Chapter 6 - THE SECRET INSIDE THE BLACK CASE
The missing case was found three days later in a storage unit registered to a company that had been dissolved two years earlier.
It was empty.
Ravi stood in the unit with Marcus and two investigators. The lock had been replaced, and the shelves had been wiped clean.
“Someone got here first,” Marcus said.
Ravi looked at the empty floor. “Or someone knew exactly what was inside.”
The case had contained printed transaction records, a ledger, and a small encrypted drive. The printed records were replaceable. The drive was not.
It contained a list of payments made to officials, contractors, and intermediaries. One name was particularly dangerous.
Victor Voss.
Catherine's father.
Ravi looked at Marcus. “Tell me Catherine knew.”
Marcus hesitated. “We have no proof.”
“Then find it.”
***
Diane received a visit from Catherine that afternoon.
She was closing the small café where she had picked up a temporary shift. The last customer had left, and she was wiping a table when the door opened.
Catherine entered wearing sunglasses and a beige coat.
Diane froze. “You shouldn't be here.”
“I need to talk.”
“I have nothing to say to you.”
“Please.”
The word sounded unfamiliar coming from her.
Diane set down the cloth. “What do you want?”
Catherine looked around the empty café.
“My father is involved in something. I didn't know how far it went.”
Diane stared at her. “You paid me to kiss a man you knew was dangerous. You used me to humiliate him. Then men came to my apartment.”
“I didn't send them.”
“But you started this.”
Catherine lowered her eyes. “I know.”
“Why should I believe you?”
“Because I have something.”
She took a small memory card from her purse.
“My father gave this to Elliot. He told him to remove it from Ravi's office. I found a copy in my father's study.”
Diane did not take it. “Why bring it to me?”
“Because Ravi won't believe me.”
“Then give it to the police.”
“My father has people in the police department.”
Diane stepped back. “You need to leave.”
Catherine's eyes filled. “Please. If he finds out I have this, he'll destroy me.”
Diane looked at her. “You didn't care what would happen to me.”
“I know.”
“You didn't care about my sister.”
“I know.”
“Then why should I help you?”
Catherine had no answer.
Diane picked up her phone. “I'm calling Ravi.”
Catherine nodded. “That's why I came.”
***
Ravi arrived within fifteen minutes.
He did not enter the café alone. Marcus and two security officers came with him.
Catherine placed the memory card on the table.
“My father has the original ledger,” she said. “This contains a copy of the transfer list and messages between him and Elliot.”
Ravi did not touch it. “Why should I believe you?”
“Because I am giving you something that could put my father in prison.”
“Or something that could send me in the wrong direction.”
Catherine swallowed. “I deserve that question.”
Diane watched Ravi examine her.
“Did you know your father was planning to steal the case?”
“No. I thought he wanted the records because they could hurt his business rivals. I didn't know he was involved in the payments.”
“Why did you choose Diane?”
Catherine looked at her. “Because I wanted to hurt you. I knew you'd react. I thought you'd throw her out, and everyone would see you lose control.”
Ravi's voice went colder. “You were willing to put her in danger to embarrass me.”
“Yes.”
“Why should I protect you now?”
Catherine's eyes filled. “Because I'm telling you the truth.”
Ravi looked at Diane. “What do you think?”
Diane was surprised. “It's not my decision.”
“You were the person she used. You have a right to speak.”
Diane looked at Catherine. “I think she should give the card to the investigators. And I think she should tell them everything.”
Catherine nodded.
Ravi picked up the card. “Then that's what happens.”
He turned to Marcus. “Make two verified copies. One for our attorney, one for the investigators. No one edits anything.”
Catherine looked relieved. “Thank you.”
Ravi stared at her. “Don't thank me. You have not earned forgiveness.”
She lowered her eyes. “I know.”
As Catherine left with the security officers, Diane watched her go.
“She looked terrified.”
“She should be afraid of the consequences,” Ravi said. “Not of what I'll do to her.”
Diane looked at him. “That's a difference?”
“It should be.”
He placed the memory card in an evidence envelope.
Then he said something that surprised her.
“You were right about one thing.”
“What?”
“I should have asked before deciding what happened to you.”
Diane held his gaze.
It was not an apology for the kiss. That was not what she needed.
May you like
It was an acknowledgment that he had treated her like a problem to manage instead of a person.
And it mattered.
