Chapter 14
Julian was harder.
He was family.
That word complicates consequence.
He admitted taking money.
Admitted telling Edmund about Daniel changing cars.
Denied knowing anyone would target him.
I believed part.
Not enough.
“What do you want me to do?” he asked.
He sounded tired.
“Nothing.”
He frowned.
I removed him from Voss command.
No advisory seat.
No access to protected family lists.
No involvement in casino operations.
He remained Daniel’s brother.
Owen and Piper’s uncle.
Whether he remained part of their lives would be decided separately.
Julian laughed bitterly.
“So I’m finished.”
“No.”
I looked at him.
“You’re unemployed.”
He almost smiled despite himself.
Then cried.
Not because of money.
Because Daniel had died distrusting him.
That consequence could not be repaired.
“I loved him.”
“I know.”
“I never wanted him dead.”
“I believe you.”
“Does that matter?”
“Yes.”
He looked hopeful.
“Not enough.”
Hope disappeared.
Same truth again.
Love matters.
It does not erase what love tolerated.
Julian asked to hear Daniel’s recordings privately.
I allowed it.
His brother’s voice belonged partly to him too.
He spent two hours alone in the casino room.
When he came out, his eyes were swollen.
He handed me the ring.
“Put it back.”
I looked at it.
“In the coffin?”
“Yes.”
I thought.
Then shook my head.
“No.”
He frowned.
Daniel used the ring as a message.
Returning it immediately would turn it into a closed symbol.
I was not ready.
Neither were the children.
“Eventually?”
“Maybe.”
Julian nodded.
May you like
He had spent years living in certainty.
Maybe would have to become enough.
