CHAPTER 3 — THE SECRET HER FATHER LEFT BEHIND
The following morning, Gabriel invited Bridget and Lila to his private office.
Bridget almost refused.
But curiosity—and fear—won.
On Gabriel's desk lay a faded photograph.
Bridget gasped.
It showed her late husband, Michael.
Standing beside Gabriel.
"You knew him?"
Gabriel nodded.
"Very well."
Bridget shook her head.
"He was an accountant."
"No," Gabriel answered quietly.
"He was a financial investigator working with federal authorities."
Bridget felt the room spin.
"For years," Gabriel continued, "Michael helped expose international money laundering networks."
"He never worked for criminals."
"He worked against them."
Lila stared at the photograph.
"So... Daddy was a hero?"
Gabriel smiled sadly.
"Yes."
"He died protecting evidence that eventually dismantled a dangerous criminal organization."
Bridget began to cry.
For six years she had believed her husband died in an ordinary traffic accident.
Now she understood why strangers had occasionally watched their apartment.
Why Michael always insisted on changing routines.
May you like
Why he told Lila to "always pay attention."
He knew danger might one day return.
