Jack took a deep breath, then walked over to the dining table, picked up a Ziploc bag, and brought it over. Inside was an opened envelope and a piece of paper that looked to have been in it at one point.
“When I came home this evening, this was on the kitchen counter.”
He handed the bag to Stone, who held it up so both he and Dino could read the note inside.
Hi Johnny.
Your wife’s accident is just a taste of what’s to come if you don’t do exactly what we tell you to. And next time not everyone will walk away.
We’ll be in touch.
XOXO
Stone then turned the bag around so they could see the envelope. On it was typedJack Coulter.
“That confirms your theory,” Stone said to Dino.
“I have the knack.”
“What theory?” Jack asked.
“That the crash has to do with your Johnny Fratelli past,” Stone said.
“You figured that out before you read this?”
“Stone left out a crucial piece of information,” Dino said. “My people found evidence that the crash was a deliberate act.” He told Jack about the device and its link to similar crimes. “You wouldn’t happen to know anyone who could have done that, would you?”
Jack shook his head. “I went straight when I was released from prison, and I never went back.”
They all knew that wasn’t exactly true, though those dabblings back into the criminal world had been limited to instances in which he had to protect himself, his family, and his friends—such as Stone.
“I think the important question is: How many people know that you’re Johnny Fratelli?”
“Three. You both and Hillary.”
“No one else?” Dino said.
“Not anymore.”
“It appears someone else has made the connection,” Stone said.
“I can put some feelers out,” Jack said. “See if there’s been any interest in Johnny Fratelli recently.”
Dino took the Ziploc bag from Stone. “Has anyone else touched the note since you removed it from the envelope?”
“Only me, and just the edges.”
“Who put the envelope in your kitchen?”
“Ash.”
“Ash?” Stone said.
“He stayed while Sara slept, in case she needed anything.”
“Where are they now?” Dino asked.
“Sara’s still asleep. I sent Ash home to get some rest after I returned home. I don’t think he’s slept since last night.”
