Chapter 6 - RUSSO BLOOD
Dominic’s brother was named Victor Russo.
For ten years, Boston newspapers had described the brothers as rivals without ever explaining why.
Hannah now understood there was a reason.
“Victor runs a legitimate medical investment company,” Dominic said in the private family room outside the NICU. “At least on paper.”
“And off paper?” Detective Chen asked.
“He launders favors. Judges, contractors, private clinics, offshore accounts. He turns desperation into leverage.”
Hannah stared at him. “And Bradley works for him?”
“I don’t know yet.”
Dominic’s security chief, Tomas Vega, entered and handed him a tablet.
“We know now.”
On the screen was grainy surveillance video from a marina three nights earlier.
Bradley stood beside Victor Russo.
Britney was with them.
Bradley handed Victor a folder.
Victor handed Bradley a small black case.
Hannah felt sick.
“What’s in the case?”
“We’re trying to identify it,” Tomas said.
Detective Chen pointed at the folder. “Zoom in.”
The image sharpened just enough to reveal a gold seal.
Hannah recognized it from the trust documents.
“My mother’s estate.”
Dominic’s expression turned cold.
Victor had not stumbled into Bradley’s scheme.
He had designed it.
Then Tomas swiped to another image.
“This came from the townhouse security archive before Bradley wiped it.”
Hannah saw herself asleep on the living-room couch three weeks earlier.
Bradley stood behind her holding her right hand.
Beside him was a portable signature pad.
Britney watched.
Hannah’s stomach twisted.
“They forged my signature while I was sleeping.”
Dominic’s fist closed at his side.
Detective Chen said, “This changes the case.”
Tomas wasn’t finished.
“There’s audio.”
He pressed play.
Bradley’s voice crackled through the tablet.
If the twins come early, we use the hospital plan. If Hannah doesn’t make it, the trust opens clean.
Britney laughed softly.
And if she does make it?
A third voice answered.
May you like
Victor Russo.
Then we make sure she signs.
