“Rocco… what exactly are you planning?”
“What I should have done the moment someone used my reputation to starve children.”
Vincent arrived exactly 1 hour later.
He carried a thin manila folder and wore the nervous smile of a man hoping he could talk his way out of trouble.
Rocco’s office occupied the entire top floor of the building. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the harbor.
Vincent had been there many times before, but tonight he hesitated at the doorway.
“Sit,” Rocco said without looking up.
Vincent sat and placed the folder on the desk.
“Boss, if this is about the Thompson thing, I can explain.”
“Please do.”
Vincent cleared his throat.
“The husband came to me 6 months ago desperate for money. Said his wife was pregnant and they needed cash for medical bills. I told him we don’t usually do personal loans, but he begged. Offered 20% interest.”
Rocco finally looked up.
“Show me the paperwork.”
Vincent slid the document across the desk.
Rocco studied it carefully.
The signature looked convincing. The terms appeared legitimate.
Except for one detail.
“Vincent,” Rocco said quietly. “What’s today’s date?”
“November 15.”
“And when did Marcus Thompson die?”
Vincent’s face went pale.