Chapter 9 - THE FATHER WHO CAME BACK
Vincent Rossi didn't look like a ghost.
He looked like a man who had spent eleven years enjoying the luxury of watching other people mourn him.
Gabriel stood at the security monitor, staring at the father who had taught him to fear failure more than death.
"Don't open the gates," Leo said.
Gabriel didn't move.
Vincent spoke through the intercom.
"Gabriel. We need to talk."
"Then talk."
Vincent smiled faintly.
"Through a camera? That's how you greet your father?"
"You forfeited that title."
Vincent's expression sharpened.
"Still dramatic, I see."
Behind Gabriel, Harper stood beside Noah.
The boy stared at the monitor.
"That's him?"
Gabriel nodded.
"That's Vincent."
Noah's jaw tightened.
"He's the reason Mom had to hide us."
Vincent heard the boy's voice.
His smile returned.
"Nathaniel."
Noah stepped toward the microphone.
"My name is Noah."
Vincent's face changed.
"Your mother named you Nathaniel."
"My mother is Elena Monroe."
For several seconds, Vincent said nothing.
Then he laughed quietly.
"She did a wonderful job making you believe that."
Gabriel's fists tightened.
"What do you want?"
"Thirty minutes. A private conversation."
"Not happening."
Vincent glanced toward the house.
"Then perhaps Harper would prefer I explain what happened to Elena."
Harper felt her knees weaken.
"Where is she?"
Vincent smiled.
"Alive. For now."
Gabriel stepped forward.
"If you've hurt her—"
"Always the hero," Vincent interrupted. "Just like Victoria."
The insult struck harder than Gabriel expected.
His mother had died trying to escape this man.
Now Vincent was using her memory as a weapon.
Gabriel contacted the detective assigned to Noah's case. Officers were already approaching the property, and Vincent apparently realized the delay would cost him.
He returned to his SUV.
Before leaving, he raised one hand.
"Midnight. The old St. Catherine's Hospital. Come alone if you want Elena back."
Then the vehicle disappeared into the trees.
Harper turned to Gabriel.
"We have to go."
"We have to involve the police."
"He'll kill her."
"Then we'll make sure he never gets the chance."
Adrian suddenly spoke.
"There's something you need to see."
He connected his flash drive to a secured laptop.
A video appeared.
Elena Monroe sat inside a dimly lit room.
She looked older, thinner, and exhausted.
But she was alive.
Harper covered her mouth.
"Mom."
Elena spoke directly into the camera.
"If you're watching this, Vincent has found a way back."
She looked down briefly.
"Harper, sweetheart, I'm sorry."
Harper began crying.
Elena lifted her eyes.
"There's something you need to know about Mitchell Reed."
Gabriel leaned forward.
May you like
Elena's voice trembled.
"Mitchell didn't choose Harper by accident. Vincent sent him to make her fall in love."
