Chapter 6 - The Secret Burial
Claire felt the air leave her lungs completely.
"My father never buried anything," she argued defensively.
"He was an honest, hardworking mechanic."
Dorian motioned for his men to escort them to a waiting armored SUV.
"Your father was a good man, Claire, but he was not just a mechanic," Dorian explained as they climbed inside.
The heavy doors shut securely, locking out the noise of the police sirens in the distance.
"Thirty years ago, the Moretti family stole a master ledger containing the names of every corrupt politician in the state."
Dorian handed Claire a warm, dry towel to dry Maddie's wet hair.
"My father tried to steal it back to destroy them, but his car was ambushed and set on fire."
"Arthur Whitaker pulled my father from the burning wreckage and took the ledger to keep it safe."
Claire stared at Dorian in complete and absolute shock.
"You are telling me my father hid mafia secrets under my coffee shop?" she asked breathlessly.
"Yes," Dorian confirmed gently.
"And the Morettis just finally figured out where it was hidden."
The SUV sped quickly through the city, heading toward the wealthy Gold Coast neighborhood.
They pulled into the underground garage of a towering, ultra-secure high-rise building.
"You and Maddie are staying in my penthouse until it is entirely safe," Dorian ordered.
Claire wanted to protest, but she looked at her exhausted, traumatized daughter and swallowed her pride.
They rode a private elevator all the way up to the top floor.
The penthouse was a sprawling fortress of white marble, bulletproof glass, and silent bodyguards.
Petra led Claire and Maddie to a luxurious guest bedroom with a massive, warm bed.
Maddie fell asleep instantly the moment her head hit the soft silk pillows.
Claire walked back out into the living room, where Dorian was pouring a glass of expensive whiskey.
"If they want the ledger, why not just break in at night?" Claire asked, her analytical mind working fast.
"Why try to legally force me out with a purchase notice first?"
Dorian took a slow sip of his drink and looked at her grimly.
"Because they didn't know the exact layout of the basement."
"They needed to tear the entire building down to find it."
"And they needed someone who legally owned half the property to authorize the sale to Apex Holdings."
Claire froze, a sickening realization washing violently over her.
"My ex-husband Wade is still on the deed," she whispered in pure horror.
Suddenly, Claire's cell phone vibrated violently in her wet pocket.
May you like
She pulled it out and saw a new text message from Wade.
The message read: "I have Maddie's favorite stuffed bear from the cafe; come meet me alone if you ever want to see it again."
