Chapter 17 - The ConfessionMarcus zip-tied Victor Vance’s wrists securely behind his back and shoved him down into a leather armchair in the center of the yacht’s salon.

"Alright, Victor," I said, walking over and placing my combat knife on the mahogany table with a sharp clack. "Let's talk about your offshore accounts and your network. Every single name, every single shipment route, every single corrupt official on your payroll."
Victor spat a glob of blood onto the pristine white carpet, laughing darkly. "You think I'm afraid of a little girl in a suit? You have no idea who backs me. Governments fall because of people like me."
I didn't yell. I didn't lose my temper. I simply stepped forward, grabbed him by the collar of his expensive trench coat, and hauled him upright until our eyes locked. The icy, dead calm of a Marine drill instructor settled over my voice.
"My husband thought he could break me with a baseball bat," I whispered, my voice chillingly quiet. "Your associate thought he could buy me out. And you think your cartel makes you untouchable. Let me tell you something about people like you, Victor. You bully the weak because you're terrified of anyone stronger."
Victor’s arrogant smile finally flickered, replaced by a cold knot of dread as he looked into my eyes and realized I wasn't bluffing.
"I'll give you ten seconds to start talking," I said, releasing his collar and casually picking up my combat knife, letting the cabin light gleam off the razor-sharp steel edge. "Ten seconds before I let Marcus handle the interrogation his own way."
Victor swallowed hard, sweat beading on his forehead. He looked at Marcus, then back at me.
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"Okay," Victor choked out, his voice trembling. "Okay! I'll give you everything. The Swiss bank encryption keys, the shipping manifests, the names of the senators in Washington. Just don't kill me."
Marcus pulled a secure flash drive and a laptop from his tactical vest, tossing them onto the table. "Start typing, Victor. And make sure it's the truth, or your next vacation will be at the bottom of the Atlantic."
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