Chapter 5 - The Cavalry ArrivesRed and blue emergency lights flooded the Georgetown estate, casting wild, erratic shadows across the walls of the study. Through the broken front window, heavy tactical boots hit the floor, followed by the crisp, authoritative commands of federal marshals and military police.
Leading the entry team was Harrison Reed, his service pistol drawn, though he didn't need to fire a shot.
"Secure the premises!" Harrison ordered, his eyes darting around the room until they landed on me holding Arthur against the wall. He lowered his weapon slightly, a faint smirk touching his lips. "Looks like you had everything under control, Colonel."
"Took you long enough," I said, releasing my father’s collar.
Arthur slumped against the wall, coughing violently, his face pale with absolute defeat. As two federal marshals stepped forward and slapped steel handcuffs around his wrists, he looked up at me with eyes full of sheer disbelief.
"You... you destroyed everything," Arthur choked out. "The family... the legacy..."
"Your legacy was built on blood and lies," I replied, picking up the black leather ledger and slipping it securely into my tactical pouch. "My grandfather's legacy is the one I'm saving."
Harrison stepped over the shattered glass, handing me a clean handkerchief to wipe a scrape on my hand. "The Department of Justice has already issued warrants for the entire executive board of Vance Logistics. Your father's co-conspirators are being rounded up as we speak. The media is calling it the biggest corporate corruption scandal in a decade."
Julian burst into the study moments later, escorted by a federal agent, looking completely unglued.
"What is happening?!" Julian screamed, staring at our father in handcuffs. "Dad! Tell them this is a mistake! Tell them we're Vances!"
May you like
"Save your breath, Julian," Harrison said coldly. "Your family name just ran out of currency."
As the federal agents led my father and brother out of the grand estate into the pouring rain, I stood in the center of my grandfather's study. The storm outside was finally beginning to clear, letting the first pale rays of dawn break through the clouds and illuminate the polished wood floors.
