Chapter 4 - THE NIGHT CATHERINE DIED
Vincent sat across from Detective Ortega in a private office behind the diner.
Outside, rain began tapping against the windows.
Ortega had arrived with a child protection specialist and an investigator trained in interviewing young children.
Luca remained with Emily and Rosie until the specialist was ready.
Vincent had agreed not to ask him any more questions.
It was the hardest promise he'd made in years.
“Tell me about the night of the fire,” Ortega said.
Vincent rubbed his face.
“Catherine was supposed to meet me at our house in Alpine.”
“Where was she coming from?”
“A charity event in Manhattan.”
“Alone?”
“With Luca.”
Ortega made a note.
“What time did you hear about the accident?”
“Ten forty-seven.”
“From Bell?”
Vincent nodded.
“He said Catherine's car had crashed near the old river warehouse.”
“Why was she there?”
Vincent looked up.
“I never knew.”
Ortega studied him.
“Did you ask?”
“Of course.”
“And?”
“Bell said she took a wrong turn.”
Ortega's expression remained neutral.
Vincent suddenly heard how absurd it sounded.
Catherine knew the city.
She had grown up in Brooklyn.
She wouldn't accidentally drive toward an abandoned warehouse in the middle of the night.
Not with Luca in the back seat.
“Was Luca injured?” Ortega asked.
“Smoke inhalation. Minor burns on his arm.”
“Who removed him from the car?”
“Bell.”
Ortega stopped writing.
“Bell?”
Vincent nodded.
“He told me he'd arrived just after the crash.”
“Did anyone confirm that?”
Vincent stared at him.
“No.”
Ortega leaned back.
“Vincent, I need you to understand something. Your son's recollections matter, but they need to be handled carefully. We can't assume every detail is accurate without corroboration.”
“I understand.”
“Do you?”
Vincent's jaw tightened.
“My son hasn't spoken in two years. Today he saw Bell and said that man locked his mother inside a burning car.”
Ortega held his gaze.
“And that's why we're going to investigate properly.”
Vincent looked away.
For the first time, he felt something worse than rage.
Guilt.
May you like
He had spent two years mourning Catherine.
And all that time, the man who might have killed her had remained close enough to watch Luca grow up.
