"I found more than proof.I found evidence that Morrison's been using his relationship with Evangeline to legitimize his money laundering operation.High-society connections, charity events, wealthy contacts who need their money cleaned without questions."
The thought of Evangeline being manipulated, used as an unwitting gateway into Morrison's criminal world, makes rage burn white-hot in my chest.
"Your sister was smart," Walsh continues."She started asking the right questions about Morrison's business partners, his client list.If she'd lived another week, she would have uncovered the whole scheme."
"But Ethan made sure she didn't get the chance."
"Someone with that much money and those kinds of connections doesn't let loose ends threaten their empire."
I lean back in my chair, processing the implications."So Ethan killed Calla and Marcus to protect his money laundering operation and keep Evangeline in the dark."
"That's my theory.As long as Evangeline doesn't know what she's really providing access to, she stays useful.The moment she figures out the truth..."
"She becomes a liability."
"Exactly."
Tempest shifts by the door."What else did you find?"
Walsh pulls out more financial records."Morrison's operation is bigger than I initially thought.He's not just laundering money for small-time criminals.Some of these clients are major players.Organized crime families, international syndicates.The kind of people who don't hesitate to eliminate threats."
"Any of them connected to the Shadow Hawks?"
"Several.But it’s the businessmen that Morrison has maintained connections with even after Ivy died.Her intelligence network became the foundation of his current client base."
The scope of what we're dealing with settles over me like a lead weight.This isn't just about bringing down one corrupt financial consultant.We're talking about dismantling a network that spans multiple criminal organizations.
"You got copies of all this?"I ask.
"Of course.I've been in this business long enough to know when a case might turn deadly."
"Good.Keep it that way."
Walsh finishes his bourbon and sets the glass down with deliberate care."There's something else you need to know.Morrison's been getting nervous lately.Word is he's planning to consolidate his operations, eliminate any potential witnesses."
"What kind of witnesses?"
"Anyone who might know too much about his business dealings.Former associates, information brokers, women who've gotten too close to the truth."
The implication hits me like a sledgehammer."He's planning to kill Evangeline."
"Eventually.Right now she's still useful.But if she starts asking the same questions your sister was asking..."
"She won't get the chance."
"That's what I'd be worried about if I were you."
* * *
The ride back to the clubhouse is tense, both Tempest and I lost in our own thoughts.The weight of what we've learned sits heavy between us, made worse by the knowledge that we can't share it with Evangeline yet.Not until we're sure, not until we have a plan that keeps her and the kids safe.
"This is bigger than we thought," Tempest says as we park outside the clubhouse.
"Yeah.It is."
"You know what you're going to have to do, right?"
I know exactly what he's talking about, and the thought makes my chest tight with conflicting emotions."Get close to her."
