Page 46 of Mafioso's Muse

Three of the four board members were writing furiously in their notebooks, while Caroline sat with her chin rested atop her hand, looking between Willow and Vaughn.

‘So, now we’re in March,’ she said. ‘And Mr Gallo thought it best that the two of you remained friends and not become romantically involved.’

Vaughn noted the hint of disappointment in her voice. It was clear Caroline was highly invested in the love story at that point.

‘It was the right decision,’ Willow said.

David cleared his throat. ‘So, this all happened opening night?’ He looked up from his notebook. ‘March 8?’

‘Correct,’ Vaughn said.

David and Patrick exchanged a look, and Vaughn knew what was coming next.

‘March 8. The same night of the incident in Chinatown?’ David asked, leaning back in his chair and looking directly at Vaughn.

Vaughn stared right back at him. ‘I believe so.’

The incessant tapping of Patrick’s pen indicated he, too, had some questions about that. ‘May I ask where you wentafterdropping Miss Chén and Miss Hayes home that evening?’

And there it was.

‘You want to know if I murdered someone before heading home, is that it?’ Vaughn asked casually.

A stunned silence followed his question, and then Mary said, ‘We’re simply gathering facts at this point, Mr Gallo. You are not on trial here.’

He looked between the board members. ‘What a relief.’ A long silence stretched out before he said, ‘Need I remind you that I’m here as a gesture of goodwill.’

‘And we appreciate you giving up your time,’ Caroline replied, offering him a smile.

Harrison was rubbing his forehead, looking like he was about to burst from his chair.

‘Was there something you wanted to add, Mr Walsh?’ Patrick asked, leaning forwards with interest.

Harrison looked at Vaughn as he said, ‘Everyone in this room knows you hurt people. Maybe not that night, or that person, but many before him and likely more since.’

‘Harrison,’ Nigel said gently. ‘Leave it.’

Harrison raised his hands. ‘I’m simply stating facts.’

‘If we could stay the course,’ Mary said, eyeing the creative director over the rim of her glasses. ‘We have a lot to get through today.’

The tips of Willow’s fingers were digging so hard into the tops of her thighs that they had turned white. Vaughn let Harrison’s words slide so they could move on, so Willow could breathe again.

‘Of course,’ Harrison said upon reading the room.

Hearing him apologise for speaking the truth was a nice bonus. The fact was, Vaughnhadhurt people. As for the Chinatown incident on March 8 Patrick had asked about? Well, not even Willow knew the truth about what happened that night…

15

March 2024

Vaughn had planned to head back to Titian after dropping Willow and Lili home. He needed to finish up some work. But as the car pulled away from Willow’s apartment building, Antonio called, and his evening went in an entirely different direction.

‘What’s going on?’ Vaughn asked when he was met with silence on the other end of the phone.

Antonio sniffed. ‘I fucked up.’

Vaughn’s eyes sank shut. He knew the rest before his brother had even explained a thing. So much for the gambling being under control. ‘Where are you?’