“Rook has stolen from the Vale organization for at least nine years. The art shipments are only part of it. He has used false debts to seize waterfront properties above old tunnels. He is preparing a private transportation network beneath Greyhaven.”
Silas looked at Mara.
Daniel explained that Julian had created shell companies, corrupted customs officials, and moved stolen art for international buyers. The money financed a private army loyal to Julian rather than Silas.
“He intends to remove Silas Vale,” Daniel said. “After that, he will control the harbor.”
Silas’s face showed no emotion.
The recording continued.
“I agreed to meet a police inspector named Thomas Reed. Rook learned about the meeting. If I die before I reach Reed, my death was not an accident.”
Evelyn gripped the edge of the locker.
Daniel’s final words came more softly.
“Evie, you deserved the truth from the beginning. I was ashamed, and shame made me obedient. I loved you, but I used love as an excuse for cowardice. Do not forgive me because I am dead. Forgive yourself for believing me.”
The recording ended.
Evelyn did not cry immediately.
The tears arrived after Mara and Silas moved a respectful distance away.
She covered her face.
Daniel had betrayed her.
Daniel had tried to save her.
Daniel had been frightened.
Daniel had been brave too late.
All of those truths existed together, refusing to become simple.
Silas returned after several minutes and stood beside her without touching her.
“I don’t know how to mourn him now,” she said.
“You do not have to choose one version of him.”
“I hated him.”
“That does not erase love.”
“I loved him.”
“That does not erase what he did.”
She lowered her hands.
Silas was the only man she knew who could make mercy sound severe.
“What happens now?” she asked.
“Julian knows the tunnel was discovered. He will assume Daniel kept evidence.”
“He will come for it.”
“Yes.”
“For me?”
Silas’s eyes darkened.
“He will not reach you.”
“That was not my question.”
“No,” he said. “It was not.”
Chapter Seven
A Dinner Among Enemies
Julian Rook accepted Silas’s dinner invitation.
That worried Mara more than a refusal would have.
The dinner took place at Vale House in a room overlooking the harbor. Twelve men and four women attended, each responsible for a different part of the organization. They arrived in expensive cars, surrendered their weapons at the entrance, and pretended the evening was social.
Evelyn attended in the sapphire-blue dress she had once designed for a duchess who refused to pay for it.
Silas had objected to her presence.
Evelyn had ignored him.
Now she sat at his right hand while Julian occupied the chair opposite them.
Julian raised his wineglass.
“To unexpected guests.”
Evelyn smiled. “I have been called worse.”
“I am sure.”
“You employed my husband.”
“Indirectly.”
“You threatened him.”
Conversation around the table stopped.
Silas remained still.
Julian examined Evelyn as though she were an unfamiliar painting.
“Grief often creates explanations where none exist,” he said.
“So does guilt.”
A woman near the end of the table looked down at her plate.
Julian turned to Silas. “Is this an interrogation?”
“No,” Silas said. “If it were, the food would be worse.”
Several guests laughed nervously.
Julian did not.
Evelyn placed a photograph on the table.
It showed Julian entering the western tunnel beside Daniel.
The date printed in the corner was six weeks before Daniel’s death.
“You said you never met him personally,” Silas said.
Julian looked at the photograph.
“I meet many contractors.”
“You also said the tunnel was being prepared for future development.”
“That was its intended purpose.”
“The stolen paintings were decorative?”
Julian leaned back.
“So this is an interrogation.”
Silas cut a piece of meat with precise movements.
“It is dinner. I am asking whether I should have you killed before dessert.”
No one laughed.
Evelyn’s pulse quickened, but Julian’s expression remained composed.
“You sound like your father.”
“My father would not have asked.”
“That is true.”
Julian placed his napkin beside his plate.
“You have Daniel’s records.”
“Yes.”
“Then you know he was not innocent.”
“I never assumed he was.”
“He forged customs papers. He accepted money. He transported stolen goods through the theater.”
“He also documented your accounts.”
“Because he intended to sell them.”
“To whom?”
“Anyone willing to save him from the consequences of his choices.”
Evelyn spoke. “You killed him.”
Julian looked at her.
“I did not touch your husband’s car.”
“You ordered someone else to do it.”
“An accusation without proof.”
“We have his recording.”
Julian’s gaze moved toward Silas.
For the first time, genuine alarm broke through his calm.