Chapter 4 - THE BROTHER WHO CAME HOME
The attacker refused to speak until Daniel showed him the photograph of the inspection report. Then he asked for a lawyer.
His name was Peter Lask, a contractor who had once worked for Victor Shaw. He claimed he had been paid to retrieve the notebook, not to hurt anyone.
“Who paid you?” Julian asked.
Peter looked at the floor. “Mr. Shaw.”
“Did he know I was at the garage?”
“He said you'd be there.”
Julian exchanged a look with Daniel. Someone had been following them.
Peter was taken into custody. The police secured the garage and copied every document in the locker.
On the drive back, Elena sat beside Julian in the rear of the armored car.
“Your brother,” she said.
Julian stared out the window. “Elliot was twenty-six when the crash happened. He was supposed to be in the SUV with me. He changed plans at the last minute.”
“Why?”
“He said he had a meeting.”
“Do you believe him?”
“I don't know what I believe anymore.”
Elena watched the city pass. “Did you and he get along?”
“We were close as children. After our father died, he became angry that I inherited control of the company. He thought I was given everything.”
“Were you?”
Julian turned toward her. “Everything I inherited came with obligations. I spent years trying to keep this company out of trouble. Elliot wanted the title without the work.”
“Maybe he wanted something else.”
Julian's expression sharpened. “What?”
“Maybe he wanted you gone.”
Before Julian could respond, his phone rang.
Margaret.
He answered on speaker.
“Julian, Elliot is here.”
Julian sat forward. “At the mansion?”
“He says he wants to talk. He's in the drawing room.”
“Keep him there. Don't let him near the records.”
Margaret hesitated. “He says he knows about Elena.”
Elena felt cold.
“What does that mean?” she asked.
Julian ended the call.
The car accelerated.
When they reached the mansion, Elliot was standing by the fireplace with a drink in his hand. He looked remarkably like Julian, though his hair was lighter and his smile came more easily.
“Brother,” he said. “You look well.”
Julian didn't return the greeting.
“You sent men after us.”
Elliot laughed. “I have no idea what you're talking about.”
Daniel moved to the side of the room, positioning himself between Elliot and the exit.
Julian placed the copied inspection report on the table.
“Victor Shaw signed the unauthorized replacement.”
Elliot glanced at it. “Then ask Victor.”
“I am asking you.”
Elliot's smile faded. His eyes shifted to Elena.
“Who is she?”
“Elena Walsh.”
“Thomas Walsh's daughter?”
Elena stiffened. “You knew my father?”
“I knew of him. He was a mechanic who couldn't accept that he made mistakes.”
“My father didn't make that mistake.”
Elliot set down his glass. “Careful. You don't know what he was involved in.”
Julian stepped closer. “Tell me what happened the night of the crash.”
Elliot looked at his brother for a long moment.
Then he said, “You should ask Margaret.”
The room went silent.
May you like
Margaret stood at the doorway.
And for the first time that night, she looked afraid.
