Chapter 2 — The Woman His Father Remembered
Chapter 2 — The Woman His Father Remembered
Lawrence followed Irene with his eyes as she disappeared into the service hallway.
Something about her reaction bothered him.
Not fear.
Not guilt.
Protection.
She wasn't protecting herself.
She was protecting that folder.
Inside his office, Lawrence watched the security footage again.
Christopher Vance stood beside him.
"You need to stop watching this."
Lawrence didn't answer.
On the screen, Billy stood in front of him.
A tiny child defending his mother.
"Find everything about Irene Owens."
Christopher became quiet.
Too quiet.
Lawrence looked over.
"What?"
Christopher sighed.
"Your father knew her."
The room changed.
"My father?"
"Yes."
"When?"
"Before he died."
Lawrence stepped away from the screen.
"Why didn't I know?"
Christopher looked at him carefully.
"Because you didn't want anyone near him during his final months."
The words hurt because they were true.
Lawrence had controlled everything.
Including who saw his father.
Including who said goodbye.
Christopher continued.
"Henry Sterling asked for Irene Owens three times."
May you like
Lawrence froze.
"And you refused."
