Chapter 3 - THE WOMAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH
Harper thought the nightmare would end when Noah was safe.
Instead, Gabriel Rossi brought her to a hospital under police protection and told her something she could hardly believe.
"Mitchell Reed has been stealing from my companies."
Harper sat upright in her hospital bed.
"Stealing?"
"For at least eighteen months."
A doctor had confirmed two fractured ribs, extensive bruising, dehydration, and a concussion. Harper had also undergone imaging to check for internal bleeding. The doctor wanted her monitored overnight.
Gabriel stood beside the window, his phone buzzing every few minutes.
"I've been investigating missing shipments," he continued. "Someone has been moving money through businesses I don't recognize."
"Then why is Mitchell still working for you?"
"Because until tonight, I couldn't prove it was him."
Harper looked down at her hands.
"You think I know something."
"I think Mitchell believes you do."
Her heart raced.
Three months earlier, Mitchell had started visiting her apartment almost every night.
At first, he had brought flowers and expensive dinners.
He told her she was different from the women who chased wealthy men.
Then the flowers stopped.
The questions began.
Who had she spoken to at work?
Why had she taken the bus instead of letting him drive?
Why had she smiled at a customer?
When Harper tried to end their relationship, Mitchell threatened Noah's scholarship and showed her photographs of her brother walking home from school.
She had been afraid to leave ever since.
Gabriel listened without interrupting.
When she finished, he looked physically sick.
"He used my name to frighten you."
Harper gave a bitter laugh.
"He said your organization owned half the city."
Gabriel didn't deny the power he held.
Instead, he said, "Whatever my reputation, none of it gives him the right to hurt you."
Harper watched him carefully.
"Why are you helping me?"
"Because you're in danger. And because I should have recognized what Mitchell was becoming."
A nurse knocked, delivering a small plastic bag of Harper's belongings.
Her phone. Her restaurant badge. Her apartment keys.
And the silver necklace she had worn when she collapsed.
Gabriel noticed the necklace immediately.
A small oval locket hung from the chain.
"Where did you get that?"
"My mother."
"May I see it?"
Harper hesitated before handing it over.
Gabriel turned the locket over.
Tiny letters had been engraved along the back.
For Elena. Until we meet again. V.R.
Gabriel closed his eyes.
May you like
His mother's name had been Victoria Rossi.
And Elena Monroe had been the woman accused of killing her.
