Chapter 16 - Sophie And Alessandro Form An Unlikely Tactical Partnership
The computer monitors flickered as the encrypted audio cassettes began playing through the safe house speakers. The scratchy, distorted voice of a younger Marcus Vance filled the room, negotiating arms deals with Dominic Moretti.
"The audio quality is pristine," I observed, leaning closer to the desk. "With these voice matches, no federal judge can throw this case out of court."
"Assuming we can get the files to an honest prosecutor before Vance has us hunted down," Alessandro reminded me grimly. "Which means we need to go on the offensive instead of hiding out here."
I looked down at the old leather ledger, realizing the final page contained a list of offshore bank routing numbers. "My father didn't just record their crimes; he tracked where they hid the stolen relief funds," I realized.
Alessandro's eyes widened with sudden understanding as he looked over my shoulder at the handwritten numbers. "The eight million dollars from the international relief fund... it's sitting in a frozen holding account in Zurich."
"And Marcus Vance needs that money released to fund his upcoming senatorial campaign," I deduced. "Which is why he framed your father and buried those records in the restaurant cellar."
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"We use the money as bait," Alessandro proposed, a dangerous, calculating smile touching his lips. "We force Vance out into the open by threatening his campaign finances."
"A high-stakes trap," I agreed, feeling a fierce surge of determination replace my fear. "Let's spring it."
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