Chapter 25 - The Cell Block Confession
Back inside the maximum-security wing of the federal penitentiary, the morning routine was interrupted by a sudden, heavy silence. The guards were whispering among themselves, casting sharp glances toward the high-security cells.
Alexander Sterling sat on his metal bunk, staring at his breakfast tray, when heavy boots echoed down the concrete corridor.
Two armed guards stopped in front of cell 412, accompanied by the prison warden and a federal prosecutor carrying a thick leather briefcase.
"Sterling, stand up against the back wall," the warden commanded harshly.
Alexander scrambled to his feet, his heart hammering against his ribs in sheer terror. "What is this? What did I do now? I haven't done anything!"
The federal prosecutor stepped forward, sliding a single printed photograph through the narrow gap in the cell bars. It hit the floor with a soft slap. Alexander looked down. It was a picture of Victor Vance being led out of the upstate warehouse in handcuffs, flanked by federal marshals.
"Your friends tried to access a honey-pot server planted by Aegis Global last night, Alexander," the prosecutor said, his voice cold and devoid of pity. "Victor Vance and the remaining leadership of the Eastern European syndicate were taken into custody just fifteen miles from this facility."
Alexander’s knees buckled. He grabbed onto the iron bars for support, the color draining entirely from his face until he looked like a corpse. "No... no, that's impossible. They were supposed to protect me..."
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"They were using you," the prosecutor corrected flatly. "And now, with the syndicate completely dismantled and every single asset forfeited under federal RICO statutes, your last remaining lifeline is gone. Enjoy your stay, Mr. Sterling. You have a very long time to think about what you built."
The officials turned on their heels and walked away, leaving Alexander alone in the deafening silence of his concrete cage.
