Chapter 8 - CELESTE'S LAST WARNING|
Celeste was taken to a private hospital under police protection.
Audrey did not want to see her.
She told herself that repeatedly while the car traveled toward the medical center. She did not owe Celeste anything. Not sympathy, not forgiveness, not even curiosity.
But Celeste had been shot because of the same people who were threatening her child.
That made the situation different.
When Audrey entered the hospital room, Celeste was pale and visibly frightened. A bandage covered her upper arm. Her silver dress was gone, replaced by a hospital gown.
She looked younger without the confidence she had worn at the gala.
“You came,” Celeste whispered.
“I came to ask questions.”
Celeste glanced at Eddie, who remained near the door.
“Can we speak alone?”
“No.”
Celeste swallowed.
“Fair enough.”
Audrey sat in the chair beside the bed.
“Who shot you?”
“I don't know.”
“Why were you at the marina?”
“I was meeting someone.”
“Who?”
Celeste looked down.
“Daniel Bell.”
Audrey's breath caught.
“Daniel is alive?”
“He was. I don't know now.”
“Where is he?”
“He disappeared after the shooting.”
Audrey leaned forward.
“What happened?”
Celeste closed her eyes.
“I was supposed to give him the original account ledger. He had evidence that could clear him and expose the people who framed him. But someone followed me.”
“Who?”
“Victor.”
Eddie moved closer.
“Victor Lane?”
Celeste nodded.
“He works for the people who control the old shipping network. He has been using Ronin's name to move money.”
“Why did Ronin let him?”
“He didn't know everything. Victor made him believe the transfers were temporary. He told him the foundation was being protected.”
Audrey stared at her.
“And you?”
Celeste's eyes filled.
“I helped.”
“Why?”
“Because I thought I could control it. Victor promised me a place beside Ronin. He said once the money was moved, he would make sure Ronin divorced you.”
Audrey's face remained still.
“So you took my chair because you thought you were replacing me.”
Celeste looked away.
“I wanted to believe that.”
“You were willing to destroy a charity to get a man.”
“I know.”
“You were willing to use my name.”
“I know.”
“And now you're asking me to help you?”
Celeste shook her head.
“I'm asking you to stop Victor.”
She reached beneath her pillow and pulled out a small key.
“He has a private storage unit at the marina. The original ledger is inside. There are also photographs and recordings.”
Audrey took the key.
“Why give it to me?”
“Because he thinks you have nothing left to lose.”
Celeste's voice broke.
“But you have a child. And he is planning to use that child to force Ronin to hand over the foundation.”
Audrey stood.
“What does he want?”
“The Hail name gives him access to the donor network. The foundation's expansion is connected to a redevelopment project near the port. If he controls the foundation, he can move money through legitimate contracts without raising suspicion.”
“And my signature?”
“He needs it to make the transfer look voluntary.”
Audrey looked at Eddie.
“We're going to the marina.”
“No,” Eddie said immediately.
Audrey turned.
“I'm not asking permission.”
“You're eight months pregnant. It's dangerous.”
“Then we'll take the police.”
Celeste caught Audrey's wrist.
“There's something else.”
Audrey looked down.
“Tell me.”
“Victor has been telling Ronin that you're planning to leave the country.”
“Why?”
“Because he wants Ronin to believe you're taking the baby away. He thinks your husband will do anything to stop that.”
Audrey pulled her hand free.
“Then Victor doesn't understand me.”
She walked toward the door.
Behind her, Celeste whispered:
“Mrs. Keane?”
Audrey stopped.
“I really am sorry.”
May you like
Audrey did not turn.
“Be sorry enough to tell the truth.”
