Chapter 5 - The Ghost from the Past
“Victor Cole,” Daniel whispered, the realization hitting him like a physical blow.
Marcus’s eyes widened. “Cole? Daniel, that’s impossible. Victor Cole was convicted of industrial espionage and racketeering five years ago. He’s in Terre Haute.”
“He had severe lung cancer during the trial,” Daniel recalled, his mind racing through the timeline. Five years ago, Daniel had discovered that his former chief operating officer, Victor Cole, was siphoning tens of millions of dollars from the company and selling proprietary logistics software to foreign competitors. Daniel had personally handed the evidence over to the Department of Justice, destroying Cole’s career and sending him away. “Look him up. Right now.”
Marcus rapidly typed on his terminal, bypassing state databases using his private security clearance. Ten seconds passed. The silence in the rectory was deafening.
Marcus looked up, his complexion gray. “Victor Cole was granted medical compassionate release six months ago. He was transferred to a private palliative care facility in upstate New York. But according to this flag… he walked out of that facility three months ago. The authorities didn’t publicize it to avoid a public relations scandal.”
Daniel stood up, pacing the rug. “Julianna Vance wasn’t a random woman who bumped into me at that charity gala. She was Cole’s instrument. He planted her.”
“And the baby?” Marcus asked.
“The baby was the leverage,” Daniel realized bitterly. “Julianna knew I was terrified of losing another family member. She knew I wanted Leo to have a sibling. She feigned the pregnancy to rush the wedding before her background check could reveal anything, and to legally bind our estates.”
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Suddenly, a sharp knock sounded on the heavy door.
“Mr. Sterling?” It was one of Marcus’s perimeter guards. “The police have arrived for the woman, Julianna. But she’s demanding to speak with you. She says if you hand her over to the cops, your son will never leave this city alive.”
