Chapter 6 - THE TRAITOR WHO SAT AT HIS TABLE
Victor Hale disappeared the following morning.
His office was empty.
His phone was disconnected.
And several financial accounts connected to his logistics operations had been emptied.
Dante stood in the conference room.
Marco placed a folder before him.
“Victor was working with Volkov.”
Dante opened it.
Inside were contracts.
Payments.
Encrypted communications recovered through lawful investigative processes.
Victor had been arranging shipments through companies associated with Dante's organization.
He had also helped Sergei plan the ambush at Vesuvio.
Dante looked at Marco.
“How long?”
“Possibly eighteen months.”
Dante closed his eyes.
He had trusted Victor.
Promoted him.
Given him authority.
And Victor had used that authority to facilitate trafficking.
Dante felt sick.
He called his attorney.
“Give investigators everything they request through proper legal channels.”
Marco stared.
“Boss—”
Dante raised a hand.
“No.”
Marco went silent.
Dante continued.
“I won't protect this.”
The words surprised even him.
For years, he'd justified illegal operations as the cost of maintaining control.
But this was different.
People had been treated as cargo.
And his name had helped conceal it.
He couldn't undo that.
But he could stop pretending he had no responsibility.
That evening, Dante met Mira at the secure apartment.
She looked exhausted.
“Victor Hale?”
Dante nodded.
“He was involved.”
Mira stared.
“Did you know?”
“No.”
She studied him.
“Do you expect me to believe that?”
Dante didn't look away.
“No.”
The answer surprised her.
He continued.
“You have every reason to doubt me.”
Mira folded her arms.
“Then why are you here?”
Dante looked at her.
“Because I wanted to tell you myself.”
She stared.
May you like
Then quietly said:
“That's a start.”
