Page 76 of Inheritance

“I just—well, I wanted to say it’s an honor. Truly. You have the whole room’s respect. All of you.” He rubbed his neck, thenleaned in slightly to speak low in Gabriel’s ear. “About my debt, I assure you I’ll have the funds soon.”

Gabriel didn’t respond at first. Then, slowly, he regarded him.

“W-with all the interest, of course,” Marvin added, voice cracking slightly.

“Two days.” Gabriel said.

He backed away like the floor might open up beneath him if he stayed. A beat later, he was already halfway across the ballroom, trailing after a servant with a tray of champagne flutes, trying to get his attention.

“What was that about?” I asked.

Gabriel didn’t look at me. “He embezzles city money to pay back his gambling debts to us.”

My brow tightened.

“Much like that guy who thought a toast was a good idea,” Gabriel added, “he figured if the Sinclairs took us down, his slate would be wiped clean.”

The Don eased into the empty seat beside Gabriel, his expression unreadable. “I just spoke with the District Attorney.”

Gabriel didn’t flinch. “And?”

The Don scoffed, shaking his head. “Just some bullshit.”

We all waited for him to continue, but he didn’t.

“Well, what’s the bullshit then?” Damien asked.

The Don threw up a hand, “Wouldn’t you like to fuckin’ know?”

Damien leaned forward. “What’s this got to do with me?”

The Don looked at me with a crooked grin. “What’s it got to do with him, he says.”

“I’m serious,” Damien said. “Come on. What did he say?”

The Don leaned forward, his expression hardening. “The feds think you crushed a man’s head and burned his house down. That true?”

Damien dragged a hand down his face. His eyes flicked from Gabriel to me, then back to Gabriel.

“That’s bullshit. I couldn’t hurt a fly. You know that.”

“That’s right,” Caroline said sweetly, fluttering her lashes. “You’re completely harmless.”

He waved her off, then cleared his throat. “Look, that asshole had it coming, but uh, what do they know for sure?”

Two staff members in crisp uniforms stepped up. One carried a tray of covered plates. The other poured wine into new glasses.

Silverware clinked. A polite murmur moved across the room as the other tables were served.

The conversation stalled.

I glanced at the plate set in front of me—steak, potatoes, something green and delicate I couldn’t name. The smell was rich, grounding.

I didn’t move at first.

I looked at Caroline.

She was already watching me.