Chapter 6 - THE NIGHT THE HARTWELL HOUSE WAS ATTACKED
The attack happened on a Sunday.
My mother was hosting lunch at the old Hartwell house.
I arrived with Vincent.
He wore a dark sweater.
No tie.
No jacket.
For once, he looked almost ordinary.
My mother greeted him warmly.
“Vincent.”
He kissed her cheek.
“Margaret.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Please don't encourage her.”
Vincent smiled.
“Too late.”
Lunch was surprisingly pleasant.
Until the windows shattered.
A loud crash echoed through the dining room.
My mother screamed.
Vincent moved immediately.
“Down.”
He pulled me behind the heavy dining table.
Security personnel rushed toward the entrance.
I heard shouting.
Footsteps.
Glass breaking.
Vincent looked at me.
“Are you hurt?”
I shook my head.
“No.”
He nodded.
“Stay here.”
I grabbed his sleeve.
“Don't do anything stupid.”
His mouth twitched.
“Define stupid.”
I glared.
“Vincent.”
He nodded.
“Okay.”
The intruders fled before police arrived.
No one in the house was seriously injured.
But someone had left a message.
A photograph.
My father.
Standing beside Alessandro Marino.
On the back were five words.
THE DEAD DON'T KEEP SECRETS.
I stared.
My hands shook.
Vincent stood beside me.
His expression hardened.
Then he whispered:
“Someone wants us to stop.”
May you like
I looked at him.
And for the first time, I realized the truth about my father might be dangerous enough to get us both killed.
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