Chapter 12 - The Mansion
The mansion had belonged to Roman's grandfather.
It was enormous.
Cold.
Almost untouched.
Roman entered with Naomi beside him.
Every photograph on the walls showed the Vale family.
But one photograph made Naomi stop.
Her father was standing beside Roman's grandfather.
Behind them stood Kincaid.
And Marianne.
Naomi touched the glass.
"My father wasn't a criminal."
Roman shook his head.
"No."
"He was undercover."
Marianne's voice came from behind them.
"He was trying to destroy the organization."
Naomi turned.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because the people who killed him were still watching."
Naomi's eyes filled with tears.
"I spent my whole life believing he abandoned us."
Marianne cried.
"He didn't."
A slow clap echoed through the hallway.
Everyone turned.
An elderly man stepped from the shadows.
Roman's grandfather.
Alive.
Smiling.
"Family reunions are always so emotional."
Roman raised his gun.
The old man laughed.
"Put it down."
"No."
"You won't shoot me."
"Try me."
The old man looked at Naomi.
"Your mother was always sentimental."
Then he looked at Roman.
"But you?"
He smiled.
"You were always my favorite."
Roman's face hardened.
"You poisoned my sons."
"I tested them."
Naomi stepped forward.
"They're babies."
"They are heirs."
"They're children!"
The old man shrugged.
"Children become kings."
Roman raised the gun.
His grandfather smiled.
"Go ahead."
Roman's finger tightened.
Then Jude began crying.
The old man looked toward the sound.
And smiled.
"Perfect."
Roman lowered the gun.
May you like
The old man had won.
Or so he thought.
