Chapter 7 - THE MAN WHO OWNED THE LIE
Raymond Sloane was waiting in Victor's office when he arrived the following morning.
He wore a navy suit and an expensive watch.
He smiled as Victor entered.
"You're making a mistake."
Victor closed the door.
"Which one?"
"Trusting that woman."
Victor sat behind his desk.
"Explain."
Sloane leaned forward.
"Alice Mercer is using you."
Victor said nothing.
"Her husband was unstable. He fabricated allegations. The warehouse fire was an accident."
Victor placed Daniel's notebook on the desk.
Sloane's smile disappeared.
"Where did you get that?"
Victor watched him carefully.
"Interesting question."
Sloane leaned back.
"Victor—"
"Why does the notebook contain records of payments you authorized?"
Sloane's expression hardened.
"You're listening to a dead accountant instead of your oldest friend."
Victor's voice remained quiet.
"I'm listening to evidence."
Sloane stood.
"You have no idea what you're doing."
Victor looked at him.
"Then enlighten me."
Sloane laughed bitterly.
"Harborline was supposed to make us untouchable."
"By stealing from the project?"
"By moving money where nobody would question it."
Victor's jaw tightened.
"Through construction contracts."
Sloane said nothing.
Victor continued.
"Daniel found it."
Sloane looked toward the window.
"Daniel was supposed to mind his own business."
The silence that followed was absolute.
Victor slowly stood.
"Did you have him killed?"
Sloane turned.
For a moment, something ugly moved across his face.
Then he smiled.
"Careful, Victor."
Victor stared.
Sloane continued.
"You built this empire with me. You don't get to pretend your hands are clean."
Victor felt the truth of that accusation.
He had spent decades allowing men like Sloane to operate in the shadows.
He had benefited from not asking questions.
Now the consequences stood before him.
Victor pressed a button on his desk.
Marco entered.
"Escort Mr. Sloane out."
Sloane laughed.
"You think this ends here?"
Victor looked at him.
"No."
May you like
His voice was cold.
"I think this is where it begins."
