Chapter 8 - The Fall of the Empire
Ten minutes later, the wail of sirens pierced the mountain fog.
State troopers and federal agents swarmed the courtyard from both ends of the private ridge road, their red and blue lights flashing against the ancient pines. Within moments, the four corporate enforcers were pinned against the hood of their SUVs, handcuffed, and read their Miranda rights.
Julian Vance, who had been tracking his brother’s phone via GPS, arrived in a frantic taxi cab just as federal agents were slapping steel cuffs on his lead contractor.
Julian scrambled out of the cab, his face twisted in panic. “What is this? This is an outrage! Mr. Mercer, you can’t possibly—!”
Nathan walked down the front steps, his wet coat dark against the morning mist. He looked at Julian with a cold, devastating clarity.
“The audit is finished, Julian,” Nathan said quietly. “David brought the original ledgers. The federal task force has the complete wire-transfer logs linking your shell companies to the Queens environmental cover-up. Your career in corporate finance is officially over.”
Julian stared at Nathan, realizing the game was entirely lost. His knees buckled slightly as two federal agents stepped forward, grabbing his arms and leading him toward a waiting cruiser.
As the police cruisers descended the mountain road into the gray Asheville fog, the estate grew quiet once more.
Nathan walked back up the stone steps. Evie was standing in the doorway, leaning the antique shotgun against the wall.
“Well,” Evie said, wiping a smudge of soot from her cheek. “That’s one way to clear out unwanted guests before breakfast.”
Nathan let out a soft breath, a genuine smile spreading across his face. He reached out, gently taking the flour-dusted apron string in his fingers.
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“You know, Evie,” Nathan said softly, “when Ruth told me you didn't know how to act around rich people, I had no idea how right she was.”
“Good,” Evie replied, her hazel eyes softening as she looked up at him. “Because rich people are usually the most confused folks on the mountain.”
