Chapter 11 - The Murder He Did Not Remember
Thomas watched the video three times.
On the fourth, he wanted to break the phone.
He did not.
Anger was useful only if it survived long enough to become evidence.
He returned to the pier.
Maya saw his face and knew.
"You found out."
Thomas stopped.
"You knew there was video."
"I knew someone arrived after Gabriel died. I saw you from across the yard. I thought you ordered it."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Maya laughed without humor.
"Tell the Mafia boss I watched his man murder my brother? What was step two, wait politely for my own funeral?"
Thomas had no answer.
A black federal SUV approached with lights off.
Special Agent Daniel Price Jr. stepped out wearing a rain jacket over a suit. He looked tired enough to be honest.
"Mr. Rousseau. Ms. Williams."
Thomas handed him the real ledger.
Price did not take it immediately.
"You understand what happens if I accept that?"
"People get arrested."
"Including you."
Maya looked at Thomas.
Rosa held her breath.
Thomas extended the ledger farther.
"Then stop wasting time."
Price took it.
For the first time in twenty-six years, Thomas willingly gave another man the weapon that could destroy him.
Price opened the pages beneath the SUV's dome light.
His face changed.
"This is enough for emergency warrants."
"Not if Landry controls the judge rotation," Maya said.
Price nodded. "We go federal out of district."
Thomas pointed toward the river.
"Jacques will convene the captains before sunrise. He needs them to recognize him before the arrests start."
"Where?"
"The Rousseau family crypt. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1."
Price blinked.
"You hold business meetings in a cemetery?"
Thomas shrugged.
"Rent is reasonable."
Even Maya almost smiled.
Price closed the ledger.
"You do not go there."
"I have to."
"No. You are a material witness and a likely defendant."
"And Jacques will run if I do not show."
"Let him run."
Thomas looked at Rosa.
"He knows about her. As long as he is free, she is leverage."
Maya's voice sharpened.
"So your solution is to walk into a cemetery full of armed men?"
"My solution is to make Jacques believe the empire is still worth fighting for."
Price studied him.
"You want to wear a wire."
"I want him to confess in front of every captain he expects to rule."
Price looked at the blood soaking Thomas's shirt.
"You also need a hospital."
"Later."
Rosa stepped forward.
"Can I say something?"
All three adults looked at her.
She pointed at Thomas.
"He lies when he says later."
Maya raised an eyebrow.
"You learned fast."
Thomas sighed.
Price handed him a small transmitter.
"One hour. Then my people move whether you are ready or not."
Thomas clipped the wire beneath his shirt.
His phone rang.
Jacques.
Thomas answered.
"Where are you?"
Jacques's voice was calm.
"Standing beside your mother's tomb."
A pause.
"And Thomas? I found the priest."
Thomas's blood turned cold.
"What did you do?"
Jacques laughed softly.
"Come to the cemetery and see."
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