Page 133 of Five for Silver

“But it was Vincent that made her act on it.Even now, with what you’re doing, Vincent is still a shadow overour family. He’s dead, but he still tortures us.”

“I don’t want Chad to get away with it.”

“Do you really think he is?” Michael lookedaround.

So many people were watching, and Chad knewthey wanted Andrew to keep going until he was unconscious. Bruisedand bloody.

“He played his part in this,” Michael said,pointing a finger at Chad. “And he’ll be judged and punished in duecourse, as will all of us, but I won’t have you attacking him inthe street. You are better than that.”

“I don’t think I am,” Andrew hissed,tightening his hold.

“You are. Your daughter knows it, your wife,your brother, too, and so did your mother. Let him go, Andrew.”

“Grandad—”

“Let him go.”

Andrew squeezed Chad’s arms until he winced,then released him. He stood back, looking Chad up and down. Heopened his mouth, about to deliver some vile line, Chad could feelit, but Michael cut in again.

“Andrew … my flight…”

Andrew nodded, backing away. He eyed Chad ashe inched back to his truck.

“You better hope I don’t see your faceagain,” Andrew said.

Chad stayed where he was against the wall.Merc stood in front of him, growling louder as Andrewretreated.

Andrew climbed back inside the truck,Michael gave Chad one last long look, one that seemed to keepstretching until he slammed his door shut. Chad watched them driveaway, but waited until the audience they’d attracted had thinnedbefore making his way to his car.

Merc clambered into his lap once they wereinside. Chad’s hands were shaking so much he couldn’t get the keyin the ignition, so he pressed back into his seat to wait out theadrenaline rush.

I didn’t kill Harriet.

Those were the four words that brought aboutChad’s downfall, and although Vincent couldn’t have predicted whatwould transpire after he’d spoken to each of them, Chad knewwhatever part of hell Vincent had been sent to, he’d be there smugdespite his eternal damnation.

He’d delivered on his promise.

But still, Chad couldn’t help but wonderabout Harriet Hastings, and as he took measured breaths while hetried to calm down, all he could think about was Michael’s wordsand the look that had lingered between them.

Why would he be sympathetic towards Chadwhen he was responsible for his daughter’s death?

What did he mean when he said they all had abreaking point?

How washegoing to be judged andpunished in the end?

Chad had focused his attention on Lucy andher fake whereabouts the night of her sister’s disappearance, he’dignored Michael alone on the farm.

The farm Harriet was walking back to in thedark.

She’d just been with James—the man Michaelwas trying to keep her away from.

What if she had got back after all?

What if something had happened?

Chad frowned, thinking back to their firstmeeting.

‘There’s no way you’ve foundher.’

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