The video resumed.
“For the last eighteen months, I have been collecting evidence against the person controlling the network. I planned to leave the drive with you tonight because I believed you were the only investigator who had not been compromised.”
Audrey’s breath caught.
Owen leaned closer to the camera.
“But three days ago, someone accessed my files. Since then, I have been followed. I don’t know whom to trust.”
His expression softened.
“Seraphina, if you see this, I am sorry. I should have told you the truth before the wedding. I kept waiting for a safe moment, and eventually there were no safe moments left.”
Seraphina covered her mouth.
Owen looked down briefly before continuing.
“Audrey, the transfer records will make it appear that I stole public funds. I did move the money, but not for personal gain. I was tracing where it went.”
“Can that be true?” Seraphina asked.
Diana did not answer.
The video continued.
“The person behind the network has access to state systems. They know which cases are opened, which warrants are requested, and which investigators are assigned. That is how they knew about you.”
Audrey looked at Diana.
“State systems?”
Diana’s jaw tightened.
On the screen, Owen’s face filled the frame.
“If the wedding is interrupted before I can speak to you, assume the operation has been compromised.”
The video flickered.
Then Owen said the words that seemed to empty the air from the room.
“Do not trust the evidence that arrived through your account.”
Diana stopped the video.
Audrey stared at the paused image.
