Chapter 12: Justice in the Daylight
Keller raised his weapon, but before he could squeeze the trigger, the reinforced security doors behind Clara blew open with a deafening percussion blast.
“Federal Agents! Drop your weapons! Drop them now!”
A tactical squad in body armor swarmed the sub-level, laser sights painting the chests of Julian’s private security team. Keller immediately dropped his weapon and raised his hands, recognizing the futility of resistance.
Julian backed away toward the rear exit, his eyes wild with panic, knocking over scaffolding poles as he stumbled backward. “This is a mistake! You don't know who I am! I built this city!”
Detective Sarah Ramos stepped through the tactical formation, her badge flashing in the dim light, accompanied by two federal prosecutors.
“We know exactly who you are, Julian,” Ramos said coldly, kicking Keller’s fallen gun aside. “Julian Sterling, you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit municipal fraud, multiple counts of manslaughter regarding the Harborview collapse, kidnapping, and witness tampering.”
An agent pushed Julian against the cold concrete pillar, ratcheting heavy steel handcuffs around his wrists. Julian glared at Clara, his aristocratic veneer completely shattered into pathetic, sputtering rage.
“You’re nothing!” Julian snarled, spitting onto the floor. “A penniless baker! You’ll never survive this!”
Clara stepped forward, looking down at the man who had tried to crush her family under his boot.
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“My father died with integrity,” Clara said quietly. “You’re going to spend the rest of your life with nothing but your own greed to keep you company.”
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