Chapter 14 - SOMEONE WANTED DANTE TO STOP ASKING QUESTIONSThe pattern was worse than Dante expected.
Appointments canceled.
Invoices declined.
Specialist consultations never scheduled.
Not all by Victor.
Some by staff acting under his direction.
Always justified.
“Duplicative.”
“Not medically necessary.”
“Family declined.”
Dante had declined nothing.
One email made his blood run cold.
From Dr. Kerwin to Victor:
Dante keeps asking whether there are other options. I recommend we simplify expectations before this becomes endless specialist shopping.
Victor replied:
Agreed. I’ll manage him.
Manage him.
Dante reread the words until they blurred.
Another:
Do not send the Boston consult yet. He’ll drag Rosalie through another round of testing.
Dante stood.
Walked to the window.
Every instinct in him wanted violence.
He did not act.
Because Rosalie deserved truth more than he deserved release.
Outside counsel found another issue.
Isabella had created a trust for Rosalie.
Large.
Not accessible directly until adulthood.
But certain management fees and decision-making powers remained with trustees and advisers while Rosalie was considered dependent.
Victor served as one of the advisers.
Dante felt sick.
“Financial motive?”
The attorney hesitated.
“Possible.”
“How much?”
“Victor’s affiliated management entities earned substantial fees.”
Dante stared.
“How substantial?”
“Over six hundred thousand dollars since Isabella’s death.”
There.
Not enough to explain destroying a child’s recovery.
Enough to create incentive.
Maybe Victor convinced himself dependency justified continued control.
Maybe he never thought of it that way.
May you like
Dante no longer cared about excuses.
He cared about proof.
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