Chapter 9 - THE NIGHT CARMINE RETURNED
Z
Carmine appeared at the mansion just after midnight.
Not through the front gate.
Through an old service entrance that had been used by delivery trucks before Gabriel renovated the property.
I was working late in the household office when the security alarm sounded.
Elena called immediately.
"Matilda, stay where you are."
My stomach tightened.
"What's happening?"
"Carmine is on the property."
I looked toward the hallway.
"Is Gabriel here?"
"No. He's at the hospital for follow-up care."
Relief flooded through me.
Then Elena said, "Lock the door."
I did.
Seconds later, footsteps approached.
A man stopped outside.
"Matilda."
Carmine.
My blood turned cold.
"Open the door."
I said nothing.
He laughed softly.
"You think Gabriel can protect you forever?"
I backed toward the window.
Carmine continued.
"He's weak. He always was. He just had money and people willing to do the ugly work for him."
I gripped my phone.
Elena was still on the line.
"Keep talking," she whispered.
Carmine's voice hardened.
"You took something that belongs to me."
"The blue envelope?"
Silence.
Then:
"Where is it?"
"With the investigators."
He swore.
"You stupid girl."
I closed my eyes.
For a moment, I was back on the marble floor with broken glass around me.
Then I remembered Gabriel's voice.
Never let anyone convince you that you're worthless.
I opened my eyes.
"No, Carmine."
He stopped.
I continued.
"I'm not stupid. And I'm not afraid of you anymore."
He struck the door.
I flinched.
Then footsteps thundered from the opposite corridor.
Elena's voice rang out.
"Step away from the door!"
Carmine cursed.
A struggle followed.
Then silence.
When Elena opened the door, Carmine was on the floor with his hands restrained.
Two officers stood beside him.
He looked up at me.
His expression was pure hatred.
"You ruined everything."
I stared at him.
"No."
My voice was steady.
"You did."
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At 1:14 A.M., Carmine was taken into custody.
And for the first time since Gabriel's supposed death, I slept through the night.
