Chapter 13 - The File That Changed Everything|
Natalie sat very still.
The folder contained a collection of photographs, scanned documents, and short audio recordings. Some files were dated weeks before Daniel's death. Others had been created on the day he died.
She called Dominic and Detective Hayes before opening anything.
The detective instructed her not to alter the files. Dominic arranged for a forensic specialist to make a verified copy.
The first document was a list of companies connected to Bellissimo.
The second was a set of bank transfers.
The third was a photograph of a handwritten note.
North Star Security — emergency contact: R.B.
Natalie looked at Dominic.
"Richard Bell?"
"Likely."
Another file contained an audio recording.
Daniel's voice filled the room.
"If you're listening to this, I've probably failed to deliver the evidence. I need you to understand that I didn't want Natalie involved. I tried to keep her out of it."
A pause.
Then Daniel continued.
"Anthony Russo is not the person directing everything. He's a beneficiary. Richard Bell built the financial structure, but someone else is protecting it."
Natalie felt her throat tighten.
Daniel's voice sounded tired.
"I found payments to North Star Security. The company appears to be providing surveillance and private information services. The same company has been used to monitor employees who asked questions."
There was another pause.
"I believe someone inside the Vitale network is involved. I don't know whether Alessandro is aware of it. I don't want Natalie caught between her brother and the people using his name."
Natalie stopped the recording.
She looked at Alessandro, who had arrived with Dominic.
"Your family is in this."
Alessandro's face was rigid.
"Possibly."
"Daniel thought someone inside your organization was protecting the scheme."
"I heard him."
"Did you know?"
"No."
"How can I believe you?"
He did not answer immediately.
Then he said, "You shouldn't have to take my word for it. We'll find the records and verify them."
Dominic opened the next file.
It contained a list of North Star Security's directors.
One name appeared repeatedly.
Frank Vitale.
Alessandro's cousin.
Frank had been responsible for several of the family's legitimate property investments. He had also served as an adviser to Alessandro's late father.
Alessandro stared at the screen.
"Frank retired five years ago."
Dominic nodded.
"His companies are still active."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't know they were connected to North Star."
Natalie watched her brother's expression.
She had seen Alessandro angry before. This was different.
He looked betrayed.
The next audio file was shorter.
Daniel's voice was quieter.
"I spoke to Olivia. She says she has the original ledger. She also says Frank knows about it. If the ledger disappears, there may be no way to prove who authorized the transfers."
A sound interrupted the recording.
Then Daniel said:
"Someone's outside."
The file ended.
Natalie covered her mouth.
Alessandro immediately contacted Detective Hayes.
The discovery of a possible connection to Frank Vitale changed the investigation's scope. The detective requested that all financial records be preserved and asked Alessandro to provide a full list of companies controlled by his cousin.
Alessandro agreed.
Then he turned toward Natalie.
"Frank has known you since you were a child."
She looked at him.
"That doesn't make him safe."
"No."
"Daniel knew something was wrong. He tried to warn you."
Alessandro lowered his eyes.
"I wish I had listened sooner."
Natalie returned to the laptop.
One final file remained.
It was a video.
Daniel appeared on screen, sitting in his car.
He looked directly into the camera.
"Natalie, if you ever see this, there's something I need you to know about our daughter."
Natalie's heart stopped.
May you like
She looked at her brother.
Then she pressed play.
