The following is an except from "Invisible Sin" -- a mystery.

Prologue
September 2, 1968
Yountville, California

Robert Rosselli knew the person before him would not shoot. He would not shoot for two reasons; one, he didn’t have the guts, and two, Robert had no intention of dying right now or in this way. He, and only he, controlled his destiny.

“So, here we are,” Robert said, placing the phone back in its cradle. “The money’s transferred – you have what you came for.” He turned, staring hard into the man’s eyes, refusing to glance at the weapon. “I’ve done my part. Now . . . give back what’s mine.” The words hissed through the quietness.

The intruder stood frozen in place – no words, no movement; his eyes boring in on Robert’s – an unfamiliar position.

Robert stared, believing that with just his eyes, the man would wilt and plead for forgiveness. “Once that’s done,” he continued, “do what you want. Run away and hide. Spend the money on whatever it is you think it will get you. But know this,” the words cutting the air now held still by a thread, “you will be hunted, you will be tracked down and you will be found, and whatever money is left – I take it back. I don’t care who you are or how I get it.”

A wry smile pushed at the corner of Robert’s mouth as he turned and sat easily down into the dark leather chair, crossing his legs and placing the ransom note on his lap – ever in control.

“Enjoy it while you can.” He locked eyes with his intruder – old power against ‘the never had power’.

The intruder’s cold stare could not match Robert’s, but still, it bore deep into Robert’s eyes as if trying to get inside the workings of Robert’s mind, attempting one last time to finally understand this man who had made his life so miserable. And then, as the coldness spread from the intruder’s eyes down across his face and into his hand . . . he pulled the trigger. The speed surprising them both – faster than a thought.

For the intruder – a beginning. But for Robert – the end. Peace and finality delivered by a bullet.