Chapter 6 - THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
The red house stood in a quiet neighborhood outside New York City.
It had belonged to Isabella's aunt.
After the aunt died, the property passed into a family trust.
Gabriel believed it had been sold years ago.
But property records showed something else.
The house still existed.
And its ownership had been transferred through several shell companies.
Marco brought the documents to Gabriel.
“Vincent's signature appears on two transfers.”
Gabriel stared.
“Why?”
Marco shook his head.
“I don't know.”
Emma sat nearby with Sophie.
The child was drawing birds.
Gabriel looked toward her.
Then at Emma.
“I don't want her involved.”
Emma nodded.
“She shouldn't be.”
But Sophie had already seen enough.
She looked up.
Are you talking about Mommy?
Emma translated.
Gabriel hesitated.
Then signed slowly:
Yes.
Sophie stared.
Did Mommy do something bad?
Gabriel shook his head.
No.
He paused.
Then added:
Mommy loved you.
Sophie smiled faintly.
That evening, Vincent Moretti arrived unexpectedly.
He was forty-six, handsome, polished, and always smiling.
He greeted Gabriel warmly.
Then noticed Emma.
His smile changed.
“And who is this?”
Gabriel stood.
“Emma Brooks.”
Vincent looked her up and down.
“The famous bakery woman.”
Emma felt the insult beneath the charm.
She said nothing.
Vincent turned toward Sophie.
“Hello, princess.”
Sophie immediately stepped behind Emma.
Vincent laughed.
“Still shy?”
Emma watched the child's face.
Something was wrong.
Vincent leaned closer.
“Come give your uncle a hug.”
Sophie shook her head.
Vincent's smile thinned.
Gabriel noticed.
“Sophie doesn't have to hug anyone.”
Vincent straightened.
“Of course.”
Later, after Vincent left, Sophie tugged Emma's sleeve.
Her hands moved quickly.
He took Mommy's book.
Emma crouched.
Are you sure?
Sophie nodded.
He said Daddy couldn't see it.
Emma felt her pulse quicken.
What kind of book?
Sophie thought.
Then signed:
Blue.
Emma looked toward Gabriel's office.
A blue book.
A red house.
May you like
A dead mother.
And a child who remembered more than anyone had asked her to tell.
