Page 47 of Collateral Claim

“Wilfred excels at research,” Daniels says. “Among other things. This is what he and my daughter have in common.”

Scarlett’s eyebrows draw down. Smart but clueless, clearly kept in the dark about her dad’s plans for her future. I may tell her about his plans. I may not. It depends.

“During his research, he found holes in your paperwork,” Daniel continues. “Your business setup isn’t as tight as you think it is. Wilfred connected two shipments from your harbor to the Cortian crime family.”

“Did he now?”

“Shipments of what?” Scarlett asks.

When neither he nor I answer, she presses despite the tremble in her voice. “Weapons? Are we talking about an arms trade?”

“No,” Daniel and I say in unison, but Scarlett knows the truth because I showed her the list of goods we transported.

Scarlett sits back.

“It’s shocking to find out your father is an illegal arms dealer and a liar like me. Isn’t it?” The seed of doubt has been planted.

I hang up.

Chapter 20

Seed planting grows a garden

Scarlett

I stare at the phone, puzzled by how my father and Endo answered my question with the same word, using the same tone. I’m no mind reader or lie detector, but other people’s responses, especially those of people I know well, affect me. With time and training, I’ve learned how to read my feelings and those of others.

Now, they’re telling me my father is a liar. Which in turn tells me I may not know him at all.

When I look up, Endo smirks victoriously.

Tom brings out a showcase of desserts on a porcelain plate, which Endo refuses while checking his watch.

“Do you have someplace to be?” I ask.

He contemplates the question, then says, “No.”

Declan snickers, surprising me. The man is a flick of the light during the day and a shadow at night, noticed only when he wants to be. I completely forgot he was standing not a foot away from me.

“Is my dad telling the truth?” I ask.

Endo shakes his head.

I gulp. “How about you?”

Endo stares at me. It’s not an answer, but he’s not denying my accusation either.

“Oh God.” I hold my head in my hands.

“Dec, tell Tom we changed our minds. Scarlett likes cheesecake,” Endo says.

Dec disappears inside.

Endo leans his elbows on the table. “Look at me.”

I raise my head, my chin quivering. I’d hate to cry in front of this man, so I lock my jaw and steel myself.

“There is no going back from what I’m about to tell you. Are you sure you want to know?” he asks.