“I believe you, but killing Kilbrook won’t bring her back. When you were arrested, you yelled, ‘this isn’t over.’ What did you mean by that?”
“I might have failed, but someone else would come behind me and try again.”
Everett, who was leaning against the wall, softly cleared his throat. Major already knew the questions to ask. “Who would that someone be? Who knew you were going after Craig?”
“My boss, Cabretti.”
“Damian Cabretti?” When Brad nodded, Major asked, “Why would he care about your foster sister?”
Brad looked up. “He’s her father.”
“If Cabretti was Carmen’s father, how’d she end up in the foster system?”
“Carmen’s mother was his mistress. When she got pregnant, he told her she could either get rid of the baby, or he’d put her out on the street. She chose her baby. When she overdosed, Cabretti let Carmen go into the system instead of admitting he was her father.”
“Did Carmen tell you this, or…?”
“No, he did. He likes to brag about his harem, as he calls all the side pieces his wife doesn’t know about.”
“Did you offer to go after Kilbrook to get revenge for Carmen’s death?”
Brad’s eyes were wet when he shook his head. “No,” he whispered. “He made me do it. Said if I didn’t, he would take out my family. My foster mom lives by herself with a couple of young girls. Toby and Vaughn have good lives now. I…” Brad used his shoulder to wipe his face. “I couldn’t let anything happen to them.”
Everett crossed the room and placed his hands on the table. “Did he say what would happen if you failed?”
“No, but it was implied. He told me, ‘Don’t fuck this up, and don’t get caught.’ I did both.” Brad ducked his head, but Major still caught the tears streaming down his face.
“One more question, Brad. Where is Cabretti?”
“Last I saw him, he was in his office in Wilmington.”
“Thank you. I think we have enough.” Everett motioned with his head for Major to join him outside. “I’m going to take him to the Pen instead of back to thedetention center. He shouldn’t be in gen pop where anyone can get to him. Actually, I’m surprised they haven’t already. Cabretti isn’t someone who fucks around.”
The Pen, formerly known as the New Atlanta State Penitentiary, was the prison owned by the Stone Society Clan. They built it decades ago to house the Unholy, mutants created to go up against the Gargoyles. Tabitha’s parents’ generation defeated them; therefore, they no longer needed their own prison. Or so Major thought.
“I didn’t realize it was still in operation.”
Everett leaned against the door, crossing his arms over his chest. “It isn’t used as a prison now. Much. We keep it manned for situations like this. I don’t want to risk Brad’s life, especially knowing his family is in danger. Speaking of, I need to call Lydia and get a list of any Gargoyles in the Carolinas who could watch over his family.”
“Lydia’s the archivist, right?”
“Yes, and one of Tabitha’s cousins.”
“While you do that, I’ll call the Trio and tell them what we now know. Maybe they can track down Cabretti for you. The sooner he finds out Craig didn’t kill his daughter, the better.”
Everett held out his hand. “I know you need to get back to Kilbrook. Thank you for the assist.”
Major grasped the detective’s hand. “You’re welcome. Glad I could help.” Major made his way outside and to his vehicle. When he was on the road, he placed a call to Mason.
“Hey, Major. How’d it go?”
Major relayed the conversation and told him thatEverett was transferring Brad to the Pen for safekeeping.
“Gods, this sucks, but at least now we know why he went after Craig. Speaking of, he’s a piece of work, isn’t he?”
“How do you know that?”
“Because I’m at the safehouse. Since Tabitha’s SUV was impounded, I came to get Cailín. Are you on your way back?”
