Chapter 7 - Flight of the Viper
By the time metropolitan police vehicles surrounded the private terminal at Sterling Airfield, the twin-engine jet was already roaring down runway four. Rain lashed against the asphalt, reflecting the flashing crimson and blue lights.
Inside the rear of the command cruiser, Mark held an encrypted radio receiver while Beatrice sat silently behind him, tapping her cane against the vehicle's floorboard. “Tower, this is Mark Sterling! Ground that aircraft immediately! The passenger is wanted for attempted murder!”
“Negative, Mr. Sterling,” the air traffic controller crackled back through static. “The flight plan was authorized forty minutes ago under your own signature. Airspace clearance is already granted.”
Mark slammed his fist against the dashboard. “She forged my credentials! Cut the fuel lines remotely!”
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“It’s too late,” Beatrice spoke, her tone terrifyingly calm. “Erica isn’t running away to hide, Mark. She has the remaining half of the Sterling inheritance trust key in her possession. If she crosses international waters, the assets automatically transfer to her offshore foundation under the dead-man clause.”
Mark’s phone vibrated violently on his lap. An anonymous text message flashed on the illuminated screen: Check Elena’s nursery. The real capsule hasn't detonated yet.
