Chapter 10 - THE SECRET VINCENT KEPT
Vincent found Claire in the hotel operations office.
She was sitting beside a desk, drinking water.
Her hands shook.
He stopped in the doorway.
“Are you hurt?”
She shook her head.
“No.”
He exhaled.
“Good.”
Claire looked up.
“Vincent.”
“Yes?”
“I need to know something.”
He waited.
“Are you involved in the missing shipments?”
His expression changed.
Then he nodded.
“My companies handled part of the transportation.”
Claire swallowed.
“And?”
He looked down.
“One of my senior executives approved contracts connected to the scheme.”
She stared.
“You knew?”
“I discovered it during the investigation.”
Claire stood.
“Why didn't you tell me?”
Vincent swallowed.
“Because I didn't want you to think I was responsible.”
She stared.
Then laughed bitterly.
“You hid something because you wanted me to trust you?”
He closed his eyes.
The words struck hard.
Claire stepped back.
“I need time.”
Vincent nodded.
“Take it.”
She looked at him.
“Don't call me until I'm ready.”
He swallowed.
May you like
“All right.”
And he let her walk away.
