Chapter 7 - The Wedding Was a Trap
“We're going to the cathedral.”
Mateo said it calmly.
I stared at him.
“Because they threatened Gemma?”
“Because they're expecting you there.”
“That sounds like a trap.”
“It is.”
“Then why go?”
“Because traps reveal who built them.”
We left the house before sunrise.
Gemma stayed with Salvatore at a secure location.
Mateo and I drove through empty Chicago streets.
I stared out the window.
“I don't understand why my father trusted your family.”
“Neither do I.”
“You keep saying that.”
“Because it's true.”
I looked at him.
“Are you afraid?”
He glanced at me.
“Of what?”
“Of whoever killed my father.”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because fear doesn't make me safer.”
His answer stayed with me.
At the cathedral, dozens of cars were already arriving.
Wedding guests.
Family.
Press.
Brandon's people.
I stared.
“My wedding was still happening.”
Mateo nodded.
“He wants everyone here.”
“Why?”
“To make whatever happens impossible to hide.”
We entered through a side door.
A coordinator rushed toward me.
“Maeve! We've been looking everywhere!”
I forced a smile.
“I'm fine.”
The lie tasted bitter.
Then I saw Brandon.
He stood at the end of the corridor in his tuxedo.
Perfect.
Calm.
As though he hadn't shattered my life.
He looked at Mateo.
Then at me.
“Maeve.”
I stopped.
“You look beautiful.”
I laughed.
“You don't.”
His smile disappeared.
“What did you do with the ultrasound?”
I stared at him.
“Nothing.”
“Give it to me.”
“No.”
His jaw tightened.
“You don't understand what you've started.”
“I understand perfectly.”
“You don't.”
Mateo stepped forward.
“Careful.”
Brandon looked at him.
“You're making a mistake, Duca.”
“Then we'll both make one.”
Brandon smiled.
“You really don't know who you're protecting.”
Mateo's expression didn't change.
Brandon turned to me.
“Come with me.”
“No.”
“You want answers?”
“Yes.”
“Then come.”
He walked away.
I followed.
Mateo came behind me.
Brandon led us to a private chapel.
The doors closed.
Inside was a table.
On it were documents.
Photographs.
A small black box.
Brandon pointed.
“Your father's account.”
I stared.
“You found it.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I needed the money.”
“At least you're honest now.”
He laughed bitterly.
“You think this was about Gemma?”
“Wasn't it?”
“No.”
He looked at me.
“Gemma was never the reason I married you.”
My stomach turned.
“Then what was?”
He opened the black box.
Inside was an old photograph.
My father.
Mateo's brother.
Victor Hayes.
And a fourth person.
A woman.
I recognized her immediately.
My mother.
I couldn't breathe.
Brandon whispered, “Your mother knew everything.”
Mateo stepped forward.
“What did she know?”
Brandon smiled.
“Ask her.”
The chapel doors suddenly opened.
May you like
My mother stood there.
And she said Mateo's name...
