Chapter 12 - The Final Corner
The harsh beams of the police flashlights sliced through the dim red glow of the garage, converging squarely on Marcus’s stalled sedan. Detective Miller stepped forward, his hand resting on the holster of his sidearm, his voice cutting through the ringing alarm.
Marcus Vance! Turn off the engine and put your hands where we can see them! Miller commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Marcus, trapped inside the driver’s seat with his door jammed shut against the concrete pillar, frantically slammed his fists against the steering wheel. He looked desperately through the windshield at the advancing officers, then cast a venomous glare at Arthur, who stood a few feet away, breathing heavily.
You ruined everything, Arthur! Marcus screamed from inside the car, his voice cracking with hysteria. We could have lived like kings!
Arthur stepped closer to the driver’s side window, ignoring Marcus’s outburst. He looked past Marcus into the passenger seat, where the heavy leather briefcase sat wide open, spilling bundles of documents and secure hardware keys onto the floor mats.
You thought you could erase me and take my life's work, Arthur said quietly, his voice cold and steady. But greed always leaves a paper trail, Marcus. Always.
Detective Miller and the officers reached the car, using a heavy crowbar to force the jammed driver’s door open with a loud screech of tearing metal. They hauled Marcus out of the vehicle in one swift motion, slamming him face-down onto the damp concrete and clicking the handcuffs into place with practiced precision.
Maya walked over slowly, holding the small black USB drive in her palm. She extended her hand toward Arthur, offering the device.
It finished purging, Maya said quietly. The files are locked and secured.
Arthur looked down at the child, taking the drive from her small hand. A genuine, relieved smile finally touched the corners of his mouth—the first real smile he had worn in five years. He reached out and gently patted the yellow bow in her hair.
Thank you, Maya, Arthur said softly. You saved more than just a company tonight. You saved the truth.
Clara jogged down the service stairs just then, carrying her trench coat over her arm, her expression calm and triumphant as she took in the scene of Marcus being hauled to his feet by the police officers.
The federal marshals just confirmed receipt of the encrypted files from the lobby terminal, Clara announced, breathless but smiling. Julian and Elena’s offshore accounts have been frozen by morning court order. Every single cent is locked down.
Marcus spat onto the concrete as the officers led him toward the elevators, glaring daggers at Arthur and Clara.
You think this is the end? Marcus snarled over his shoulder. There are others! You haven't seen the last of us!
Arthur watched him disappear around the corner, his expression hardening once more as a cold realization settled into his chest.
He’s right, Arthur murmured, turning to look at Clara. Marcus was just the middleman. There’s still the board chairman who signed off on the initial takeover.
Clara’s smile faded, her eyes locking onto Arthur with grim determination.
May you like
Then we finish it tonight, Clara said firmly. Before the sun comes up.
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