Chapter 13 - THE PRICE OF LOYALTY|
Emma found Catherine in a small hotel near Central Park.
The woman opened the door before Emma knocked a second time, as though she had been watching through the peephole.
“You shouldn't have come alone,” Catherine said.
“Everyone keeps telling me that.”
“Because everyone knows what happens when people get close to the truth.”
Emma stepped inside.
The room was immaculate, but Catherine's suitcase stood open on the bed. Passports, cash, and a folded coat lay beside it.
“You're leaving.”
“I have to.”
“You were at the garage with Vincent.”
Catherine's face tightened.
“Who told you?”
“I saw the photograph.”
“Then you know why I can't stay.”
“Tell me what happened to my father.”
Catherine sat down.
“Daniel discovered that Arthur was moving money through the docks. Vincent helped him at first. He believed he could use the evidence to force Arthur to retire and take control of the legitimate businesses.”
“And then?”
“Vincent realized that if Arthur fell, he could inherit everything. He gave Arthur Daniel's route.”
Emma felt sick.
“Did Vincent kill my father?”
“I don't know who drove the car that night. I know Vincent made the call that put Daniel in danger.”
“Why didn't you tell the police?”
“Because Arthur controlled the police officers who investigated the accident. And because I was afraid.”
Emma stared at her.
“You let my mother live in hiding. You let me believe my father died in an accident.”
“I was trying to survive.”
“So was my mother.”
Catherine's eyes filled with tears, but Emma couldn't find sympathy for her.
“Your mother came to me after Daniel died,” Catherine said. “She wanted to expose both brothers. I helped her disappear. I gave her money, documents, a new identity.”
“Then why did she say she made a mistake trusting someone inside the family?”
“Because I betrayed her.”
The admission hung between them.
Catherine explained that she had given Vincent a false location for Margaret, hoping to draw him away from Emma. Instead, he discovered the truth and arranged for Margaret to be followed.
“Your mother survived the first attempt on her life,” Catherine said. “But she was never completely safe. Years later, when she became ill, I wanted to help. Vincent threatened to expose my role in the original cover-up if I interfered.”
Emma's anger burned cold.
“So you did nothing.”
“I sent money anonymously. I paid for some of her treatment.”
“You should have done more.”
“Yes,” Catherine whispered. “I should have.”
She handed Emma a small flash drive.
“Vincent recorded his conversations with Arthur. He kept copies in case he ever needed leverage. This contains one of them.”
Emma took it.
“Why give it to me now?”
“Because Dominic has been arrested, and Vincent intends to take control of the family businesses before the charges destroy him.”
“Where is he?”
Catherine looked toward the window.
“Tonight, he's hosting a charity gala at the Vale Foundation.”
Emma almost laughed.
“He's holding a party while his nephew sits in jail?”
“He's announcing a leadership transition. By midnight, he'll control everything.”
“Not if I expose him.”
Catherine rose.
“Emma, listen to me. Vincent doesn't panic when someone threatens him. He becomes cruel. If you go to that gala, he'll know exactly who you are.”
Emma put the flash drive in her pocket.
“Good.”
Catherine caught her arm.
“Your mother wanted you to have a normal life.”
Emma looked down at the hand holding her.
“My mother wanted me to be safe. There's a difference.”
She left the hotel without looking back.
That evening, she bought a black dress with money she couldn't afford to spend.
Then she called Detective Reed.
“I have evidence that could clear Dominic Vale.”
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“And what do you need from me?”
“A microphone, a warrant, and enough officers to keep Vincent from disappearing.”
