Chapter 10 - THE MAN WHO HAD BEEN PAID TO STAY SILENT
Gavin Pike was located in Indiana.
He had left Chicago the night police arrived at Bellweather.
Investigators questioned him about the restaurant's security procedures and the contaminated meals.
At first, Gavin denied involvement.
But financial records showed unusual payments into an account connected to him.
The payments came from a company associated with Daniel Reed.
Under questioning, Gavin admitted that he had been instructed to monitor certain guests.
Oliver Grant.
Ethan Brooks.
Anyone asking questions about the D. CARTER LEGACY account.
He also admitted that management had been warned about the earlier incident involving Oliver.
The investigation into the food contamination continued.
Evidence connected the tampered dishes to individuals working under Gavin's direction.
Ethan received the update from Detective Mitchell.
He sat silently.
Then asked:
“Did Daniel order it?”
Mitchell answered carefully.
“We're following the evidence.”
Ethan nodded.
He understood.
He wanted certainty.
But certainty required proof.
That evening, Ethan visited Mia at her apartment.
She opened the door.
“What happened?”
He told her about Gavin.
Mia listened.
Then sat down.
“I warned you because I thought someone was going to die.”
Ethan nodded.
“You may have saved my life.”
She looked at him.
“I didn't know you were the owner.”
“I know.”
She laughed sadly.
“If I'd known, I might have been too scared to say anything.”
Ethan smiled faintly.
“Then I'm glad you didn't.”
For the first time, Mia smiled back.
May you like
Not because she trusted him completely.
But because he had begun earning it.
