Chapter 12 - The Federal Lifeline
Arthur’s hands shook slightly as he took the heavy satellite phone from his mother. He punched in a short, ten-digit code from memory, holding the device tightly against his ear. Static hissed through the tiny speaker for a few tense seconds before a crisp, professional voice answered on the other end.
“This is Special Agent Vance, Federal Marshals Office. State your security clearance and emergency code.”
“This is Arthur Sterling, estate owner at Oakridge Manor,” Arthur spoke clearly and rapidly, keeping his voice low. “We are experiencing a localized communication jam and an imminent security breach tied to Vanguard Holdings. We require immediate tactical backup at our location.”
“Mr. Sterling, we’ve been monitoring Vanguard Holdings for six months,” Agent Vance responded instantly. “We have an active warrant out for Richard Vance, operating under the alias Richard Sterling. Is he at your property?”
“We believe his operatives are attempting a breach right now,” Arthur replied, glancing toward the darkened windows of the study. “My mother, my daughter, and I are inside the main study.”
“Hold your position, Mr. Sterling. Do not engage,” Agent Vance commanded firmly. “Our tactical unit is five minutes out. Stay on the line with me.”
Margaret nodded approvingly at her son, turning her attention back to Clara. She knelt down beside her granddaughter, taking both of Clara’s hands in hers.
“Listen to me, Clara,” Margaret said softly, her eyes searching the young girl’s face. “Everything is going to be alright. Your father and I are going to make sure you are safe. When the marshals arrive, you are to go straight into the hidden compartment behind the grandfather clock and lock it from the inside. Do you understand?”
“I’m not leaving you and Dad out here alone,” Clara protested, tears pooling in her eyes.
“You aren't leaving us, Clara—you’re securing our future,” Margaret corrected gently, wiping a stray tear from her granddaughter’s cheek with a thumb. “We need to know that our legacy, and our family line, will continue no matter what happens tonight. That is your most important duty now.”
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Before Clara could respond, a heavy, muffled thud echoed from the front foyer of the house. Followed immediately by the sickening sound of reinforced glass shattering.
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