Chapter 11: The Echo of the River**
Ramos raised his sidearm, aiming it directly between Mateo’s eyes.
"Drop the weapon!" a sharp voice echoed over a megaphone from the ridge above.
Searchlights suddenly blinded Ramos and his men. Federal tactical units, state police cruisers, and armored SWAT vehicles appeared along the highway overpass above, barricading every exit.
Aurelio stepped out of the lead tactical command vehicle alongside the United States Attorney for the Eastern District. Aurelio had not fled to an airport; instead, he had used his legal connections, his understanding of the federal docket, and the encrypted evidence files Mateo had quietly sent him over the years to assemble an airtight RICO warrant within four hours.
"It’s over, Ramos!" Aurelio yelled through the rain. "The entire perimeter is locked. Lay down your arms or face immediate lethal force."
Ramos panicked. Seeing his empire vanish into the storm, he swung his barrel toward the ridge, aiming blindly at Aurelio.
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Mateo moved with the speed of a predator. He closed the distance, tackling Ramos into the churning river water just as sniper fire eliminated the surrounding cartel guards.
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