Chapter 4 - The Audit of Lies
The true depth of Derek’s desperation didn't reveal itself until 0800 the following morning. I was sitting in my temporary office at the command headquarters, reviewing the transition briefings, when a knock sounded at the door.
Miriam Cole, a senior investigator from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) whom I had known since our days at the Pentagon, walked in. She carried a thick, red-labeled intelligence folder.
“Victoria,” Miriam said, setting the folder on my desk with a heavy thud. “We have a significant problem. And unfortunately, it involves your family.”
I didn't blink. “Give it to me straight, Miriam.”
“Your brother’s firm, Ross Global Logistics, didn't just submit a poorly drafted bid for the maritime supply contract,” Miriam explained, opening the folder to reveal copies of bank wires, corporate registries, and forged authorization letters. “Three months ago, when he realized his company was facing total collapse, he attempted to secure an emergency private loan from an offshore investment group based in Macau.”
My eyes scanned the documents. My stomach tightened as I saw the signature on the loan guarantee.
Victoria Ross, Vice Admiral, USN.
“He forged my signature,” I said, my voice dangerously calm.
“Not just your signature,” Miriam sighed. “He used your security clearance numbers from an old public military registry to validate the loan, claiming that the United States Navy was silently backing his firm’s expansion as a classified logistics partner. He received a $12 million advance. The money is gone, Victoria. He used it to pay off his personal gambling debts and to buy that luxury condo downtown for your mother.”
The door to the outer office suddenly burst open. My administrative assistant, a young Lieutenant, tried to stop the intruder, but Vivian Ross pushed her way into the room, her eyes wild, her hair unkempt.
“Victoria!” she screamed, slamming her purse down on my desk. “You have to stop this! There are men in suits at Derek’s apartment right now! They’re seizing his computers! They’re threatening to arrest my boy! Call them off! Use your stars, use your power, do whatever it is you do in this office and save your brother!”
I stood up slowly, the full authority of my rank filling the small office like an approaching storm. “Sit down, Mother.”
Vivian froze, shocked by the absolute dominance in my command. She dropped into the leather chair across from me, her chest heaving.
“Derek committed federal fraud, Mother,” I said, leaning over the desk, my eyes locking onto hers. “He forged the signature of a United States Flag Officer to secure illegal foreign investments from a hostile nation’s shell company. He didn't just break the law; he committed an act that borders on a national security threat.”
“He... he didn't know!” Vivian sobbed, her aristocratic facade completely crumbling into dust. “He was just trying to succeed! He wanted to make us proud! You’ve always been the cold one, Victoria. You’ve always been the stubborn one who didn't need anyone. Derek needed help! Why can't you just forgive him? You have millions in your command budget! Just cover the loan!”
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“I am an officer of the law, Vivian,” I said, using her first name for the first time in my life. “I do not cover up crimes for parasites who used my name to steal from the state. The NCIS detail outside is currently executing a warrant for Derek’s arrest. And as for you...”
I looked at the documents revealing the source of her luxury condo. “The property you live in was purchased with the proceeds of that fraudulent loan. By tomorrow morning, the federal government will seize the asset. You have twenty-four hours to pack your bags.”
