Chapter 8 - THE ROAD WHERE DANIEL DIED
Rebecca's investigators reopened the records of Daniel Vasquez's fatal collision. The police report described a truck that crossed the center line on a wet road. The driver had never been identified. Daniel's vehicle had been crushed against a guardrail, and the crash had been ruled a hit-and-run.
A retired mechanic who examined the wreck remembered something the report omitted: the brake line had been damaged before impact. He had told a detective, but his statement never appeared in the final file.
Elena listened to the recording in Rebecca's office. She did not cry at first. She stared at the table as though the wood might offer an explanation.
"He called me that morning," she said. "He told me to take Sophia to the park. He said he would meet us there after work."
Sophia had been too young to remember the promised outing. Elena remembered every minute she waited.
Dante sat across from her, his hands open on his knees. "You don't have to hear any more today."
"I need to."
Rebecca showed her an old invoice recovered from Bellwether's archives. Daniel had refused to certify a load that included stolen medical equipment. A manager's note recommended that he be 'removed from the route.' The manager reported directly to Victor.
"It's not enough to prove who caused the crash," Rebecca warned. "But it's enough to pursue more records and witnesses."
Elena nodded. "Then pursue them."
Outside, Dante offered to drive her home. She refused the car but accepted his company on the walk to the station. They stood beneath an awning while rain streaked the sidewalk.
"I'm sorry about Daniel," he said.
"I don't need your sorrow, Mr. Moretti. I need the people who did this to stop hurting families."
He nodded. "So do I."
"Then don't protect your family name at the expense of mine."
May you like
Dante looked at her for a long moment. "I won't."
She boarded the train without looking back. For the first time, he understood that earning her trust would require actions he could not delegate.
