Chapter 7 - THE GHOST OF PRESCOTT MANORWhile Emily continued her physical and psychological recovery in the quiet sanctuary of our home, the physical shell of the Prescott dynasty was undergoing its own dramatic transformation. Prescott Manor—the sprawling, iron-gated estate on the outskirts of Charlotte where Emily had been terrorized—was seized by federal marshals and put up for immediate public auction under civil asset forfeiture laws.
The once-proud iron gates, emblazoned with the Prescott family crest, were now wrapped in yellow federal crime scene tape and orange Department of Justice warning signs.
On a crisp Tuesday morning, I drove past the estate in my unmarked military vehicle, slowing down to watch as a team of federal environmental inspectors and real estate auditors unloaded equipment from their vans.
My phone rang through the car's Bluetooth system. It was Marcus Vance.
"General Hart," Vance greeted, using my new title with a hint of professional amusement. "Are you taking a victory lap past the old homestead?"
"Just doing a final reconnaissance, Marcus," I replied, keeping my eyes on the grand stone mansion behind the gates. "Has the liquidation of their offshore accounts cleared yet?"
"100% liquidated, Ma'am," Vance confirmed proudly. "We found an additional three million dollars hidden in a shell account registered under a dummy corporation in the British Virgin Islands. The DOJ has already earmarked those funds for domestic violence survivor support programs across North Carolina. In a poetic twist of fate, the Prescott family fortune is now directly funding the very shelters and advocacy groups your daughter champions."
A slow, genuine smile spread across my face. "There is no better justice than turning an abuser's stolen wealth into armor for the vulnerable."
"Agreed, General. But that’s not the only reason I’m calling. You have an unexpected visitor waiting at your office at Fort Liberty."
I narrowed my eyes slightly. "A visitor? Who?"
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"Arthur Sterling, the lead defense attorney who tried to get Ethan and Brandon out on bail. He’s outside your command suite right now asking to speak with you off the record."
I shifted the car into drive, pressing down gently on the accelerator. "Tell him I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Let’s see what a high-priced lawyer has to say when his former clients can no longer pay his retainer."
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