Chapter 9 - THE TEST
I did not confront Marcus.
Instead, I lied.
To three people.
Three different versions.
To my attorney:
Patrick had original evidence naming Leo's killer.
To Father Brennan:
Patrick had nothing but suspicions.
To Marcus:
Patrick had proof that the rival crew really killed Leo.
Marcus relaxed.
Barely.
But I knew him.
Then I added:
“Patrick wants to meet Lily.”
His face changed.
There.
“Absolutely not.”
I looked at him.
“Why?”
“You don't know him.”
“Neither do you anymore.”
“He abandoned you.”
“Yes.”
“He informed on the family.”
“Yes.”
“He will use that child to get to you.”
A reasonable concern.
Then Marcus said:
“That is why we made sure Emily disappeared the first time.”
We.
The word entered the room quietly.
Marcus realized.
Too late.
“What did you say?”
He leaned back.
“You were out of your mind after Leo.”
“We?”
“Security.”
“Emily received a threat.”
“I know.”
“How?”
Silence.
Emily never told him.
I never showed him.
The note disappeared before she left Boston.
Only Emily, Leo, and whoever sent it knew its exact wording.
Marcus stood.
“Damon.”
I reached beneath my desk.
Not for a gun.
For the call button that brought my attorney and security team into the room.
Marcus almost smiled.
“You're treating me like an enemy.”
“No.”
I looked at him.
“I’m treating you like someone I no longer trust enough to question alone.”
That hurt him.
Good.
But it was still not proof he murdered Leo.
Then Marcus said:
“You really want the truth?”
“Yes.”
“Your father is not the man you think he is.”
“I don't think he’s anything yet.”
For the first time, Marcus looked uncertain.
Then:
“Ask Patrick who decided Leo was too dangerous to keep alive.”
May you like
He walked out.
And I realized the story had just become larger again.
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