Chapter 2 - THE DOG WHO KNEW THE KILLER
My brother was nineteen years old, studying mechanical engineering in Milwaukee, and had absolutely nothing to do with Arthur Romano's dangerous world.
That was the first thing I told the man bleeding in my bedroom.
"They sent me Danny's picture."
Arthur's expression changed.
"Show me."
I handed him my phone.
He studied the two messages.
Then he sat upright despite the pain.
"Call your brother."
I did.
Once.
Twice.
On the third attempt, Danny answered.
"Maeve? It's almost midnight."
"Where are you?"
"In my dorm. Why?"
"Lock your door."
He laughed nervously.
"What happened?"
"Please, Danny. Just do it."
He heard something in my voice.
"Okay."
I heard the lock click.
Arthur held out his hand.
I hesitated.
Then gave him the phone.
"Danny, my name is Arthur Romano."
Silence.
Then my brother whispered, "The Arthur Romano?"
"Your sister helped me tonight. Because of that, someone may try to frighten you. Don't leave your dorm. Campus security and the police are being notified."
Danny sounded terrified.
"Is Maeve okay?"
Arthur looked at me.
"She's safe right now."
It was the first time I'd ever heard a man like Arthur Romano make a promise without sounding certain he could keep it.
When the call ended, he contacted someone named Vincent Russo.
His voice turned icy.
"Secure the girl's brother. Quietly. Coordinate with campus police. No intimidation, no surprises."
He disconnected.
I stared at him.
"Girl?"
Arthur looked up.
"What?"
"I'm twenty-five."
"Noted."
"And my name is Maeve."
"I know."
"Then use it."
Something flickered behind his eyes.
"All right, Maeve."
Brutus suddenly lifted his head.
A deep growl vibrated through his massive chest.
He moved toward my apartment door.
Arthur went completely still.
"What is it, boy?"
Brutus growled again.
Someone was outside.
Three soft knocks followed.
"Maeve?"
It was Mr. Carmichael.
My boss.
I glanced at the clock.
12:18 a.m.
Why would my employer be standing outside my apartment in the middle of the night?
"Maeve, sweetheart, I know you're home."
Arthur raised one finger to his lips.
Brutus positioned himself between us and the door.
Then Carmichael said something that made my heart stop.
"I know you found him."
Arthur's face hardened.
The dog began barking.
And from the hallway, my boss spoke again.
"Tell Romano I want my property back."
Arthur slowly turned toward me.
"Maeve, what exactly did you take from the alley?"
I shook my head.
"Nothing."
Then I remembered the heavy silver lighter.
Arthur looked toward the dresser.
His expression changed.
"That's impossible."
"What?"
He swallowed.
"That lighter belonged to my brother."
I frowned.
"Your brother?"
Arthur's next words made the room feel suddenly smaller.
"My brother was murdered eleven years ago."
May you like
He stared at the silver Roman numeral.
"And Carmichael was the last man who saw him alive."
