Chapter 14 - The Counter-Strike
Marcus Thorne’s eyes flicked toward me, a flash of cold irritation crossing his aged features. “And who is this, Ethan? Your new domestic help? I wasn't aware the kitchen staff was invited to sit with the principals.”
“She’s not staff, Marcus,” Ethan said softly, finally looking up. His dark eyes locked onto his former mentor with terrifying intensity. “She’s the one who unraveled your four-year masterclass in slow-acting poison.”
Thorne didn't flinch, though Senator Pendelton visibly swallowed, his throat bobbing nervously. “A childish fairy tale. Margaret was a disturbed woman who acted out of personal delusion. The board has legal documentation absolving us of any—”
“You mean this documentation?” I interrupted, walking forward and tossing a thick stack of certified documents right onto the center of the mahogany table, scattering the silver settings.
Julian Vance lunged forward to grab the papers, but Vance stepped out of the shadows, slamming a heavy tactical boot onto the edge of the table, stopping him cold.
“Read it, Julian,” I challenged, crossing my arms. “That’s the complete wire transfer trail from your Swiss shell company straight to Margaret Hargrove’s personal offshore account. Along with encrypted audio logs of Marcus Thorne instructing her on the exact dosage required to mimic a degenerative nerve disorder without triggering an autopsy.”
Thorne’s face drained of color. The grandfatherly facade cracked completely, revealing the ruthless syndicate boss hiding beneath decades of retirement and tailored wool.
“You’re bluffing,” Thorne whispered, his voice trembling slightly. “Federal courts won't touch classified corporate charters without a signed federal warrant.”
“Good thing we didn't go to federal court first,” a cool, authoritative voice echoed from the doorway.
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The heavy oak doors pushed open wider, revealing three senior federal prosecutors accompanied by a squad of armed federal marshals, their badges gleaming under the crystal chandelier.
“Marcus Thorne, Julian Vance, Arthur Pendelton,” the lead prosecutor announced, flashing a warrant stamped by a federal judge just ten minutes prior. “You are under arrest for conspiracy to commit murder, financial fraud, and racketeering. Anything you say can and will be used against you.”
