Chapter 7 - The Corporate Coup
While sanctuary was being established in Lake Geneva, back in downtown Chicago, Evelyn Vance was holding an unauthorized emergency board meeting in the executive suite of Sterling Innovations.
Spread across the polished mahogany table were financial transfer requests and emergency proxy voting ballots.
“Marcus is incapacitated,” Evelyn announced to the twelve senior board members, her voice dripping with calculated urgency. “His recent cardiac event has left him mentally unfit to manage the conglomerate. Under clause fourteen of the corporate charter, the board can vote to enact an immediate executive transition, transferring primary voting shares to the senior legal council until a permanent successor is appointed.”
A murmur rippled through the boardroom.
“Where is Maris Klein?” asked Jonathan Vance, Evelyn’s co-conspirator and head of global logistics.
“Maris has gone rogue, running errands for a construction worker in the suburbs,” Evelyn lied smoothly. “If we don't pass this resolution tonight, the company will be exposed to hostile liquidation by morning. Sign the papers.”
Before the lead director could lift his pen, the heavy glass doors of the boardroom swung open with a resounding crash.
Maris Klein walked into the room.
She wasn't alone. Flanking her were two federal marshals and an investigator from the state cyber-crime unit.
“I wouldn't sign that if I were you, gentlemen,” Maris said coolly, tossing a thick manila folder onto the center of the table.
May you like
Evelyn’s face drained of color. “What is the meaning of this? You have no jurisdiction here—!”
“I have federal warrants for wire fraud, embezzlement, and conspiracy to commit vehicular manslaughter,” Maris interrupted, her voice ringing clear and lethal across the room. She pointed directly at Evelyn and Jonathan. “Arrest them.”
