Chapter 15 - The Cousin Who Wanted the Empire|
Alessandro listened to the recording twice.
Frank Vitale's voice was clear enough to identify, but Detective Hayes reminded everyone that the recording would need authentication before it could be used as evidence.
Still, the implications were serious.
Frank had been connected to the altered trust documents. He had directed payments through North Star Security. And he had apparently instructed Richard Bell to deal with Daniel Parker.
Alessandro called his cousin.
Frank answered after the second ring.
"Alessandro. I heard about the trouble at Bellissimo. Terrible business."
Alessandro kept his voice calm.
"We need to meet."
"Of course. Family should talk."
"Tomorrow. At the office."
"Why not dinner?"
"Because I want the company records."
A brief silence followed.
"Which records?"
"All of them."
Frank laughed softly.
"You sound upset."
"I'm asking you to bring the files."
"I'll see what I can do."
Alessandro ended the call.
Dominic looked at him.
"He's going to run."
"Maybe."
"We should inform the investigators."
"Already done."
Natalie stood near the doorway.
"Don't confront him alone."
Alessandro looked at her.
"I won't."
"Promise me."
"I promise."
The next morning, Frank arrived at the office with two attorneys and a leather briefcase.
He was in his early fifties, handsome, well-dressed, and accustomed to being welcomed wherever he went.
He greeted Alessandro warmly.
Then he noticed Natalie.
"Little Natalie," he said. "It's been years."
She did not smile.
"Not long enough."
Frank's expression changed slightly.
Alessandro gestured toward the table.
"Sit."
Frank placed his briefcase beside the chair.
"What is this about?"
"North Star Security."
Frank blinked.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Dominic placed copies of the financial records on the table.
"Your company authorized payments to North Star. The same company appears in records connected to Bellissimo and Harbor Crest."
Frank looked at the documents.
"Those are business transactions. Nothing unusual."
"Then you'll have no problem explaining them to the investigators," Alessandro said.
Frank's gaze moved to Natalie.
"Is this about the restaurant? I heard Anthony behaved terribly. But I don't see why family finances should become involved."
"Daniel Parker was investigating your companies," Natalie said.
Frank's face remained still.
"Daniel?"
"My husband."
"Yes. Of course. I'm sorry about what happened to him."
"Do you know what happened?"
Frank looked directly at her.
"It was a tragic accident."
Natalie felt a chill.
She had not mentioned the accident.
Alessandro noticed too.
"How did you know we were discussing his death?"
Frank's eyes moved between them.
"I assumed."
"Based on what?"
Frank stood.
"I don't appreciate being interrogated."
He picked up his briefcase.
Dominic stepped aside, allowing him to leave.
But as Frank reached the door, Natalie spoke.
"Daniel recorded you."
Frank stopped.
For the first time, his composure cracked.
"What?"
Natalie held his gaze.
"He recorded a conversation with Richard Bell. Your voice is on it."
Frank slowly turned.
"Then perhaps you should be careful about what you think you heard."
Alessandro stood.
"Are you threatening my sister?"
Frank shook his head.
"No. I'm reminding you that some things are better left buried."
He walked out.
Dominic immediately called Detective Hayes.
A few minutes later, an investigator confirmed that Frank had attempted to transfer ownership of two companies that morning.
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One of those companies controlled North Star Security.
The other controlled the account that had paid for the men who had been watching Natalie.
