Robert is animated. Talking. Gesturing. His expression shifts from warm to frustrated within minutes.
Samantha’s body language changes too. She goes from relaxed to defensive. Shoulders tensing. Hands twisting together on the table.
He leans forward, and even without sound, I can tell he’s angry. His hand slams on the table. Other diners turn to look. Samantha flinches.
Whatever he’s saying, she doesn’t like it. Her face goes pale. She shakes her head. Tries to respond. He cuts her off.
Then his expression shifts into something cold. Something that makes my instincts scream danger.
He’s not a caring stepfather checking on his daughter. He’s someone delivering threats.
My phone buzzes. A message from Davis, my investigator.
Davis: Preliminary report ready. Apologies for the delay - took longer than expected. These people went to great lengths to protect their information. The kind of protection that suggests they’re hiding significant activities.
I open the attached file while keeping the CCTV feed playing in a smaller window.
Davis: Subject Samantha Allen - Background came back clean. Almost too clean. No criminal history. No significant debts beyond standard student loans, now paid off. No concerning associations. Either she’s genuinely clean, or someone scrubbed her records professionally.
Davis: Subject Robert Allen (stepfather) - This is where it gets interesting. Real name Robert Allen, but he’s used at least three aliases in the past decade. Significant gambling debts across multiple casinos. Estimated total: $2.3 million. He’s been on casino ban lists in Nevada and New Jersey.
I read faster, my attention split between the file and the video feed where Robert is still talking, and Samantha is crying.
Davis: Financial records show embezzlement from multiple sources. He was investigated for fraud in 2019, but charges were dropped. Connections to several organizations with known criminal ties. Most significantly, he has documented contact with the Volkov operation.
My blood runs cold.
The Volkov operation. The rival organization that’s been trying to take down my empire for the past five years. The same people who’ve been systematically targeting my businesses, my associates, my family.
Davis: Phone records show Robert Allen has been in regular contact with known Volkov associates. Meeting records place him at locations tied to their operations. Financial analysis suggests he’s been on their payroll for approximately three years. His connection to Samantha Allen and subsequently to you appears to be strategic rather than coincidental.
I look back at the video feed. Robert stands, drops cash on the table, and walks away. Samantha stays sitting, head in her hands, shoulders shaking.
She’s not just upset. She’s devastated.
I type to Davis.
Me: This is coming at the right time. Send me everything you have on Robert Allen. Every contact. Every debt. Every connection to Volkov. I want to know exactly who I’m dealing with.
Davis: Sending full report now. Do you want me to continue investigating Samantha Allen’s involvement?
I watch her on the screen. She’s still sitting alone in that booth, crying like her world just ended.
Me: Yes. But carefully. I need to know if she’s working with him or if she’s a victim. There’s a difference.
Davis: Understood.
I close the message and focus on the video feed. Samantha finally stands and makes her way out of the restaurant. Her movements are unsteady. Lost.
I switch cameras, following her path through the resort. She’s walking like she’s on autopilot. Not paying attention to where she’s going. Just moving. When she finally reaches the private wing, she goes straight to her room and closes the door.
I lean back in my chair and process what I just learned.
Robert Allen. Gambler. Embezzler. Connected to the Volkov operation. The same organization that’s been trying to destroy me for years.
And Samantha has been in regular contact with him. Has been meeting with him. Just met with him tonight and came back destroyed.
The pieces are falling into place, but I don’t like the picture they’re forming.
