Chapter 2 - THE PHOTOGRAPH IN THE ENVELOPE
Paulie Russo had worked beside Vincent for seventeen years.
He had seen the man survive betrayal, assassination attempts, and wars that turned entire neighborhoods into battlegrounds.
But he had never seen Vincent smile the way he had that afternoon.
Not until Nora Hayes arrived.
Paulie stared at the photograph on his phone.
Then read the message again.
THE GIRL KNOWS WHAT HAPPENED TO THOMAS.
Thomas Russo had died ten years earlier.
The official story was a heart attack.
But Paulie knew the truth was more complicated.
Thomas had been involved in a violent dispute with Carmine Gallow's organization.
There had been threats.
Secret meetings.
And a final confrontation nobody discussed.
Paulie forwarded the message to Vincent.
Then called him.
Vincent answered after three rings.
“What?”
“We have a problem.”
Vincent stepped into the hallway.
“What kind?”
“Someone's watching the east wing.”
Silence.
Then Vincent asked:
“Who?”
“We don't know.”
Paulie hesitated.
“But the message mentions your father.”
Vincent's expression hardened.
“What does Nora have to do with him?”
May you like
Paulie looked at the photograph.
“That's what we need to find out.”
