Chapter 14 - Shadows in the Courtroom
Two weeks into the post-trial asset distribution hearings, a sleek black town car pulled up to the side entrance of the federal courthouse. A man stepped out, adjusting his expensive Italian sunglasses.
Marcus Vance—no relation to the U.S. Attorney—was Dominic Ward’s primary silent partner, a shadowy international financier operating out of Zurich who had managed to evade the initial wave of indictments by remaining offshore during the raids.
He strode into the courthouse lobby, confident that his distance from the domestic violence charges and his clever use of bearer bonds would insulate him from the wreckage. He walked directly to the clerk’s window on the third floor, sliding a certified cashier’s check across the counter.
“I’m filing a formal third-party claim for the liquidation assets of Ward Holdings,” Marcus said smoothly, flashing a practiced, charming smile at the clerk. “As an international creditor, my liens supersede domestic forfeiture claims.”
The clerk didn't smile back. She picked up the phone, dialed a three-digit extension, and spoke in a quiet, professional tone.
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“Judge Sterling, the third-party claimant for Ward Holdings is currently standing at window four.”
Marcus’s smile faltered slightly as the clerk pressed a silent security button under the desk. Within seconds, two heavily armed federal marshals stepped out from the side corridors, their boots clicking rhythmically against the marble floor as they flanked him on both sides.
