Chapter 12 - THE FATHER WHO FEARED A SECRETARY
Victor watched the face of the man who had shaped his entire life.
Anthony Romano looked older, but his voice still carried the same ruthless certainty.
“You've grown sentimental,” Anthony said.
Victor held his phone close enough for Leo to record the transmission.
“Where is Thomas Hastings?”
Anthony smiled.
“Always asking the wrong question.”
“Then tell me the right one.”
“Why did Evelyn Hastings deserve six hundred million dollars?”
Victor didn't answer.
Anthony continued.
“Because she discovered something I couldn't afford to let the world know.”
“The illegal accounts?”
“Those were minor inconveniences.”
Victor felt a chill.
“Then what?”
Anthony leaned forward.
“Evelyn knew the truth about the hospital foundation. It wasn't just laundering money. It was stealing from sick people who trusted us.”
Victor's jaw tightened.
Anthony explained that the network had diverted donations, falsified reimbursement claims, and deliberately withheld eligible assistance to preserve profits.
Thomas Hastings had discovered the scheme while auditing its finances.
Evelyn had obtained the original records.
Nora possessed the key to the protected archive.
“And the trust?” Victor asked.
“A mistake made when I believed Evelyn could be bought.”
“You had her killed.”
Anthony's smile disappeared.
“She made her choice.”
Victor's voice became dangerously quiet.
“So did you.”
The television went black.
Then a new video appeared.
Nora's father sat at a table.
Adrian stood behind him.
But neither seemed prepared for the door opening behind them.
Anthony entered the room.
Victor stared at the screen.
The old man was physically present, not merely speaking from another country.
He had returned to Chicago.
Nora's father looked directly into the camera.
“Victor, the key opens a deposit compartment beneath St. Agnes Cemetery.”
Anthony struck the table.
“Quiet!”
Thomas continued anyway.
“Evelyn made copies. Enough to expose all of them.”
The video ended abruptly.
Victor turned toward the door.
“Leo, get Nora out of here.”
Static answered.
He tried again.
Nothing.
Outside, Nora sat in the SUV as her phone displayed a new message.
YOUR FATHER IS IN THE EAST WING. COME NOW.
She showed Leo immediately.
He radioed Victor.
No response.
Then the vehicle's rear window shattered.
Leo pushed Nora down behind the seat.
“Stay low!”
Two masked men approached through the rain.
Leo returned controlled fire from behind the open door while the driver pulled the vehicle away.
But another SUV blocked the narrow road.
Nora's door was dragged open.
Someone seized her arm.
She struggled, kicking against the frame.
The attacker pulled her free.
Before Leo could reach her, Nora was forced into the second vehicle.
Her phone fell onto the wet pavement.
The SUV accelerated toward the rear gates.
Inside the mansion, Victor finally heard Leo's voice through the emergency channel.
“Boss! Nora's been taken!”
Victor sprinted toward the stairs.
Then his phone lit up.
May you like
A message from Anthony.
COME ALONE, SON. THIS TIME YOU WILL WATCH THE WOMAN YOU LOVE DIE.
