Chapter 6 - THE MAN WHO SEARCHED EVERYWHERE
Silas had men searching three states.
Private investigators reviewed traffic footage.
Drivers were questioned.
Hotels were contacted.
Every rumor received attention.
None led to Carmela.
Three weeks passed.
Then four.
The police had no confirmed evidence that she was dead.
But they had no proof she was alive either.
Silas stopped sleeping.
He worked until dawn.
He ignored calls.
He drank coffee instead of eating.
Tommy watched his boss deteriorate.
“You need rest,” he said one morning.
Silas stared at a map.
“Find her.”
“We're trying.”
“Try harder.”
Tommy hesitated.
“Boss, there's something you should know.”
Silas looked up.
“The investigators found evidence of financial irregularities in the port companies.”
Silas went still.
“What kind?”
“Transfers. Forged signatures. They're looking at Harbor Meridian.”
Silas frowned.
“That company handles consulting contracts.”
“Apparently it handles more than that.”
Silas stood.
“Who authorized the transfers?”
Tommy said nothing.
Silas stared.
“Tommy.”
“I thought you knew.”
“Knew what?”
“That Khloe's family was moving money through the alliance.”
Silas felt his chest tighten.
“What?”
Tommy looked away.
“She said you approved it.”
Silas crossed the room.
He grabbed Tommy's jacket.
“You believed her?”
Tommy's face hardened.
“You've let her into every meeting for two years.”
Silas released him.
The words were true.
Khloe had been present at negotiations.
She had access to documents.
She had introduced business contacts.
Silas had enjoyed her attention.
Her admiration.
Her willingness to flatter him.
He had never questioned what she wanted in return.
He turned toward the window.
“Bring her here.”
Khloe arrived an hour later.
She smiled when she saw him.
“Darling, you look terrible.”
Silas placed a folder on the desk.
“Explain this.”
Her smile faded.
She opened the folder.
Then closed it.
“Where did you get these?”
“Answer the question.”
“Those are ordinary business arrangements.”
“Then why are Vincent's signatures forged?”
Khloe stared.
“I don't know.”
“Why is your company receiving money?”
“Because we provide services.”
“What services?”
She crossed her arms.
“Silas, I won't be interrogated.”
He looked at her.
“Did you know Vincent was going to expose the transfers?”
Her expression changed.
Just slightly.
But he saw it.
“Khloe.”
She stepped backward.
“You're being ridiculous.”
“Did you?”
She looked toward the door.
Silas felt a terrible certainty settle over him.
“Did your family have anything to do with the fire?”
Khloe's face drained.
“I didn't know they would go that far.”
Silas stopped breathing.
“What did you say?”
She covered her mouth.
For the first time, her composure broke.
“I thought they were going to frighten him.”
Silas stared.
“Who?”
“My brother.”
He felt the room tilt.
Khloe began crying.
“Silas, please. I didn't know anyone would die.”
He looked at her.
“And Carmela?”
Khloe shook her head.
“I don't know where she is.”
“Did your brother send someone after her?”
“I don't know.”
Silas stepped away.
He wanted to rage.
To destroy something.
To make the room reflect the violence inside him.
Instead, he reached for his phone.
He called his attorney.
Then the detective handling Vincent's death.
He gave them Khloe's name.
When he ended the call, Khloe stared at him.
“You're turning me in?”
Silas looked at her.
“My wife may be dead.”
Khloe's eyes filled.
“And you think this will bring her back?”
“No.”
May you like
His voice broke.
“But it's the first honest thing I've done for her in a long time.”
