Chapter 6 - THE MAN WHO CONTROLLED EVERYTHING
Carmine Russo had been my closest associate for fifteen years.
He had helped build my organization.
Protected me during dangerous negotiations.
Managed security.
And kept the legitimate businesses operating while I recovered.
I trusted him more than anyone.
That trust was why I hesitated.
I called my attorney, Elena Price.
She arrived the following morning.
I showed her the documents.
She read them carefully.
Then looked up.
“Dominic, we need an independent investigation.”
“Into Carmine?”
“Into the company. Into the safety complaints. Into who knew what.”
I nodded.
“And my attack?”
Elena hesitated.
“Do you believe the two are connected?”
“I don't know.”
“Then don't assume they are.”
I respected that answer.
For years, I had treated suspicion as proof.
It was one of the reasons people feared me.
Now I needed facts.
Elena arranged for an outside investigator and an independent safety review.
I also ordered all relevant company records preserved.
Carmine noticed immediately.
He entered my study that afternoon.
“What's going on?”
I looked at him.
“Business review.”
“Since when do you hire outsiders?”
“Since I realized I don't know enough about my own companies.”
His expression tightened.
“Dominic, you need to focus on getting better.”
I stared at him.
“That's exactly what I'm doing.”
For a moment, something cold passed through his eyes.
Then he smiled.
“Whatever you need, boss.”
May you like
He left.
And I knew the man I had trusted for fifteen years was hiding something.
