Chapter 4 - The Innocence of a Child
Vincent listened to them scream at each other without reacting. The coldness in his dark eyes grew deeper. He looked away from his betrayers and turned his gaze toward the doorway, where little Emma stood holding her worn stuffed rabbit tightly against her pink floral dress.
He walked around his desk, his polished black shoes silent on the rug, and knelt down in front of the little girl.
For a man feared by the entire Chicago underworld, his gesture was remarkably gentle. He looked into Emma's wide, frightened brown eyes.
"Emma," Vincent said, his voice dropping into a soft, quiet baritone. "How did you get this bottle from Vanessa?"
Emma swallowed hard, her hand tightening around her rabbit's velvet ear. "I was dusting the baseboards in the hallway near Miss Vanessa's room... and I saw her hide the little bottle inside her makeup bag. When she went into the bathroom, I took it because... because I saw the shiny picture on top."
"And you knew what she was going to do with it?" Vincent asked gently.
"I heard her talking to the man," Emma whispered, pointing her small chin toward Julian. "He told her to put it in your butter because you always eat bread first. She said okay."
Maria wiped a tear from her cheek, stepping closer to her daughter. "Mr. Moretti, I swear she didn't mean to pry—"
"Maria," Vincent said, standing up to his full height. "Your daughter just saved my life. You will never apologize for her courage in this house."
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He turned back to his security chief, Marco, who was standing by the door.
"Take Julian and Vanessa down to the holding facility at the docks," Vincent commanded, his voice turning back to ice. "Strip Vanessa of her engagement ring and trust accounts. Strip Julian of his rank in the family. They will answer to the syndicate council tonight."
