Chapter 8 - THE HOUSE ACROSS TOWN
Carmine drove himself.
Marcus followed with two guards.
Anthony's house sat dark behind cedar trees.
Helena's car was in the driveway.
Carmine rang the bell.
Nothing.
He rang again.
Then pounded.
"Anthony!"
The porch light came on.
His brother opened the door wearing sweatpants and a dress shirt.
Behind him, Helena stood barefoot.
Anthony said, "It's not what you think."
"People only say that when it's exactly what I think."
Helena picked up her heels.
"I came here because you were acting insane."
"How long have you two been working together?"
Anthony shook his head.
"We are not working together."
"Then explain the calls."
"She asked me for advice."
"About my son's trust?"
Carmine saw it.
"Get out of my way."
Anthony blocked the door.
"No."
Marcus stepped forward.
Carmine lifted one hand.
He did not need violence.
He needed truth.
"Did you know Elena's brake line was cut?"
"Yes."
The word almost dropped Carmine.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because she had been investigating the company."
"What company?"
"Ours."
Anthony continued.
"Elena found irregular payments. Shell contractors. Missing money."
"Whose?"
Then at Carmine.
"Mine."
Helena whispered, "Don't."
Anthony said, "I was moving money. I was in debt. Elena discovered it."
Carmine felt rage rise.
"Did you kill her?"
"No."
"Did you cut the brakes?"
"No."
"Then who did?"
Anthony's face folded.
"I don't know."
Helena grabbed her bag.
"I'm leaving."
Carmine stepped aside.
"Go."
"But the engagement is over."
For the first time, her confidence cracked.
"You don't mean that."
"I do."
"You'll regret it."
"Maybe."
She walked past him.
Anthony watched her go.
Then Carmine said, "Why does she know about Elena?"
"Because she was there."
"Where?"
"The night Elena confronted me."
May you like
Carmine's breath caught.
"Helena was working for me."
