Chapter 14 - THE GALA
The Reed Grand Hotel glittered beneath crystal chandeliers.
Reporters crowded outside.
Investors filled the ballroom.
Richard Reed stood at the center of the room as if he already owned it.
Victoria arrived in a silver gown.
Charles Vance stood near the bar.
Robert Keller was nowhere visible.
Mark entered at eight fifteen.
Conversation stopped.
He wore a black tuxedo.
In his right hand was a slim leather case.
Richard smiled.
“You came.”
Mark walked toward him.
“You asked for something.”
Richard glanced at the case.
“The certificate.”
“Maybe.”
Victoria appeared beside her father.
For the first time, father and daughter stood openly together.
Mark looked at her.
“Was any part of our marriage real?”
Victoria’s expression barely changed.
“You were convenient.”
Mark nodded.
“I expected that answer.”
She leaned closer.
“You should have signed the trust amendment when I asked.”
“You should have stayed away from Noah.”
Victoria’s eyes hardened.
Around them, hidden microphones recorded every word.
Detective Ortiz watched from a surveillance room one floor above.
Sarah remained at the safe house.
Noah slept beside her.
Mark placed the leather case on a cocktail table.
Richard reached for it.
Mark stopped him.
“Tell me something first.”
“What?”
“How did Daniel die?”
Richard smiled faintly.
“I read the same report you did.”
“The false report?”
Charles stepped closer.
“You are making accusations in public.”
Mark ignored him.
He looked at Victoria.
“You said Daniel should have stopped investigating.”
Victoria’s face tightened.
Richard turned toward her.
“What did you tell him?”
Mark noticed the movement.
He pushed.
“You were at the restaurant.”
Victoria said nothing.
“You met Charles.”
Silence.
“You knew Daniel had discovered the payments.”
Richard said sharply, “Enough.”
Mark smiled.
That was the first time Richard had lost control.
“You are afraid she will talk.”
Victoria looked at her father.
“I am not afraid of anything.”
“Then tell everyone what happened.”
Richard grabbed her arm.
She pulled away.
“Do not touch me.”
Cameras from the press area turned toward them.
Mark continued.
“Did Richard order Daniel killed?”
Victoria’s face went pale.
Charles whispered, “Victoria, stop.”
She looked from Charles to her father.
Years of obedience seemed to crack.
“You told me no one would get hurt.”
Richard’s eyes changed.
Mark heard Ortiz’s voice in his hidden earpiece.
“Keep her talking.”
Victoria continued.
“You said the mechanic would only frighten him.”
Richard hissed, “Be quiet.”
“You said Daniel would back off.”
Richard grabbed her wrist.
“You stupid girl.”
The entire ballroom heard it.
Victoria stared at him.
Then she laughed bitterly.
“So that is what I am now?”
Richard realized too late what he had done.
Police officers entered the ballroom.
Charles ran.
Mark shouted.
May you like
“He is heading east!”
The gala exploded into chaos.
