Chapter 14 - Confronting The Judas
I opened Danny’s journal.
The first page was dated four years ago.
“If you're reading this, Em, it means I’m gone, but Adrian kept his word.”
“I knew the risks when I took this assignment.”
“Don't hate Adrian. He is the only man in this city who lives by a code.”
“He promised me he would protect you with his life if the darkness ever caught
up to me.”
“Take the money in account 884-B. It's clean. It was paid by the federal witness
fund before the leak.”
“Leave New York. Buy that bakery in Maine you always talked about.”
“Live a long, beautiful, boring life.”
“I love you forever. — Danny.”
I closed the journal.
I wiped my face.
I walked toward the door of the viewing room.
Adrian turned around.
His eyes searched mine, looking for brokenness.
He didn't find any.
"Did you find what you needed?" he asked softly.
"Yes," I said.
I looked at this man.
Brooklyn’s most feared Mafia boss.
A man who had stepped in front of bullets for me.
A man who had spent three years hunting the monsters who killed my brother, not
for profit, but for an unbroken promise to a dead auditor.
"Danny told me to go to Maine," I said.
Adrian’s expression tightened slightly.
A flicker of sorrow crossed his granite features, masked instantly by his
professional calm.
"Maine is quiet," Adrian said, his voice flat. "Safe."
"He told me to buy a bakery."
"You'd make a good baker," Adrian said.
"I'll have Leo arrange a private car and an apartment in Portland."
He began to turn toward the exit.
"Adrian," I called out.
May you like
He stopped.
"I don't want to go to Maine alone," I said.
