Chapter 15 - Gabriel Sets the Trap
Gabriel refused to hide.
Richard expected fear.
Gabriel gave him an invitation.
Publicly, Bennett Development announced a gala reopening Harbor Point.
Privately, Gabriel knew Richard would understand the message.
The original ledger would be displayed to investigators that evening before being moved to federal custody.
It was bait.
Maya hated the plan.
“You’re inviting a murderer into a ballroom.”
Gabriel looked around.
“Apparently ballrooms are where my life changes.”
“That isn’t funny.”
“A little.”
“No.”
He took her hand.
“Richard wants the ledger.”
“He wants you dead.”
“Then we let him believe he has a chance at both.”
Federal agents filled the building disguised as staff and guests.
The real ledger was elsewhere.
A replica sat in Gabriel’s office.
At nine fifteen, alarms failed.
At nine seventeen, a camera went dark.
At nine nineteen, Richard entered through a service corridor.
He knew Bennett buildings too well.
Gabriel waited in the ballroom.
Same kind of chandelier.
Same polished floor.
Same wheelchair positioned nearby.
Maya stood beside him.
“You should be upstairs.”
“So should you.”
“Gabriel.”
“Maya.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Impossible man.”
Richard appeared.
Guests had already been evacuated quietly.
Only agents remained hidden.
Richard carried a gun.
“So this is what your father’s company became.”
Gabriel faced him.
“No.”
He looked around.
“This is what it survived.”
Richard smiled.
“You think you’re Thomas.”
“I’m not.”
“Good. He was weak.”
Gabriel’s expression changed.
Richard wanted anger.
Gabriel denied him.
“My father trusted you.”
“That was his weakness.”
“And mine.”
“Yes.”
Richard lifted the gun.
“Give me the ledger.”
Gabriel pointed toward the office.
Richard forced them inside.
He opened the case.
Ledger.
He smiled.
Maya watched his hand.
Gabriel watched his eyes.
Richard realized.
“Fake.”
Gabriel smiled.
“Yes.”
Richard turned the gun toward Maya.
Gabriel’s heart stopped.
“There.”
Richard smiled.
“Now you understand power.”
“No.”
Gabriel remained still.
“I understand you.”
Richard frowned.
“You need people afraid because without fear, nobody chooses you.”
Richard’s face twisted.
Gabriel continued.
“My father chose his family.”
“Maya’s father chose the truth.”
“Maya chose her brother.”
He looked at her.
“And I choose her.”
Maya’s eyes filled.
Richard shouted, “Enough!”
Agents moved.
Richard fired.
Gabriel lunged.
The bullet struck the wall.
Maya dropped.
Gabriel hit Richard.
Both men fell.
Pain exploded through Gabriel’s legs.
Richard reached for the gun.
Maya kicked it away.
Agents stormed the room.
Richard was pinned to the floor.
Gabriel lay breathing hard.
Maya crawled toward him.
“Are you hurt?”
“I don’t think so.”
“You idiot.”
“I know.”
She hugged him.
Richard screamed as agents dragged him away.
“You think this ends with me?”
Gabriel looked at him.
“It already ended.”
Richard disappeared through the doorway.
Gabriel looked at Maya.
She was crying.
“You chose me?”
He smiled.
“That’s the part you heard?”
“It was loud.”
Gabriel laughed.
Then Maya kissed him.
Outside, cameras flashed as Richard Vale was placed into a federal vehicle.
Twenty years of secrets had finally reached daylight.
May you like
But Gabriel still had one promise left to keep.
And fulfilling it would require him to walk farther than he ever had since the accident.
