Victor stood beside a man in a white shirt and hat, next to a black SUV. Behind them, half-hidden, was my father, as though he had taken the photo secretly.
On the back, in Dad’s handwriting, were the words:
“Commander Blake and Victor. Proof of deliveries. If I turn up dead, it wasn’t Helen.”
Mom covered her mouth.
The prosecutor continued. “The USB contains videos of Victor receiving money from former Commander Blake, who is currently under investigation for extortion and disappearances. There are also audio recordings. One appears to contain a threat against your father.”
When Noah was taken to another room with a psychologist, the prosecutor played the recording.
Dad’s voice came first.
“I have copies, Victor. Tomorrow I’m going to Internal Affairs.”
Victor answered, low and furious. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”
“I’m dealing with you. You used my shop.”
“You’d have lost that shop without me.”
“You dragged my family into this.”
Then a colder voice spoke.
“Daniel, think about your children. Accidents happen.”
Dad said, “If anything happens to me, Helen knows.”
The recording ended.
Mom whispered, “But I didn’t know where the papers were.”
The prosecutor turned to Victor.