Chapter 9 - THE MAN BEHIND THE FAMILY
Richard Hale lived in a mansion overlooking Long Island Sound.
Eighty-one years old.
Retired.
Respected.
Charitable.
His name appeared on hospitals, museums, and university buildings.
Victor hadn’t spoken to him in nine years.
“He practically raised us,” Victor said as they drove.
Ava looked at him.
“And you never suspected him?”
“Of stealing money? Sure.”
“Murder?”
Victor said nothing.
That was answer enough.
Marcus joined them.
Daniel remained hospitalized under guard.
They reached Richard’s estate before noon.
An elderly butler opened the door.
Richard sat near the fireplace.
Silver hair.
Perfect suit.
A cane beside his chair.
When he saw Ava, he smiled.
“Elena’s girl.”
Ava’s skin crawled.
“You know me?”
“I always have.”
Victor stepped forward.
“What did you do?”
Richard sighed.
“Still dramatic.”
Ava threw Elena’s letter onto the table.
Richard read it.
His smile disappeared.
“She was always too clever.”
Victor lunged.
Marcus stopped him.
Richard laughed softly.
“So much anger.”
Ava stood directly in front of him.
“Did you kill my mother?”
Richard looked at her.
“No.”
Ava waited.
“But I approved it.”
Victor punched the wall.
Marcus cursed.
Ava’s eyes filled, but her voice remained steady.
“Why?”
“Because your mother had information that would have destroyed this family.”
“She was a waitress and bookkeeper.”
“She was brave.”
Richard’s tone almost sounded respectful.
“That made her dangerous.”
Ava stared at him with disgust.
“And me?”
Richard leaned back.
“You were a child.”
“So you let me live?”
“For a while.”
Victor moved again.
Marcus blocked him.
Richard smiled.
“You really think Crowe acted alone last night?”
Victor looked at Ava.
Richard continued.
“The only reason she is breathing is because I wanted the medallion.”
Ava touched her necklace.
“Why?”
Richard pointed.
“Open it.”
Ava frowned.
“It doesn’t open.”
“Everything opens.”
Marcus examined the edge.
There was a tiny groove.
He twisted.
The medallion separated.
Inside was a microfilm chip.
Victor stared.
Richard’s expression hardened.
“There it is.”
Marcus quickly closed his hand around it.
Richard smiled.
Then dozens of footsteps sounded outside.
Armed men appeared at every doorway.
Victor turned slowly.
Richard raised his cane.
“Marcus, put it on the table.”
Marcus didn’t move.
Richard sighed.
“I have Ava’s father in the hospital.”
Ava went pale.
“What?”
Richard smiled.
“One call, and Daniel stops breathing.”
Ava stepped forward.
“You touch him—”
“I already have someone close enough to do it.”
Victor looked at Marcus.
Marcus looked toward Ava.
Richard tapped the table.
“The medallion.”
Marcus slowly placed it down.
Richard smiled.
“Good boy.”
Then Ava’s phone rang.
Unknown number.
She answered.
A nurse whispered frantically.
“Miss Bennett? Your father’s gone.”
Ava stared at Richard.
May you like
Richard smiled wider.
And then the line went dead.
