Page 114 of The Mastermind

“I mean it. Let me know if you need anything. You have my number.”

“Thank you. I’ll be okay. I have family here. Some are flying up from Texas for the small memorial.”

We said our goodbyes, and I returned to my car. I opened the shoebox to a folded note with my name handwritten on the top. I unfolded the note:

Amigo,

Time for truth. So funny, it took death to bring out the truth. Not so funny. I’m tired of this life. I knew it would end this way when I joined the organization. Once you’re in, getting out requires blood. At least I gave Maria a good life.

Sorry I caused the fire at your company. Had to distract from your garage renovation. The organization hounded me. If I hadn’t done it, they would have. They want to keep the human remains buried.

I didn’t kill him.That was the man you saw a long time ago. I don’t know his name. He worked for the city.“They” are many powerful people. Audri’s uncle works for them too. Derek was there that day. He pulled the trigger. Be careful around him.

Do not come to my memorial. They could be there.

I gave you a second chance. Live it well, amigo.

I’m craving a hotdog now. Gonna go get one.

Hector

He signedoff with his given name. I closed my eyes for a moment to remember him.

I see you, I hear you. Enjoy your hotdog, my friend.

Sitting back in my seat, I connected the dots. Derek was the faceless man in the hoodie from my nightmares. Maybe the dead body spoke to me from the other side because he knew I’d own that building.

Now I understood why Derek wanted to buy Lafayette Marketing. The human remains were evidence of the murder he had committed. The discovery of that body could blow everything up. Why did they hide the body in the cement instead of cremating it or tossing it into the ocean for the sharks? What kind of secret society was it? If Derek worked for them, he would be dead soon. There wouldn’t be a trial.

The city would no doubt perform a DNA test to determine the man’s identity, but like anything in the government, the process would take time unless someone told them the individual was a city worker. I wouldn’t do that. I didn’t need more complications.

Right now, my only concern was ironing out any wrinkles in my relationship with Audri.

CHAPTERFIFTY-EIGHT

AUDRI

After showeringandchanging into a clean T-shirt and cotton shorts, I strode out to the living room. I felt a lot better now that I’d washed off the yucky feeling from today.

My mom dropped theCelebrity Gossipmagazine on the coffee table, jumped up from the couch, and placed a hand on my forehead.

“How are you feeling? You sure you’ll be okay when I leave?”

I should be the one asking her, but she seemed to have taken the news about Derek better than I expected. Mom was a strong woman who kept her emotions inside most of the time. I’d let her heal in her own way and check up on her.

“Yes, I’ll be fine. I don’t have a fever, Mom. You can go home and rest. Grayson’s going to need your help with all the paperwork. You’ll need the energy to deal with him. He’s a workaholic.”

“I’m not comfortable leaving you all alone.” She touched my cheek gently.

Growing up with a mom and a brother who were super protective had its advantages and disadvantages. While I loved that they cared about me, it could be overwhelming. I would probably react the same if I had a daughter who had gone through what I just went through.

“I won’t be alone. Remi’s coming soon.”

“I love that boy.” Her face softened. “He’s good for you. If I had known he’d be here, I wouldn’t have worried so much.” She gathered her purse. “I’ll take your advice and go home to rest. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

She kissed me on the forehead and left.

Dropping onto the couch, I let the events sink in. Everything was like an intricate maze. Derek had orchestrated my dad’s death to avoid apprehension for his illegal business, which astounded me. I didn’t understand the criminal mind. The fire he had caused took so much from me. All those years of guilt, shame, and fear had stopped me from enjoying the life I deserved.

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