Chapter 13 - The Midnight Deadline
The digital clock in the corner of the consultation terminal ticked inexorably forward: 14:32:05.
Less than ten hours remained before Arthur’s midnight deadline triggered the permanent deletion of every clinical trial database owned by Clara’s foundation.
Eleanor paced back and forth across the linoleum floor of the federal booth, her boots clicking sharply against the ground.
“He’s not bluffing,” Eleanor said, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and residual anger toward her brother.
“Arthur has always been paranoid about contingency protocols. When our father passed away, he hid access codes in places nobody would ever think to look.”
Clara didn't answer immediately; she sat motionless, her fingers steepled in front of her face as she analyzed every variable of the crisis.
“We don't need his biometric authorization if we can bypass the primary firewall through the physical server room at the downtown data center,” Clara said softly, almost to herself.
Eleanor stopped pacing and stared at Clara in disbelief.
“The data center is locked down under federal Homeland Security protocols because of the ongoing embezzlement investigation,” Eleanor pointed out.
“Nobody can access those servers without a direct judicial order signed by a federal judge.”
“Which is why we are going to get one before the afternoon session ends,” Clara stated, standing up and grabbing her leather folder.
Eleanor watched her with a newfound sense of respect, the bitter rivalry from the wedding night completely evaporated, replaced by a grim, shared determination.
“You actually think Agent Miller will help us break into our own corporate infrastructure?” Eleanor asked.
“Agent Miller won't have a choice if we prove that Arthur’s timed deletion protocol constitutes an act of intentional economic terrorism against a federally funded medical project,” Clara replied, walking toward the exit of the consultation booth.
“Come on, Eleanor. If we waste another minute talking, your brother wins.”
As they pushed open the heavy glass doors of the consultation area and walked back out into the main courthouse hallway, they spotted Agent Miller conferring with a federal prosecutor near the steps.
Clara marched directly toward them, her posture radiating absolute authority and unshakable resolve.
“Agent Miller,” Clara called out, her voice cutting through the bustling noise of the courthouse lobby.
“We have an emergency situation that requires an immediate judicial warrant amendment.”
Agent Miller turned around, sighing as he looked at the two women who had upended his entire caseload over the past twenty-four hours.
“What is it this time, Ms. Vance? Another offshore account?” Miller asked wearily.
“Worse,” Clara answered, pulling the terminal printout from her folder.
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“Arthur just threatened to destroy ten years of life-saving medical data by midnight unless we drop all charges.”
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