Chapter 8 - The Counter-Attack
Before the guards could raise their weapons, the estate's smart-system speakers crackled to life across the entire mansion.
“Intruders detected. Authorization: Sterling Master Override.”
The overhead lights flashed blinding strobe-yellow, disorienting the tactical operatives instantly. At the same time, the automated fire suppression system overhead dropped dense, choking white smoke down into the foyer, blinding the invaders in a thick, artificial fog.
Thorne coughed, waving his hand in front of his face. "What is this? Shoot! Shoot!"
Alexander didn't wait. He launched himself across the mahogany desk, tackling the nearest guard to the ground and ripping the assault rifle from his grasp. Gunfire erupted wildly into the ceiling as chaos consumed the room.
From the shadows of the hallway, a heavy figure lunged forward. Parker, despite his injury, slammed a heavy iron fireplace poker across the second guard’s back, sending him crashing into a display case of antique crystal.
Thorne stumbled backward toward the open terrace doors, coughing and swearing, his designer coat torn. "You're insane, Sterling! You're ruining everything!"
Alexander stood over the disarmed guards, his chest heaving, leveling the rifle straight at Thorne’s chest. "It's over, Marcus. The federal wiretaps have been recording this entire conversation since you stepped foot on the island."
Thorne froze, his face draining of color as the distant whine of approaching coast guard cutters echoed across the dark waters of the bay.
"You think the feds will save you?" Thorne sneered, though his voice shook. "The board owns half the Department of Justice!"
"Not anymore," a calm, authoritative voice echoed from the shattered doorway.
May you like
Federal agents in tactical gear swarmed into the room, federal marshals badges gleaming under the strobe lights. Leading them was a woman Alexander recognized instantly—Director Vance of the DOJ Cyber Crimes Division, and coincidentally, Clare’s estranged sister.
"Marcus Thorne, you're under arrest for corporate espionage, conspiracy, and the wrongful death of Clare Vance," Director Vance stated coldly, slapping steel cuffs onto Thorne’s wrists.
