The Silent Witness

Chapter 10: A Trap Set

With the new evidence in hand, Sarah knew she needed something more — proof that would hold up even if Richard's lawyers tried to say the recordings were fake or illegally obtained.

"We need him to say it himself," she told David. "On a new recording, clean and legal."

"How? He won't just admit it to us."

Sarah thought about Faisal, sitting in his cell, angry and afraid. "Maybe he doesn't need to admit it to us. Maybe he needs to admit it to someone he still trusts."

The plan was risky. Faisal, wearing a hidden microphone approved by the court, would meet with Richard's lawyer — someone who had been arranging secret payments on Richard's behalf — and try to get him talking about the cover-up.

"If this goes wrong," David warned, "Faisal could disappear. Richard's people could make sure he never testifies."

"I know," Sarah said. "That's why we'll have officers close by the whole time."

The meeting took place in a quiet restaurant two days later. Faisal sat across from the lawyer, hands trembling slightly, the small microphone hidden under his shirt collar.

"Richard wants to know if you'll stay quiet," the lawyer said, keeping his voice low. "He's prepared to make sure your family is taken care of. Forever, if needed. But only if you don't mention his name again."

"And if I don't agree?"

The lawyer's smile turned cold. "Then perhaps you won't make it to your court date at all."

Outside, in an unmarked car, Sarah listened through her earpiece, her hands tightening around the recorder. It wasn't a full confession from Richard himself — but it was a clear threat, ordered on his behalf. It was enough to build on.

"We have him," she whispered. "Not fully. But we're close."

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