Chapter 15 - The Collapse of the Network
Before the operatives could raise their rifles, the front security shutters were blown inward with a deafening roar.
Flashbang grenades detonated in the foyer with blinding white light and concussive shockwaves. Federal marshals and heavily armed SWAT units swarmed into the apartment in a synchronized wave, pinning the Syndicate operatives to the hardwood floor before they could even squeeze a trigger.
Director Vance stepped through the smoke, her badge gleaming under the emergency lights, flanked by federal agents securing the perimeter.
She looked at Victor, then at Julian and Alexander standing in the hallway, before casting her gaze down at the handcuffed operatives.
"Marcus Vance's firm was the legal front, and these men were the muscle," Director Vance said, her voice sharp and professional. "With the decryption keys Alexander provided from the Chicago warehouse and the geo-fence trap you just executed, Victor... the entire upper tier of the Obsidian Syndicate is falling tonight."
She walked over to Victor, extending a hand. "You did good, Mr. Caldwell. Your guardianship petition is going to look very different when the judge sees you single-handedly dismantled an international crime syndicate to protect your daughter."
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Victor shook her hand firmly, exhaling a breath he felt like he had been holding for weeks. "Just make sure the paperwork is ironclad, Director. I don't ever want anyone knocking on my door again."
"It's over," Julian said quietly, clapping a heavy hand onto Victor’s shoulder as the federal agents hauled the last of the operatives away. "The ghosts are finally back in the dark where they belong."
