Chapter 13: The Closing Net
While Agent Vance began drafting the legal paperwork for the raid, a sudden series of urgent knocks echoed on the heavy wooden door of room 302. Before anyone could answer, the door swung open to reveal two federal marshals accompanied by the regional director of the health department—a man whose expensive tailored suit and polished demeanor reeked of corporate influence.
"Agent Vance," the director said smoothly, stepping into the office with an air of absolute authority. "I am stepping in to assume jurisdiction over this inquiry. Those files belong to the municipal health board, not your oversight division."
Agent Vance stood up behind her desk, her posture rigid and unyielding. "You have no jurisdiction here, Director Miller. This office has received verified evidence of criminal negligence and corporate fraud."
"Those documents were obtained through an unauthorized breach of private corporate servers," Director Miller countered, his eyes darting toward Elena and Marcus with a cold, predatory gleam. "We are here to confiscate the materials and take custody of the minor for mandatory medical evaluation."
Elena stepped in front of Leo’s chair, her hands curling into tight fists. "You aren't touching him. You aren't touching any of it."
"Mrs. Vance, you are in no position to dictate terms," Miller said, taking a step forward while gesturing to the marshals behind him. "Hand over the hard drive."
May you like
Marcus stepped between Miller and Elena, his expression defiant. "You step back, counselor. We're inside a federal office, and those files are already uploaded to the secure inspector general cloud. If you touch us, the whole world finds out within ten minutes."
Director Miller hesitated, his eyes locking onto Agent Vance, who had placed her hand firmly over the blinking terminal on her desk. The political stalemate hung heavy in the air, a clash between institutional corruption and unyielding truth.
