Chapter 10
The lobby of the regional federal building was usually a quiet cavern of polished marble and echoing footsteps. Today, however, it resembled a war zone. Half a dozen federal marshals in full tactical gear stood in a tight perimeter around the main security gates, their automatic rifles held at a low, ready position.
Director Sterling was marched out of the elevator by Agent Vance, his hands cuffed behind his back, his tailored grey suit rumpled and stained with sweat. Marcus walked beside them, his own handcuffs finally removed by order of the arriving district judge.
As they crossed the marble floor toward the revolving glass doors, a crowd of reporters surged against the stanchions outside, camera flashes popping like rapid-fire lightning. Microphones were thrust over the glass partitions, shouting overlapping questions about municipal corruption, fraudulent property seizures, and missing federal funds.
Sterling kept his head down, refusing to look at the cameras as he was guided toward an awaiting black transport van.
Captain Hayes was already inside the transport vehicle, sitting handcuffed on the metal bench, staring blankly at the floorboards.
Marcus stopped at the threshold of the exit, taking a deep breath of the fresh evening air. The sun was dipping below the downtown skyline, casting a warm golden hue over the city streets.
Agent Vance walked up beside him, handing Marcus a small set of stainless-steel keys. "The classic blue Chevrolet is parked in the secure bay downstairs. Fully fueled and cleared for interstate transit."
Marcus took the keys, feeling the familiar weight of the metal in his palm. "And the leadership back in Washington?"
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Vance offered a grim, knowing smile. "Sterling was just the middle manager. The real investigation starts tomorrow morning."
Marcus nodded, turning toward the underground parking garage ramp. But before he could take three steps toward the stairs, a heavy, unmarked delivery truck pulled abruptly across the garage entrance, blocking the exit entirely.
