Chapter 10 - A Father Who Should Have Stayed Dead
Anthony Hamilton chose the Red Door.
Or what remained of it.
The Brooklyn warehouse had burned twelve years earlier, but its underground storage level still existed beneath the newer construction.
Damian insisted on going.
His surgeon threatened to call security.
Damian reminded him that half the security worked for him.
Caitlyn finally intervened.
“You tear those stitches and I’ll personally drag you back.”
Damian looked at her.
“You’re five-foot-four.”
“Anger adds strength.”
Vincent nodded.
“She’s terrifying now.”
The plan was simple.
Which meant Caitlyn immediately distrusted it.
Damian would enter.
Federal agents would surround the site.
Vincent and Marco would coordinate extraction.
Caitlyn would remain in the command vehicle.
She lasted six minutes.
Then Noah received a message.
One sentence.
Tell Caitlyn her mother begged too.
She showed Vincent.
His face changed.
“This isn’t about Damian.”
“No.”
“It’s about you.”
Caitlyn understood.
Anthony wanted both of them.
Inside the underground warehouse, Damian finally saw his father.
Anthony Hamilton was seventy-one.
Older.
Thinner.
But unmistakable.
“Son.”
Damian stared at him.
“You died.”
Anthony smiled.
“Temporarily.”
Evelyn sat bound nearby.
Her face was bruised but she was conscious.
“Damian, leave.”
Anthony laughed.
“Still dramatic, Evelyn.”
Damian’s hand tightened.
“You killed Thomas Elmore.”
“I ordered a problem solved.”
“You destroyed his family.”
“Collateral.”
Damian’s face became empty.
That frightened Anthony more than anger would have.
“You know,” Anthony continued, “I always wondered whether you were too soft to inherit what I built.”
“You trafficked people.”
“I moved merchandise.”
“They were human beings.”
“They were profit.”
Damian looked at the man who had created him.
And realized there was nothing left to admire.
Then Caitlyn entered.
“Thomas Elmore was my father.”
Damian turned sharply.
“What are you doing here?”
“Being impossible.”
Even Evelyn almost smiled.
Anthony stared at Caitlyn.
“Caitlyn.”
“You remember me?”
“I remember everyone who costs me money.”
She held up the real ledger.
Anthony’s expression changed.
“You want this?”
“Yes.”
“Release Evelyn.”
Anthony laughed.
“You think you’re negotiating?”
“No.”
Caitlyn pulled out her phone.
“I’m stalling.”
Anthony heard it then.
Sirens.
Federal vehicles.
Helicopters.
His face changed.
He raised his gun.
Damian moved.
The shot exploded.
Evelyn screamed.
But it was Vincent who tackled Anthony from behind.
The gun skidded across the floor.
Damian grabbed it.
For one terrible second, father and son faced each other.
Anthony smiled through blood.
“Do it.”
Damian aimed.
“You know you want to.”
Caitlyn watched Damian’s finger near the trigger.
Anthony whispered:
“Prove you’re my son.”
Damian slowly lowered the weapon.
“No.”
Anthony’s smile disappeared.
“I spent my whole life proving that.”
Federal agents flooded the room.
They took Anthony Hamilton alive.
Nicholas Vale was arrested six hours later trying to cross into Canada.
Dr. Harris was taken from his apartment.
Twenty-three additional arrests followed.
Three judges resigned.
Two police officials were indicted.
Seven companies were seized.
And for the first time in twelve years, the Red Door network was finished.
But Damian Hamilton was not free.
Three days later, federal investigators arrived at his hospital room.
Caitlyn stood beside him.
The lead agent placed documents on the table.
“Mr. Hamilton, we need to discuss your involvement in several criminal enterprises.”
Damian nodded.
“I expected that.”
Caitlyn looked at him.
“How long?”
He did not answer.
“Damian.”
“Could be years.”
Her eyes filled.
He reached for her hand.
“You asked for the truth.”
“Yes.”
“This is what it costs.”
Then he did something she never expected.
He lifted her hand.
Pressed his forehead against it.
And whispered:
“I wish I had met you after I became a better man.”
May you like
Caitlyn bent closer.
“Then become one now.”
