Chapter 8 - The Federal Override
The screen of Detective Miller’s phone displayed a high-priority directive signed directly by the United States Attorney General. The order classified the entire incident at St. Jude Cathedral as a matter of national security, stripping local law enforcement of all jurisdiction.
"You see, Detective," Director Vance said, standing up and brushing a nonexistent speck of dust from his expensive gray suit. "Some doors are not meant to be kicked open. You stumbled into a black-site financial circuit that funds deep-cover operations across three continents. Your precinct captain has already been notified to stand down."
Miller stared at the phone screen, his jaw tight with suppressed rage. "You're burying a massive municipal embezzlement scheme under the guise of national security? Innocent people lost their homes, their community centers, and their savings!"
"Collateral damage, Detective," Vance replied dismissively. He turned his attention back to Julian, who was still huddled against the cold stone wall, staring blankly at the floor. "Get up, Julian. We're leaving. The bride can find her own way home."
Elena shrieked, marching past Miller and shoving Vance's shoulder. "Like hell you are! We are getting married today! Where are my wedding gifts? Where is the deposit transfer?"
Vance didn't even blink. He gestured subtly toward the stairwell, and two men in dark tactical gear stepped up behind Elena, gently but firmly grabbing her arms.
"Let me go! Do you know who my father is?" Elena screamed, kicking her heels against the stone floor. "I'll have you all thrown in prison for the rest of your lives!"
"Your father's real estate firm is currently being audited by the IRS for tax evasion using the exact same offshore routing numbers," Vance said calmly. "I suggest you go downstairs, take off that white dress, and retain a very good defense attorney."
As Elena was dragged down the spiral staircase, her protests fading into muffled shrieks, Lily knelt beside her father.
"Dad, get up," Lily pleaded, grabbing his arm. "We have to get out of here. We can go back to the hospital to see Mom. She needs us."
Julian looked at his daughter with empty eyes. "Your mother isn't at the hospital anymore, Lily."
Lily froze. "What do you mean? The ambulance took her there."
"She discharged herself an hour ago," Julian whispered, his voice cracking. "She knew what I was doing. She went to the old warehouse by the docks to find the real ledger."
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Director Vance froze mid-step, his calm demeanor instantly evaporating. He spun around, grabbing Julian by the lapels of his ruined tuxedo. "What did you just say? Where did she go?"
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