Chapter 8 - THE CONFESSION IN THE BLACK BRIEFCASE
Victor Salerno was arrested six weeks later.
Investigators located him in a rented villa outside Miami.
He had been traveling under an assumed name.
The arrest followed a series of financial discoveries.
Shell companies.
False invoices.
Unauthorized transfers.
And payments connected to the manipulated security system.
Victor denied wrongdoing.
But investigators recovered a black briefcase from his property.
Inside were documents linking him to the missing two million dollars.
There were also communications with Detective Brennan.
The evidence suggested Victor had used the Moretti empire's legitimate and illegal operations to conceal financial crimes.
Aaron Hayes had discovered the scheme.
Victor framed him.
Then attempted to silence him.
The investigation into Aaron's death continued.
Dante attended a meeting with his attorney and the independent investigators.
He provided access to company records.
He also disclosed information about his own past activities.
His attorney warned him.
“This could expose you to serious legal consequences.”
Dante nodded.
“I know.”
“You may lose control of your companies.”
“I know.”
The attorney studied him.
“Are you prepared for that?”
Dante looked toward the photograph of Aaron Hayes.
Then answered.
“I should have been prepared to tell the truth a long time ago.”
That evening, Emily found Dante standing in the garden.
Snow covered the stone paths.
“Marcus told me Victor was arrested.”
Dante nodded.
“Yes.”
“Does that mean it's over?”
He shook his head.
“Not yet.”
Emily looked down.
“I thought I'd feel happy.”
Dante turned.
“And?”
“I just feel tired.”
He nodded.
“I understand.”
For a long moment, they stood in silence.
Then Emily whispered, “I wish Aaron were here.”
Dante looked at her.
May you like
“So do I.”
And neither tried to fill the silence.
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