Mia nodded understandingly. Her eyes were welling up with tears as she watched her husband.
Bruce stood up too. “Naomi, something just came up at work. Don’t wait up for me.”
Naomi blinked in surprise. “What? Both you and Andre suddenly have something to do?”
Leo also got up to leave, but his father laid a hand on his shoulder. “Stay home, and keep your mother company.”
For once, Bruce and Andre, the unusual duo, left the house together.
They drove to an old neighborhood, where a lonely, untamed oak tree stood in the courtyard. The moment they stepped out of the car, they were engulfed in an oppressive atmosphere.
They had Finley’s address, so the brothers went straight upstairs.
Tom, who was upstairs, heard the sound of a car approaching. He peered out the window and was surprised to see it was the Cedillo brothers. Frowning, he said, “Boss, it’s Bruce and Andre.”
Finley, who was about to finish his meal, paused. His gaze was turning cautious. “Is Chad here?” he asked.
Tom shook his head. “No.”
Finley pondered. The arrival of the Cedillo brothers instead of Chad meant their man in custody was safe, and Chad hadn’t gathered enough evidence to investigate them. For them, as long as it’s not Chad, they could handle it.
“Boss, do you think it’s about the incident sixteen years ago?” Tom asked.
Finley shook his head again. “If it’s about that case, Chad wouldn’t let it go.” He suddenly thought of Ellory and Kyle, who had failed to make a mark.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Finley looked at the dark wooden door, calmed his mind, and said, “Open it!”
Tom went to the door, and glanced at the two men outside. They were a pair of brothers with a significant age gap. Their faces were taut, exuding a cold, stern anger.
“Come in please,” he said, opening the door.
The brothers entered, one after the other.
The lone tree in the yard blocked the view inside the house. Even though it was a bright summer day outside, the room needed a light on. The room’s outdated furnishings were devoid of life, old and colorless, creating a stifling atmosphere.
The Cedillo brothers stood in front of Finley. With his long career in politics, Finley managed to hide his concern behind his friendly smile. “What brings you here today without telling me? Tom, prepare a couple of extra plates.”
Bruce sat down. “We haven’t seen you in years. My father often asked us to visit you. He’s been worried about you. You are living alone after your family’s gone. He wanted to come with us a few times, but his work keeps getting in the way.”
Finley’s smile faded. He looked at Bruce. It seemed they were here for more than a mere visit. “I appreciate the concern.”
Tom brought out the plates and utensils and started preparing tea for the brothers with a worried look on his face.
When handing over the cups, Andre glanced at his wrist but said nothing. He suddenly stood up and went to the living room. Standing in front of two black and white photos, he asked, “Finley, after all these years, you’re still so humble. How have you managed to live so long alone? Why haven’t you remarried?”
Without waiting for an answer, Andre continued, “Or have you already, but secretly?”
Finley thought of Holly and turned to look at Andre in the living room. “What do you mean?”
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