Chapter 4 - The Flashing Red Lights
Right on cue, the low rumble of heavy engines vibrated through the floorboards of the manor. Headlights cut through the sheer curtains of the dining room windows, washing the room in sharp beams of white, followed by the distinctive strobe of blue and red emergency lights.
Richard rushed to the window, pulling the heavy velvet drape aside. His face went chalk-white.
“Federal plates,” Richard choked out. “State police, too... Sienna, what have you done? What did you tell them?!”
“I didn't tell them anything they didn't already discover themselves,” I said, adjusting the cuffs of my shirt. “When Julian moved eighty-five thousand dollars through an offshore intermediary to bribe Dr. Henderson, he used an account linked to Richard’s brokerage firm. The Department of Justice has been monitoring that firm for six months on suspicion of money laundering for commercial front companies.”
Victoria collapsed back into her chair, her hands trembling as she clutched her pearls. “You called the police on your own mother? On your family? In our own home?”
“You brought five lawyers to strip your daughter of her birthright while the earth on your husband's grave is still fresh, Victoria,” I replied, staring directly into her eyes. “Do not talk to me about family.”
The front door opened with a decisive click, followed by the firm, synchronized footsteps of polished leather boots on marble.
Major Marcus Cole, my deputy intelligence officer, stepped into the dining room archway, flanked by two special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and a senior investigator from the Defense Criminal Investigative Service.
Marcus snapped to attention and delivered a crisp salute. “Colonel Sterling. Perimeter is secure. The warrants for financial seizure and subpoena of digital records have been formally issued by the U.S. District Court.”
The five corporate attorneys immediately raised their hands slightly, taking distinct steps away from Julian and Richard.
“Agent Miller,” Keller said quickly to the lead FBI investigator, “Keller & Sterling has officially terminated our representation of the Sterling estate as of five minutes ago. We are fully prepared to comply with all federal subpoenas.”
“We’ll take your statements outside, Mr. Keller,” Agent Miller replied, gesturing toward the foyer.
The five lawyers grabbed their briefcases and practically sprinted out of the room, leaving Victoria, Richard, and Julian standing completely isolated in the ruins of their scheme.
Julian looked wildly between Marcus and the FBI agents. “You can’t arrest me! I have an opening in South Beach next week! I have celebrity investors!”
“Julian Sterling,” Agent Miller announced, unhooking a pair of steel handcuffs from his belt, “you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, bank fraud, and attempted extortion involving federal defense contract assets.”
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As the cold steel snapped around Julian’s wrists, he burst into tears, begging his mother to fix it. But Victoria was frozen, staring at the floor, unable to utter a single word.
***
