Chapter 3 - THE VIDEO THEY INTENDED TO DESTROY
Laurent placed the recording device inside the metal case.
He did not know a second camera was watching from below the pier.
Victor had installed it after Mateo inspected the marina.
The hidden camera captured Laurent’s face, the device and the exact time.
“Why would they record the murder?” Mateo asked.
“Insurance,” Victor replied.
“Against each other.”
Camilla and Laurent were partners only while their interests remained aligned.
The video gave Laurent leverage over Camilla.
It also gave Camilla proof that Laurent had helped prepare the scene.
Neither trusted the other.
Victor understood that distrust could become more useful than any confession.
Elena sent him copies of the documents Camilla had filed.
Dr. Armand claimed Victor suffered episodes of paranoia after the helicopter crash.
He wrote that Victor accused loyal employees without evidence.
He described Victor’s secret investigation into Laurent as a symptom of neurological decline.
Victor read the pages twice.
“They turned every truth into a symptom.”
Elena’s voice came through the secure phone.
“A judge granted Camilla temporary authority over your personal estate.”
“What about the company?”
“Laurent has called an emergency board meeting.”
“He wants himself appointed acting chairman.”
“When?”
“Tonight.”
“Delay it.”
“I can challenge the medical declaration.”
“Do not reveal that I contacted you.”
“Victor, they may transfer assets before we can stop them.”
“That is what I need them to attempt.”
The ninety-million-dollar fund would become available at eight that evening.
Victor expected Camilla and Laurent to access it together.
The company assets were more complicated.
Moreau Maritime controlled ports, shipyards and logistics contracts across Europe and North America.
Laurent had spent years placing allies throughout the board.
Victor had tolerated him because he produced results.
Now Victor wondered how many of those results had been manufactured.
Mateo wheeled a portable equipment case toward the exit.
“We have to move.”
“Camilla’s security people will search every building near the marina.”
They left through the maintenance tunnel.
A fishing vessel waited beyond the seawall.
Its captain was Mateo’s sister, Sofia Ruiz.
She had worked for Victor’s rescue foundation after losing her husband in a ferry accident.
She asked no unnecessary questions.
She helped Victor aboard and covered his wheelchair beneath fishing nets before harbor patrol boats passed nearby.
From the water, Victor saw Camilla standing among police officers.
Their eyes almost met across the distance.
Camilla turned toward the fishing vessel.
Victor remained beneath the nets.
For one second, he wondered whether she sensed him.
Then Laurent touched her arm.
She looked away.
The vessel carried Victor to a secluded property near Èze.
The house belonged to Elena through a holding company.
No one connected it to Moreau Maritime.
Inside, Victor entered a secure operations room.
Screens covered one wall.
Elena had prepared live access to company servers, banking systems and estate records.
At seven forty, Camilla entered Victor’s private office at the villa.
A camera hidden inside the antique clock captured her arrival.
Laurent followed.
Dr. Armand came next.
The final person entering the room surprised Victor.
It was Celia Moreau, Victor’s younger sister.
She had not spoken to him in three years.
Celia sat across from Camilla.
“You promised he would not suffer,” she said.
Camilla poured champagne into four glasses.
“He did not have time to suffer.”
May you like
Victor gripped the edge of his desk.
His own sister had known.
