Chapter 6 - Federal Arrival
The static on Marcus’s radio hissed loudly before a calm, authoritative dispatcher voice broke through the cathedral's acoustics. "All units, perimeter secured. Target location confirmed at St. Jude Cathedral. Executing asset freeze and warrant service now."
Julian froze. The color drained entirely from his face, leaving him looking hollow and defeated inside his expensive tuxedo. He looked toward the heavy oak double doors at the back of the aisle as the first set of heavy footsteps echoed up the stone steps.
Helen let out a sharp, breathless gasp and slumped against the wooden pew, sliding down until she sat crumpled on the floor in her dark green top. Chloe didn't try to help her mother. She stood frozen, staring at her phone screen as the financial notification of total ruin sank into her consciousness.
Clara picked up the heavy train of her ivory slip dress, stepping carefully away from the altar and moving toward the center aisle. She had no intention of staying to watch the final arrest. Her mission was complete, her name was cleared, and the architecture firm’s stolen accounts were already in the process of being legally frozen and returned to the rightful public funds.
"Clara, wait," Julian called out, his voice cracking with a pathetic desperation as he took a step forward. "We can fix this. We can cut a deal with the prosecutors. You still have power of attorney over the secondary holdings."
Clara stopped walking, turning her head slightly to look back at the man she had loved for four years. Her expression was entirely devoid of anger, which seemed to terrify Julian more than her earlier fury. "My power of attorney was revoked the moment I signed the whistleblower affidavit last Tuesday, Julian. You're entirely on your own now."
The heavy oak doors of the cathedral swung wide open. Three federal agents in dark suits stepped into the grand foyer, their badges gleaming under the crystal chandeliers. Marcus immediately stepped aside, raising his hands slightly to show he was cooperating as he pointed directly toward the altar.
Julian backed away until his legs hit the edge of the altar steps. He looked like a cornered animal, searching the rows of empty, silent pews for an escape route that no longer existed.
The lead federal agent walked briskly up the center aisle, his eyes fixed entirely on Julian. "Julian Vance? I have a warrant for your arrest on charges of wire fraud, corporate embezzlement, and conspiracy."
Julian opened his mouth to speak, but no words came out. He raised his hands slowly as the agent pulled out a pair of steel handcuffs.
May you like
Clara turned around and took her first step down the aisle, but before she reached the exit, a sudden commotion from the vestry door stopped her in her tracks.
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