Victor’s Last Bargain
Chapter 14 - Victor’s Last Bargain
Victor Hale contacted Ethan through Miriam.
He offered to testify in exchange for immunity and protection.
Ethan agreed to meet in a public chapel during morning service. Nora waited outside with investigators, but Victor arrived alone and refused to speak until Ethan sat beside him in the last pew.
“I identified the body in your grave,” Victor whispered.
The body belonged to Leon Kessler, the helicopter mechanic who had discovered tampering in the fuel-control system. Crown Meridian killed him before he could report it. Victor used Ethan’s dental records to complete the false identification.
“Why?” Ethan asked.
Victor stared at the altar.
“Helena had records proving I stole from client accounts years ago. She owned me.”
“You signed my death certificate while the search was still active.”
“I was told the aircraft had gone down too far from land for anyone to survive.”
“But I did.”
Victor’s mouth trembled. “That is why I fell at the gala.”
He admitted forging Arthur’s confession, arranging the corrupted DNA transport, and filing false criminal complaints. He also revealed Mason’s next move.
Helena planned to burn Vale House during a charity broadcast. The fire would destroy the trust archives and create enough confusion for her to escape using service tunnels beneath the estate.
Ethan asked where Mason was hiding.
Victor gave him an address.
Before investigators could act, a message appeared on Victor’s phone: WE CAN SEE THE PEW.
Victor panicked and ran toward the side exit.
A car accelerated from the alley.
Ethan pulled Victor backward just before it struck the chapel steps. The vehicle sped away without hitting anyone, but the warning achieved its purpose.
Victor finally understood Helena would never let him bargain safely.
He surrendered to investigators and gave a full recorded statement.
The address he provided led to an empty warehouse. On the wall, someone had painted a single gold circle.
Inside a desk drawer, police found floor plans of Vale House marked with ignition points.
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The charity broadcast was scheduled for the following evening.
Helena had invited the world to watch.
