Chapter 7 - The Confrontation
Explosions of blinding light and deafening noise filled the parlor. Vance dropped the torch, screaming as he clutched his ears and eyes. His armed guards tumbled to the floor, disoriented and helpless.
Within seconds, elite federal tactical operators clad in black combat gear descended on ropes through the shattered roof, supported by Marcus Cole and Romano's private strike force.
"Federal agents! Don't move! Hands on your head!" high-powered laser sights pinned every guard to the floor.
Before Vance could recover his senses, heavy wooden doors burst open, and State Attorney General Katherine Harris walked into the room, accompanied by a dozen federal marshals.
"Marcus Vance," Attorney General Harris announced, her voice echoing through the ruined parlor. "You are under arrest for federal racketeering, human trafficking, obstruction of justice, and first-degree murder in the death of David Hayes."
Vance fell to his knees, staring in total disbelief. "What... what is this?! You don't have the evidence! The drive is right here!"
Victor walked over, picked up the metal capsule from the floor, and dropped it into a plastic evidence bag held by a federal agent.
"The capsule you stole from my car was a dummy, Vance," Victor said, looking down at the broken man with cold contempt. "The real cryptographic key was decrypted six hours ago. Federal prosecutors have already seized every offshore account, intercepted every container ship, and arrested your corrupt friends—including Judge Miller and Deputy Chief Burke."
Vance’s face turned white as snow. He looked at the rusty pink bicycle lying shattered on his expensive carpet.
"You... you set me up..." Vance gasped, hyperventilating.
"You set yourself up the moment you mistook kindness for weakness," Victor replied smoothly. "Take him away."
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As the federal marshals dragged a screaming, sobbing Vance out into the stormy night, Victor stood alone in the quiet parlor. He looked down at the rusty bicycle.
He leaned down, picked up the broken bike carefully in his arms, and carried it out into the rain.
