Chapter 6 - THE LAWYER WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Marcus Vale stood beneath the warehouse's rusted ceiling beams.
His shoes were polished.
His coat was expensive.
And he looked completely out of place among the dust and broken pallets.
Avery held the tin box against her chest.
“How did you know I was here?”
Marcus smiled.
“Your grandfather's property has been a subject of interest for years.”
“That doesn't answer my question.”
He glanced at the box.
“Ah.”
His smile widened.
“You found it.”
Avery stepped backward.
“What is this?”
“Old papers.”
“Then why are you here?”
Marcus sighed.
“Mrs. Rook, your grandfather was a stubborn man. He collected information he didn't understand.”
Avery stared.
“He understood enough to hide it.”
Marcus's expression hardened.
“Give me the box.”
“No.”
He took a step closer.
“Avery.”
She backed toward the side door.
“Stay where you are.”
Marcus stopped.
Then laughed softly.
“Do you really think Gabriel will protect you once he understands what these documents could do to his family's business?”
Avery swallowed.
“What do you mean?”
Marcus tilted his head.
“Your husband's fortune was built on the harbor.”
She stared.
He continued.
“And some foundations are better left undisturbed.”
A car engine sounded outside.
Marcus glanced toward the entrance.
For the first time, uncertainty crossed his face.
Gabriel appeared moments later.
He stopped when he saw Marcus.
“What are you doing here?”
Marcus smiled.
“Gabriel. I was just explaining—”
“Step away from my wife.”
Avery looked at Gabriel.
His voice was calm.
Dangerously calm.
Marcus raised both hands.
“There's no need for hostility.”
Gabriel stepped between them.
“Then leave.”
Marcus studied him.
“You're making a mistake.”
Gabriel didn't move.
“Perhaps.”
Marcus looked at Avery one last time.
Then walked out.
After he left, Gabriel turned toward her.
“Are you hurt?”
She shook her head.
He exhaled.
“Good.”
Avery looked at him.
“You came.”
He nodded.
“You sounded frightened.”
She swallowed.
“I didn't ask you to.”
“I know.”
He hesitated.
“I hope that was all right.”
For a moment, Avery didn't know what to say.
Then she nodded.
“Yes.”
They took the records to an independent attorney and forensic document specialist.
The materials were cataloged and preserved.
The lawyer explained that the documents might support further investigation but would need verification.
Gabriel agreed.
Avery appreciated that he didn't promise instant revenge.
He simply sat beside her.
And listened.
That evening, as they returned to the estate, Avery asked:
“Did your father know about the harbor?”
Gabriel stared through the windshield.
“I don't know.”
She looked at him.
“Do you want to?”
May you like
He took a long breath.
“Yes.”
