Chapter 9 - THE THREAT THAT EXPOSED THEM
The first threat arrived on a Tuesday.
A photograph of Audrey entering Evelyn's office.
The second arrived Wednesday.
A picture of her new apartment building.
The third was a message.
COME HOME OR YOUR FATHER WILL LOSE EVERYTHING.
Audrey stared at the screen.
Then forwarded it to Evelyn.
She had spent her life protecting Charles Gallagher.
Even now, some part of her wanted to rush back and save him.
But she remembered the breakfast table.
The silence.
The way her father had told her to remember her place.
She took a breath.
Then called him.
Charles answered immediately.
"Audrey."
"Dad."
"Where are you?"
"Somewhere safe."
He exhaled.
"Come home."
"No."
His voice hardened.
"You're making a terrible mistake."
Audrey closed her eyes.
"Did you know about Northstar?"
Silence.
"Dad."
He sighed.
"Business is complicated."
"Did you know someone used my credentials?"
He didn't answer.
Audrey felt tears sting her eyes.
"Did you know?"
Finally, Charles whispered:
"Preston said it was temporary."
The room seemed to tilt.
Audrey sat down.
"Temporary?"
"He said the transfers would be reversed before anyone noticed."
Audrey stared at the wall.
"You let them use my name."
Charles sounded desperate.
"I was trying to save the family."
She laughed once.
A broken sound.
"No."
Her voice trembled.
"You were trying to save yourself."
Charles began speaking quickly.
"Audrey, please. If you cooperate, we can still fix this."
She wiped her cheeks.
"That's what I always do, isn't it?"
Silence.
"I fix things."
Her father said nothing.
Audrey continued.
"But this time, I'm not fixing your lies."
She ended the call.
Then sat quietly.
For a long time, she cried.
Not because she was weak.
Because she had finally accepted that the father she'd spent her life trying to please had been willing to sacrifice her.
That evening, Mateo arrived at Evelyn's office.
Audrey showed him the messages.
His expression hardened.
"We need to report these."
"We already have."
He nodded.
"Good."
She looked at him.
"Do you ever get tired of being angry?"
Mateo studied her.
"Every day."
She smiled sadly.
"Me too."
He sat beside her.
For a while, neither spoke.
Then Mateo said:
"My brother used to tell me that revenge feels like justice until you realize it doesn't bring anyone back."
Audrey looked at him.
"Do you believe that?"
He considered.
"I'm trying to."
May you like
She nodded.
"So am I."
