Chapter 6 - THE NIGHT HIS FATHER DIED
Elias Kincaid had been seventeen when his father died.
The official report called it an industrial accident.
A warehouse fire.
Faulty electrical equipment.
Three employees killed.
One of them was Michael Kincaid, founder of Kincaid Maritime Holdings.
Elias remembered the funeral.
The rain.
The black umbrellas.
Warren Crowe standing beside him.
A hand on his shoulder.
A promise.
I'll take care of everything, son.
For nineteen years, Elias believed him.
Now June's discovery suggested the old property records had been altered after the fire.
The original ownership documents showed that Michael Kincaid had been negotiating a transfer of certain waterfront assets.
The amended records benefited companies later controlled by Warren Crowe.
Elias stared at the copies.
“Crowe stole from my father.”
Gabriel remained silent.
Avery sat across from him.
“Do you think the fire was an accident?”
Elias didn't answer.
That frightened her.
The following morning, June met with Detective Bennett and provided her account.
She identified the man who had approached her.
He was an associate of Crowe's.
The police began reviewing the old records.
Avery remained beside her sister throughout the interview.
When it ended, June hugged her tightly.
“I'm sorry.”
Avery frowned.
“For what?”
“I should have told you.”
Avery shook her head.
“You didn't do anything wrong.”
June began crying.
“I thought it was just some weird records request.”
Avery held her.
“It's okay.”
Later, Elias approached Avery outside the interview room.
“Your sister is brave.”
Avery smiled faintly.
“She's stubborn.”
“Runs in the family.”
She laughed softly.
Then studied him.
“You look terrible.”
Elias raised an eyebrow.
“Thank you.”
“Have you slept?”
“No.”
“Eaten?”
“Coffee.”
“That isn't food.”
He smiled faintly.
Avery sighed.
“Come on.”
“Where?”
“To get breakfast.”
Elias looked surprised.
“You're inviting me?”
“Yes.”
She paused.
“Unless billionaires aren't allowed to eat pancakes.”
May you like
For the first time in days, Elias laughed.
“Lead the way.”
