Chapter 7 - The Counter-Strike“An arrest warrant?” Ethan repeated, the words tasting like copper in his mouth. “Are you out of your mind? What am I being charged with?”
Detective Miller stepped forward, pulling a folded legal document from his breast pocket.
“Embezzlement, corporate fraud, and grand larceny,” the detective read off the sheet in a flat, official tone. “A formal complaint was filed less than an hour ago by the board of directors of Walker Construction Management, backed by power-of-attorney affidavits signed by your mother, Margaret Walker. They allege that during your six-month contract in Montreal, you systematically funneled company funds into an offshore account under your personal control.”
From behind Detective Miller, Julian Vance—Margaret’s high-priced attorney—stepped forward with a sleek, predatory smile.
“It’s all right there in the corporate ledger, Mr. Walker,” Julian said smoothly, patting his leather briefcase. “Your mother gave you the benefit of the doubt for years, but when your recent financial audits revealed a discrepancy of over four hundred thousand dollars missing from the firm’s development accounts... well, a mother can only protect a rogue son for so long.”
From the hallway behind Ethan, Marcus Vance—the family attorney they had just hired ten minutes ago—pushed past Ethan and stepped out onto the porch. Marcus’s eyes narrowed as he recognized Julian Vance.
“Julian,” Marcus said coldly. “I see you’re still selling your soul to the highest bidder.”
Julian’s smile faltered slightly as he recognized his rival.
“Marcus? What are you doing here?” Julian asked, regaining his composure quickly. “If you’re representing Mr. Walker, I suggest you advise him to waive extradition and cooperate. The evidence compiled by Mrs. Walker is comprehensive.”
“Evidence that is entirely fabricated,” Marcus shot back, stepping down onto the porch. “I happen to have spent the last hour reviewing the actual estate and corporate ledgers, which show that Margaret Walker has been systematically siphoning funds, not Ethan.”
Detective Miller looked between the two opposing lawyers, holding up a hand. “Look, gentlemen, I don’t care about your civil disputes. Right now, I have a signed warrant backed by corporate affidavits and bank routing numbers pointing directly to an account bearing Ethan Walker’s signature. Mr. Walker, put your hands behind your back.”
Claire appeared in the hallway, her face pale with shock.
“Ethan didn't do this!” she cried, rushing to the door. “It’s a setup! His mother threatened him yesterday, and now she’s retaliating!”
“Claire, stay back,” Ethan said, holding up a hand to calm her, though his own jaw was clenched so hard it ached. He looked directly at Julian Vance. “My mother thinks she can lock me up and rewrite the narrative. Tell her it won’t work.”
“She doesn't need to rewrite anything, Ethan,” Julian replied smoothly. “She’s protecting her family’s legacy. Have a pleasant stay down at the precinct.”
Ethan didn’t resist. He extended his wrists, letting the cold steel of the handcuffs snap around them. He knew that fighting physical arrest on a fraudulent warrant would only play into their hands.
As the officers led him down the steps toward the cruiser, Ethan caught Claire’s eye one last time.
May you like
“Find the backup hard drive in my home office,” Ethan whispered just loud enough for her to hear as he passed. “The one behind the false panel in the desk. It has every digital signature, every email, and every transaction receipt from Montreal.”
Claire nodded fiercely, holding back her tears. “I’ll find it. And I’ll get you out.”
