Chapter 10 - THE CAR THAT WAS MEANT FOR RAFAEL|
Elena met Rafael in an abandoned community center on the north side of Meridian.
She had chosen the place because her father used to volunteer there. It was one of the few locations where she felt connected to him without feeling watched.
Rafael arrived alone.
He wore a dark coat and carried no visible weapon.
"You said the recording mentions me."
Elena nodded and opened her laptop.
The audio was distorted, but the voices were clear enough.
Daniel Brooks was speaking to an unknown man.
"The car was registered to Rafael. Luca took the keys because Rafael had been delayed at the office."
The other man asked:
"Are you certain?"
"Yes. Anthony knew Rafael was supposed to leave at nine. Luca left in his place."
Rafael closed his eyes.
The recording continued.
"That was never the plan," the unknown man said.
"Then tell Anthony to stop pretending it was an accident."
The audio ended.
Rafael stood motionless.
His brother had not simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
He had been driving a car intended for Rafael.
Elena watched him carefully.
"Your father may have planned to kill you."
Rafael turned away.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then he looked at her.
"Why didn't you come to me sooner?"
"Because you were engaged to the daughter of the man who helped cover it up."
"Vivienne may not know."
"She knows enough."
Rafael stepped closer.
"Elena, I never wanted to hurt you."
"But you did."
"I know."
"You let me spend three years believing I was important to you, while you prepared to marry someone else."
He lowered his eyes.
"I was afraid of what would happen if I chose you."
"That isn't love. That's fear."
"I didn't say it was love."
The words came out before he could stop them.
Elena looked at him.
"Then what is it?"
Rafael swallowed.
"I don't know how to say it without making it sound like another promise I can't keep."
She closed the laptop.
"Then don't say anything."
He reached for her hand but stopped before touching it.
"I want to protect you."
"I don't need a man to own my safety."
"I know."
"Do you?"
He nodded.
"Yes."
She studied his face.
"Then help me expose the truth. Not because I'm your secretary. Not because you feel guilty. Because Luca and my father deserve justice."
Rafael held her gaze.
"Agreed."
For the first time, they stood on the same side of the truth.
May you like
But neither noticed the small camera hidden above the doorway.
Someone had been listening.
