Chapter 8 - The Shadow of Sterling
While peace had returned to Nathan’s personal life, the corporate and legal storm surrounding the collapse of Sterling Global was far from over.
At ten o'clock that morning, Nathan walked into the grand glass lobby of Northstar Systems headquarters.
Instead of the usual terrified silence that accompanied his arrival, his employees clapped and cheered softly as he walked past the reception desk. News of how Nathan had risked his entire fortune to save his secret daughter and bring down a corrupt corporate empire had made him an iconic figure across the country.
Lauren met him at the private elevator, holding an iPad.
"Morning, boss," she said, a rare, warm smile on her face. "Or should I say, Mr. Cole, father of the year?"
"Stick to boss, Lauren," Nathan grinned, stepping into the elevator. "What's the status on the liquidation?"
"Sterling Global stock has completely ceased trading," Lauren reported as the high-speed elevator soared toward the fortieth floor. "The federal government has seized all of Sterling's personal assets. But... his legal team filed an appeal this morning claiming he's too medically unfit to stand trial."
Nathan’s smile faded. "Medically unfit? He was driving an SUV and organizing corporate hits two weeks ago."
"They're claiming he suffered a severe stroke in his holding cell last night," Lauren said, her tone growing serious. "If the court panel agrees, he might be transferred to a private psychiatric facility instead of a maximum-security prison."
The elevator doors opened onto the executive suite. Marcus Vance was already waiting inside Nathan's glass office, standing near the window with his arms crossed.
"It’s a trick, Nathan," Marcus said without preamble. "I checked the medical team that evaluated Sterling at the county jail. The head physician, Dr. Robert Vance, is the cousin of former Judge Arthur Vance."
Nathan sat down at his heavy mahogany desk, his eyes hardening into cold flint.
"They're trying to set up an escape route," Nathan said. "A transfer to a private facility means fewer guards, private transport, and an easy exit out of the country via air ambulance."
"Exactly," Marcus agreed. "He’s planning to break out before the formal indictment on Friday."
Nathan leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the polished wood. He looked at the framed black-and-white photo of his mother sitting on his desk.
"He thinks he's still playing the old game," Nathan murmured. "He thinks money and corrupt connections can buy him an exit."
Nathan looked up at Marcus. "Where is the transfer scheduled to take place?"
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"Tomorrow night at midnight. Cook County Infirmary to the Pines Psychiatric Center in Wisconsin."
"Good," Nathan said, a dangerous, cold calm settling over his features. "Let them set it up. We're going to catch Sterling and his entire network in the act."
