Chapter 8 - Confession on the Open LineWith the immediate threat neutralized, Vance pulled out his satellite phone and dialed a direct line to the Vance Corporation headquarters in Manhattan.
"Connect me to the emergency board channel," Vance commanded.
"Mr. Vance? It's 2:00 AM—the emergency channel is restricted to quorum votes," the automated switchboard operator replied nervously.
"Override code VANCE-ZERO-ONE. Open the channel now."
A moment later, the secure conference line connected. Across the city, high-ranking executives dialed in.
"Vance? What is the meaning of this?" demanded Richard Sterling, the senior executive vice president.
"Save it, Richard," Vance cut him off. "Five years ago, my brother's estate was destroyed. Today, an attempt was made on his children. And ten minutes ago, a tactical strike team hit my home to recover a piece of evidence my brother left behind."
"What kind of evidence?" Richard asked smoothly.
"A video file proving that the order to destroy my family didn't come from a rival syndicate. It came from a vote cast inside this very boardroom," Vance said, his eyes narrowing. "Led by someone who wanted absolute control."
"That is a serious accusation," Richard replied coldly. "You have no proof."
May you like
"I have the micro-card, Richard," Vance lied smoothly. "And I know the exact IP address from which the assassination order was routed five years ago."
A sharp intake of breath echoed on the line from Arthur Vance, a distant cousin and junior board member, whose breathing suddenly turned panicked. "It wasn't me! Richard made us do it! He said if David took control of the logistics network, our offshore accounts would be exposed!"
