Chapter 13: The Broken Thread
Vincent looked at the red dots dancing across his shirt, then at Julian, and finally down at the abyss behind him. The realization that his empire, his freedom, and his illusions of control were gone shattered his sanity.
"No..." Vincent whimpered, lowering the gun slightly. "I built this life. I was supposed to have everything."
"You had a family, Vincent," Julian said, his voice softening with a deep, aching grief. "You had a brother who would have given you everything if you had just asked. But you chose to murder the only people who ever truly loved you."
Vincent’s eyes watered. For a single second, the arrogant, ruthless predator vanished, replaced by the terrified boy Julian used to build sandcastles with on these very beaches.
Vincent backed up toward the sheer edge, the loose gravel tumbling over the rim into the black ocean below.
"Vincent, stop!" Julian shouted, reaching out his hand. "Don't do it!"
Vincent looked down at the rocks below, then back at Julian’s outstretched palm. A bitter, broken smile touched his lips. "It's too late for grace, Jules."
Vincent’s foot slipped on the wet moss. He lost his balance, his arms flailing as he tipped backward into empty air.
May you like
Julian didn't hesitate. He lunged forward across the slick rock, diving chest-first onto the gravel, and caught Vincent’s left wrist with both hands just as he plunged over the lip.
---
