Page 51 of Dating Goals
“Mr. McGregor, we have reason to believe that Mr. Chase is conducting some highly questionable business activities here in Switzerland,” Bruderlin says.
“What kind of activities?” I ask, suddenly on high alert.
“Mr. Chase recently made a significant deposit into a Swiss bank account,” Showalter explains. “He seems to be operatingunder the outdated belief that Swiss banking secrecy laws will protect him.”
“They won’t?” I ask. I’ll never watch wire transfers in spy movies the same again.
“Not like they used to,” Bruderlin says. “Swiss banking secrecy has largely been dismantled in recent years. However, since Mr. Chase has maintained his accounts for many years, it creates certain…challenges for us.”
I shift uncomfortably in my seat. “What does this have to do with me?”
“We’re aware of the so-called Titans stock that Mr. Chase convinced you and your teammates to invest in,” Showalter says.
My heart sinks, and my thoughts rush to that aggressive fan that attacked me a few weeks ago. And about the substantial chunk of my money currently sitting in Malcolm’s “guaranteed growth” investment fund.
Bruderlin’s expression tightens. “We have strong reason to believe it’s part of an elaborate Ponzi scheme. Our financial forensics team has traced funds moving through offshore shell companies that appear designed to obscure their origins and destinations.”
“Are you telling me our investments are gone?” I ask, my voice sounding hollow even to my own ears.
“That’s what we’re trying to determine,” Bruderlin says.
I stare at the documents, but the numbers and diagrams swim before my eyes. This can’t be happening. “No.” I shake my head. “No, that can’t be right…”
My voice trails off as I remember the team dinner where Malcolm had jovially convinced half the roster to invest. How excited we all were about getting in on the ground floor of something big. How I’d sunk most of my savings into those shares, dreaming of the security it would provide when my playing days were over.
“How much?” I ask, my voice shaky.
“Pardon?”
“How much has he stolen?”
Bruderlin’s face remains impassive. “We believe the total amount approaches eight hundred and fifty million euros, though the exact figure is still being calculated.”
Eight hundred and fifty million. That’s a whole lotta hockey sticks.
“I…Thank you for telling me this,” I say, trying to sound calm while my entire financial future collapses around me. “Please keep me updated on the investigation.”
Bruderlin and Showalter exchange a look that makes my stomach clench.
“Actually, Mr. McGregor,” Bruderlin says carefully. “We were hoping for more than just your acknowledgment. We need your assistance.”
I blink. “Myassistance? I’m just a hockey player,” I protest. “I don’t know anything about offshore accounts or shell companies.”
They’re either giving me too much credit or not enough, depending on how you look at it.
“That’s precisely why you’re valuable to us,” Showalter says, leaning forward.
“What could I possibly do that the Federal Intelligence Service can’t?”
“We believe you may be the best way to infiltrate his inner circle,” Bruderlin says. “Chase trusts you. You have access he doesn’t give to just anyone.”
“What…what exactly would you need from me?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Information, primarily,” Bruderlin says. “Your relationship with Chase, details about his interactions with the team, anypatterns you might have noticed in his behavior or business practices.”
“And your discretion,” Showalter adds firmly. “This investigation is ongoing, and we’d prefer Mr. Chase remain unaware of our interest in his activities.”
“Malcolm Chase is hosting a black-tie event in Zermatt this weekend,” Agent Showalter explains. “It’s an exclusive gathering for his select investors and business associates.”
