Chapter 12 - THE PRESS GATHERINGBy 5:45 AM, the gray morning light was barely piercing the heavy cloud cover over the federal courthouse steps. Despite the torrential downpour, dozens of reporters, camera crews, and satellite trucks lined the perimeter behind steel barricades.
Word had leaked overnight that the Department of Defense Inspector General was stepping in to seize Titan Tactical Systems under counter-espionage protocols.
As our SUV pulled up directly to the lower plaza entrance, camera flashes illuminated the rain-slicked pavement like a barrage of white-hot lightning.
The rear door opened. I stepped out first, adjusting my tactical jacket against the biting wind, followed closely by Colonel Carney in full dress uniform. Marcus Vance brought up the rear, clutching the sealed evidence briefcase like a shield.
“Ms. Wright! Ms. Wright! Is it true the federal government has seized Titan Tactical?” shouted a reporter from the front row, thrusting a microphone forward.
“Is your service record still being contested by your family?” another yelled.
I didn’t stop walking. I kept my posture rigid, my eyes fixed straight ahead on the massive oak doors of the courthouse steps, exactly as I had been trained to march twelve years ago. Carney flanked my right side, his presence alone commanding a wide berth from the aggressive press pack.
As we reached the top landing, the heavy glass doors swung open from the inside.
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Waiting for us wasn't a bailiff or a judge.
It was a detachment of federal marshals led by Special Agent Marcus Vance—no, Special Agent Sterling—and flanked by two high-priced attorneys carrying federal injunction orders.
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