Chapter 4 The Trail of Evidence

Sitting at his desk, Douglas gazed at the folders arranged before him. His thoughts were racing, attempting to make sense of everything. It was beginning to make sense what Doris had said about Simon Bennett and the Syndicate. However, he required evidence, something tangible, to connect Bennett's ostensibly impeccable public life to the illicit actions Doris had alluded to.

Placing his fingers over his laptop's keyboard, he entered Simon Bennett's name, then "charities" and "donations." A lengthy list of press articles, financial records, and other documents appeared. At first glance, everything seemed to be in order-Bennett was praised as a philanthropist who provided funds for hospitals, schools, and orphanages. However, the numbers contained errors and discrepancies.

Douglas bent toward the monitor. He identified some of the donations as coming from shell corporations, which are fronts for money laundering. Even if everything was skillfully covered up, his trained eye could still see through everything.

With a mixture of exhilaration and frustration in his chest, Douglas whispered to himself, "This is it." He selected another paper and compared it to the known activities of the Syndicate. Bennett's organizations were receiving donations, but the funds were being diverted into offshore accounts connected to illegal activity rather than being used to aid the public.

Reaching for his phone, he hurriedly dialled a number. Before Marcus responded, the line rang again.

Douglas said, "Marcus, I've got something." Bennett's charitable endeavours are a smokescreen for money laundering. It almost certainly has something to do with the Syndicate.

Douglas scowled when there was a delay on the other end. "Marcus?"

Marcus answered in a strained voice, "I'm listening." However, you must exercise caution. This is larger than we anticipated if you're correct.

Douglas squeezed the bridge of his nose and moaned. "I understand. I simply require additional proof. Something substantial.

Marcus hung up after saying, "I'll see what I can find."

Feeling frustrated, Douglas threw the phone on the desk. Though not close enough, he was close.

Douglas and Doris strolled through the congested downtown streets later that day. Douglas reasoned that getting some fresh air would help him decompress and ease Doris's tension. Since they had left the safe home, she had been jittery, looking around them all the time as though someone would suddenly jump out at them.

Douglas tried to soothe her by saying, "I think we're safe for now."

Doris's lips were squeezed together as she looked at him. "I doubt that we will ever be secure."

Douglas remained silent. He was wise enough not to provide phoney consolation. Rather, he silently strolled next to her, watching for any unusual activity. However, the streets were crowded with regular people, including kids playing, couples walking, families buying, and couples.

Doris froze as they turned a bend. Her body froze like a statue, and her face turned pale.

"Doris?" Douglas asked as he moved in front of her, obstructing her view of the road. "What is it?"

Her breathing was rapid and shallow at first, and she didn't respond. She was staring at a man on the other side of the street. His black clothing, unkempt hair, and a cigarette hanging from his mouth gave him a rugged appearance. He was tall. But Douglas's concerns weren't triggered by his appearance. It was Doris's look of fear.

"That's him," she said in a tremulous tone. That evening, he was present. The night that everything went wrong.

Douglas followed her eyes to the man who was still oblivious to them. His instincts took over right away.

"Doris, we must relocate. Right now.

She remained motionless in terror. Douglas softly but forcibly took hold of her arm and dragged her to an alley nearby. "Come on, we must leave."

Still reeling at the sight of the man, Doris staggered after him. Douglas pulled her against the brick wall as they dropped out of sight in the alleyway.

He remarked in a calm but firm voice, "Breathe, Doris." "You're secure. He failed to notice us.

She shook her head as tears filled her eyes. He belongs to the Syndicate. He is the one who... Too scared to continue, her voice drifted off.

Douglas took a step forward, his tone becoming softer. "What did he do?"

Doris's entire body shook as she bit her lip. It was he who set the warehouse on fire. The person who... collected the proof.

The weight of her revelation hovered between them for a time. She had been through hell, and this was the first time she had dropped her guard enough to acknowledge it, so Douglas felt terrible for her. Her eyes were filled with pain and terror, but she brushed them away swiftly to gather herself.

"I apologize," Doris said in a whisper as she turned her back on him. "I didn't intend to disintegrate in that manner."

Douglas scowled and moved in closer. "You don't need to say sorry. You've experienced a lot. It's acceptable to break down.

Doris wiped the back of her palm across her cheeks and shook her head. "No. I am unable to. They'll win if I collapse. And I can't allow them to prevail.

Although Douglas respected her strength, he could also tell that beneath her rough façade, she was vulnerable. There were still enormous, impenetrable walls between them, and he wanted to say something to reassure her.

At last, Douglas murmured in a soft voice, "Doris, you're not alone in this." "I agree with you. We'll work together to overcome this.

Doris looked at him, uncertainty in her eyes. "Why do you assist me? You don't know me. All I've done is cause you problems.

Douglas smiled at her, a tiny, comforting smile. "Perhaps. However, I've spent years pursuing these men. You're getting me closer to defeating them, not just causing me problems.

Although she remained silent, Douglas noticed a glimmer of appreciation in her eyes before she turned away once more and shut herself off.

Douglas sat at his workstation that evening after they had made it back to the safe house, his mind still churning with images of the man Doris had spotted on the street. He had to learn more about her history and how she was related to the Syndicate.

Douglas picked up his buzzing phone and saw Marcus's name appear on the screen. He responded in a hurry.

Marcus spoke in a low, solemn voice, "Douglas, we need to talk."

Douglas scowled. "What is it?"

Marcus added, "I've been hearing things. "Your inquiry contains a leak. A member of your team... They are providing the Syndicate with information.

Douglas felt sick to his stomach. "What are you discussing?"

"Someone close to you is betraying you; I'm not sure who it is yet. Watch who you put your trust in.

Douglas's thoughts whirled. Is it possible? Is there anyone on his squad who might be against him? Most of his coworkers he had known for years. But trust was a delicate thing in this environment.

"Are you certain?" Douglas's voice was tense as he asked.

Marcus let out a sigh. "I have sources, but I wish I wasn't. You must keep an eye on yourself, but I will continue to dig.

Douglas sat in startled silence as the call came to an end. The Syndicate was collaborating with one of his team members. A person he trusted. However, who?

As the truth of betrayal set in, Douglas's thoughts began to spiral out of control. He no longer knew whom to believe. Everything he had worked for could fall apart if one of his team members was giving the Syndicate information. He glanced at Doris, who was sleeping on the couch and oblivious to the new danger that threatened them.

Douglas's mind buzzed with suspicion. Who could be betraying him? And how deep did the conspiracy go?