Chapter 4: Vivienne’s Bargain
We found Vivienne at the Vale penthouse overlooking Manhattan.
She was burning documents in the fireplace.
Elena entered with federal agents while I crossed the living room toward my sister.
Vivienne looked exhausted.
Her designer gown from the previous night had been replaced by sweatpants and one of Arthur’s old university shirts.
For the first time, she did not look cruel.
She looked terrified.
“Where is the coat?” I asked.
She stared at the flames.
“You should have stayed gone.”
“Where is it?”
“Daddy said you would destroy all of us.”
“Arthur is destroying you.”
“He gave us everything.”
“He gave you money. That is not the same thing.”
Vivienne laughed without humor.
“You always thought you were better than us.”
“No. I thought we were family.”
That silenced her.
Elena ordered the agents to search the penthouse.
Vivienne watched them open drawers and remove laptops.
Then she whispered, “I took the coat because Grant told me to.”
“Where is Grant?”
“I don’t know.”
“Where is the flash drive?”
She finally looked at me.
“I found it inside the collar.”
My pulse quickened.
“And?”
“I gave it to Grant.”
Elena stepped closer.
“When?”
“Forty minutes ago.”
“Did he say where he was going?”
Vivienne shook her head.
Then her phone rang.
Grant’s name appeared on the screen.
Elena motioned for her to answer.
Vivienne put the call on speaker.
Grant’s voice was breathless.
“Did they find you?”
“Yes.”
“Listen carefully. Father lied to us.”
Arthur’s favorite child sounded close to panic.
“What are you talking about?” Vivienne asked.
“The drive has recordings. Mom recorded everything.”
I closed my eyes.
My mother’s voice still existed somewhere.
Grant continued.
“She knew about the shipments. She knew about Ward. She knew Father was paying someone inside the Navy.”
Admiral Reed stiffened.
“Who?” I demanded.
Grant went silent.
“Celeste?”
“Yes.”
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“For what I did to you.”
His voice cracked.
“I planted the money. I told the police you attacked Mom. Father said it was the only way to protect the family.”
I had waited twelve years to hear him admit it.
But the confession brought no relief.
“Bring me the drive,” I said.
“I can’t.”
“Why?”
“Father’s people found me.”
A heavy impact sounded through the phone.
Vivienne screamed Grant’s name.
Then another voice came onto the line.
Arthur.
“Withdraw your testimony, Celeste.”
“Let Grant go.”
“Withdraw your testimony, and your brother comes home alive.”
The call ended.
Seconds later, Vivienne received a photograph.
Grant was tied to a chair inside an abandoned shipyard.
Behind him stood a man wearing a naval officer’s uniform.
Admiral Reed stared at the image.
“I know that man.”
May you like
His voice dropped.
“He is the commander of Naval Intelligence.”
