Chapter 2 - THE DEBT THAT WASN'T MINE
The emergency department was bright and quiet.
A doctor examined my bruised rib and the mark beneath my jaw.
She asked questions.
Had I been hit?
Was I safe at home?
Did I know the men who hurt me?
I answered as honestly as I could.
Vincent waited outside.
When I emerged, he stood immediately.
“What did they say?”
“Bruising. No serious injury identified.”
His shoulders relaxed slightly.
“Good.”
I looked at him.
“Why are you doing this?”
He hesitated.
Then answered, “Because someone used my name to frighten you.”
I stared.
“And that's the only reason?”
His gray eyes met mine.
“No.”
My heart skipped.
He continued, “Because you were hurt.”
We left the hospital shortly after midnight.
Vincent's driver, Enzo, waited beside the SUV.
Vincent opened the door for me.
Then his phone rang.
He answered.
“What?”
A pause.
His expression hardened.
“Dominic said what?”
I stared.
Vincent looked toward me.
Then spoke slowly.
“Tell him I'm on my way.”
He ended the call.
I swallowed.
“What happened?”
Vincent looked at me.
“Dominic claims David never borrowed thirty thousand dollars.”
My stomach dropped.
“What?”
He continued.
“He says David stole something worth far more.”
I stared at the rain.
Then whispered, “What did he steal?”
May you like
Vincent's expression became unreadable.
“A ledger.”
