“Someone accessed a records database last night using credentials belonging to a private investigator,” Theo said. “The investigator was retained by Ronald during the divorce but terminated three months ago.”
I scanned the report.
“Terminated by whom?”
“By his counsel,” Theo said. “For unauthorized contact with represented parties.”
Marina turned the laptop toward me. “His name is Victor Hale. He specializes in asset tracing. Aggressive, expensive, and allergic to rules.”
“Ronald hired him again.”
“That’s our working assumption.”
I looked at the screen.
A grainy license photo stared back at me. Victor Hale had the face of a man who listened more than he spoke and remembered things people wished he hadn’t.
“Can he prove anything?” I asked.
Marina’s mouth curved slightly.
“Prove? No. Create smoke? Yes. And smoke is useful when someone wants leverage.”
“Ronald wants money.”
“Ronald wants panic,” she corrected. “Money comes after.”
I walked to the windows.
