.
“His confession.”
Daniel frowned.
“Explain.”
“If Marcus believes I'm finished, he'll stop hiding.”
Daniel nodded slowly.
“And Vanessa?”
“We find her.”
Daniel hesitated.
“We already did.”
Vincent looked up sharply.
“Where?”
“A motel outside Philadelphia.”
“Bring her here.”
“She may refuse.”
“Then tell her Marcus tried to murder me.”
Daniel stared at him.
“She already knows.”
Vincent went still.
“What?”
“She contacted one of my men yesterday.”
“Why?”
“She’s afraid.”
“Of Marcus?”
“Yes.”
Vincent’s expression hardened.
“She should be.”
Several hours later, Vanessa Cole entered the estate through the service entrance.
The elegant woman Vincent remembered was gone.
Her eyes were swollen from crying.
She stopped when she saw him.
“Vincent.”
He didn't answer.
“I thought you were dying.”
“You knew I was dying.”
“No.”
Vincent wheeled closer.
“You stole my vault key.”
“Yes.”
“You left with Marcus’s vehicle following you.”
Vanessa looked at Daniel.
Then back at Vincent.
“I can explain.”
“Try.”
Vanessa sat down.
“Marcus told me you had hidden documents proving illegal payments inside Blackwood Maritime.”
Vincent laughed bitterly.
“And you believed him?”
“He said you would go to prison and everything would disappear.”
“So you robbed me.”
“I thought I was protecting myself.”
“You were protecting yourself from a dying man?”
Vanessa lowered her eyes.
Vincent leaned forward.
“When did you learn he was poisoning me?”
“After I left.”
“How?”
“I heard him talking to the nurse.”
“What did he say?”
Vanessa swallowed.
“He said they only needed another month.”
Vincent’s jaw tightened.
“And then?”
“He said once you were gone, the board would vote unanimously.”
“Why didn't you call me?”
“I was terrified.”
“Of me?”
“Of Marcus.”
Vincent studied her.
“Will you testify?”
Vanessa looked toward Daniel.
“Can you protect me?”
Daniel answered.
“Yes.”
She turned back to Vincent.
“Then I'll tell them everything.”
Vincent nodded.
He didn't forgive her.
But forgiveness wasn't necessary.
Not yet.
Tomorrow, Marcus Vane was going to walk into Blackwood Maritime believing the empire was finally his.
May you like
Vincent intended to let him enjoy that belief.
For exactly long enough to destroy him.
