Daniel was already typing notes. Hypothetically, where would these backups be stored? I couldn't say, but the IT department recently upgraded their system. The old servers are in the basement storage room. Technically, they're scheduled for disposal next week.
She stood. I need to go. Keep digging, but watch your backs. Hol doesn't play fair. After she left, Daniel turned to Marcus.
We need those servers. Leave that to me. What about the money trail? I've got contacts at three banks. Give me a few hours.
Daniel packed his bag. Meet me at my office tonight. Bring whatever you find. Marcus spent the afternoon following paper trails. He visited the county records office, reviewing every Vision Heights purchase.
Property values dropped an average of 60% after police incidents began. The developer always closed deals within days of owners giving up. He called the jail but couldn't reach Angela. The guards claimed she was unavailable. His anger grew with each dead end and blocked call.
At 4:00, his phone buzzed. A text from Daniel. Found something. Major deposits to Cayman account after each property cluster cells. Account traced to Shell Company.
Director's name matches Holt's brother-in-law. Marcus drove to the newspaper office downtown. Daniel's workspace looked like a conspiracy theorist's dream. Walls covered with photos. Documents and connecting strings.
Three computer monitors displayed financial records and property maps. Look at this. Daniel pointed to a complex diagram. Vision Heights is owned by Crown Properties. Crown is owned by Phoenix Ventures.
Phoenix's board includes James Holt, the captain's brother-in-law. Every time they close deals, James deposits exact percentages into this offshore account. Can we prove the money goes to Halt? That's our smoking gun. Daniel pulled up bank records.
Monthly transfers from the Cayman account to a local bank. Destination is a numbered account, but look at the signature card. Marcus studied the document. The account holder signature matched Holtz perfectly. 3 years of payments, Daniel continued, always within days of property closings.
Total amount over $2 million. Marcus photographed everything with his phone. This is what we needed, but we still need proof he's directing the police harassment. Working on that, too. Daniel handed him a thumb drive.