Chapter 6 - THE STORAGE UNIT
Vincent didn't go to the storage facility alone.
He gave the receipt to Ortega.
The detective obtained the necessary legal authorization to examine the unit.
Vincent waited outside while investigators entered.
Hours passed.
Then Ortega emerged carrying a sealed evidence bag.
Inside was a small black notebook.
Vincent recognized Catherine's handwriting immediately.
“What is that?”
Ortega looked at him.
“Your wife kept records.”
“Of what?”
“Financial transfers.”
Vincent felt his stomach drop.
Catherine had been a trained accountant before marrying him.
She had always been better with numbers than he was.
She had also been the one person in his life who openly questioned how his businesses operated.
Ortega continued.
“Some of these transactions appear connected to shell companies.”
Vincent looked at the notebook.
“Mine?”
“Some. Others are linked to people close to you.”
Vincent understood.
Anthony Bell.
And perhaps others.
Ortega studied him.
“Your wife may have discovered something she wasn't supposed to.”
Vincent looked toward the evidence bag.
For two years, he had believed Catherine died because of an accident.
Now he was beginning to understand she might have died because she refused to remain silent.
That evening, he found Luca asleep in the family room.
The green crayon rested beside his pillow.
Vincent sat down and watched him breathe.
Then he whispered:
“I should have protected her.”
Luca stirred.
His eyes opened.
For a moment, Vincent thought he would retreat into silence again.
Instead, the boy reached for his hand.
“Daddy.”
Vincent's throat closed.
“Yes, buddy?”
Luca looked at him.
“Mommy tried.”
Vincent began crying.
He couldn't stop.
May you like
Luca moved closer.
And for the first time in two years, father and son cried together.
