Page 50 of Degrees of Control
“It would appear it has been quite a week, but I am still not sure how all of this is connected to me,” he says.
“Yes, I am just coming to that very important part of the story,” I say.
His eyebrows raise and he nods. “Carry on, Katarina,” he says.
“What you may not be aware of is that last year Chase’s security team intercepted a communication between Alfreita and Joey that would have freed him of any involvement with the shipment.”
“I’m not sure I understand. Why is it that Chase did not come forward with this when he was all but indicted last year or when we spoke last week?” he asks, standing up and walking to the window.
“Chase did not use the communication because he did not believe Interpol had enough to make the charges stick at the time, which as it turns out they did not. More importantly, he was not interested in bringing trouble to your door or to that of the Larussio family,” I say.
“My door,” he says, turning towards me once again. His steely eyes are intimidating, watching me, and I find it hard to concentrate. I slowly stretch my leg, crossing it over the top of my left thigh and his eyes follow the gesture giving me a brief reprieve from the intensity of his stare.
“You see Joey and Alfreita were discussing the shipment intended for you. The entire load was full of subpar product, in fact poisonous merchandise that Alfreita had acquired from Joey with the specific intent of discrediting you when people learned of the product’s effects,” I say.
“And how is it that you came across this information and in what way does it impact me?” he asks.
“Chase became aware of a communicationpicked up over the waves which included a pretty pointed conversation that would seem to suggest you, or at least those in your employ, were aware of the product’s deadly side effects.”
“You’re going to need to be more specific,” he says, walking towards me.
“The conversation would implicate you in trying to poison innocent people. We’re talking about a drug so powerful that it will kill someone within days of consumption,” I say.
“I just spoke with Chase and he did not reference this,” he says.
“He didn’t mention it because he is an honorable man and has no intent on using the tape to clear his name. Chase asked his security team to destroy the tape last year not wanting to turn evidence on one of the Larussio family members or yourself. His father and Carlos, my father, have been great friends for years.”
“Ah, yes,” he says, rubbing his finger across his chin. “I do know the fathers go back a long way. Chase is a brilliant investor and has done very well for himself throughout the years. He has a keen sense in business and inherently understands how things work in the world. So, what is it that I can do for you Katarina?” he asks.
“Well, as you know my father is recovering in the hospital from the shooting and Chase has been arrested. My father and Chase were trying to draw Alfreita out and made it look as though they were transferring product from one yacht to another. The police have surveillance footage of that and believe they can use it to make the charges hold from last year. Chase won’t come forward with the communication. In fact, he thinks it was destroyed since that is the order he gave his security team.”
“It was not destroyed?” he asks.
“It was not, but no one is interested in turning the investigation towards you. However, the tape could be altered slightly and used to prove that Alfreita was behind the shipment.”
“I admire your fortitude, Katarina. I have no doubt that while you have inherited your mother’s beautiful looks you have also inherited your father’s sense of nobility and shrewd business sense. I take it you came with a copy of the communication for me to review?” he says.
“I did. Jay, his head of security, will have to answer to Chase for that when the time comes,” I say, handing him the audio copy that Sheldon provided from the backup system.
I watch as he listens to the conversation I have heard multiple times by now, memorizing the part that proves not only did my uncle and Alfreita know they were intending to give the poisonous product to Vicenti’s group, but can be heard talking to someone from Vicenti’s team who knew the product would be poisonous and planned to pocket the difference in price between that and the higher quality product Vicenti typically moved.
"This tape, if ever placed into the hands of Interpol would have the ability to bring you and Alfreita to prison for the rest of your lives. This is why Chase chose to deal with the accusations himself,” I say.
He is solemn as he shuts the device off. “I take it there are copies?” he asks.
“Our security team can procure whatever you may need,” I say.
“I have no doubt, Katerina. Let me put your mind at ease. I would never have distributed a product of this quality, as your father can attest. He and I have a great respect for each other, which is why we have never attempted to encroach in the other’s space. Your uncle was a greedy, evil man that apparently went to great lengths in his attempts to discredit both of our families. It is disheartening that someone in my employ knew of and allowed the endangerment of thousands of people, besides putting my reputation at risk.”
“It is indeed,” I say, trying to process what he has told me.
“I admire the way Chase navigated through this situation and have the utmost respect for the young man. It would please me greatly to repay him for protecting my name. I’ll meet with my team and reach you in the morning with a plan,” he says.
“Just what would that entail?” I ask him warily.
“Rest assured. The situation will be handled with the utmost of diplomacy and you will not regret coming to discuss this with me. In fact, I appreciate greatly that you came to see me, Katarina,” he says as I stand. He raises my hand to his lips before guiding me to the front door of his home where Sheldon waits for me.
Vicenti shakes hands with Sheldon. “Thank you for bringing Katarina. I take it you’ll be on your way stateside as quickly as possible?” he asks.
