Chapter 13 - The Last Signature
The predawn chill hung heavy in the air as Arthur, Clara, and Maya stepped out of the subterranean parking garage and into the quiet, deserted courtyard behind the St. Jude banquet hall. The glittering lights of the wedding reception were completely extinguished now, replaced by the pale, gray light of early morning breaking over the city skyline.
Arthur held the encrypted USB drive tightly in his hand, his knuckles white against the dark metal casing. Clara walked beside him, her phone pressed to her ear as she whispered instructions to the federal legal team waiting at the federal district courthouse downtown.
The chairman’s residence is two miles away, Clara said, lowering her phone as the call ended. His flight to Zurich leaves at seven o'clock this morning. If we don't serve him with the injunction before he reaches the private airstrip, the remaining assets cross international waters by breakfast.
Arthur stopped walking, turning to look at Maya, who was standing quietly beside them, clutching her small handbag.
Maya, you’ve done enough tonight, Arthur said gently, kneeling down so he was eye-level with the girl. It’s time for you to go home to your mother. The rest of this road is dangerous.
Maya shook her head firmly, her dark hair brushing against the collar of her yellow cardigan.
Mom is already at the courthouse waiting for us, Maya replied, her voice unwavering. She said I had to see it through to the very last signature.
Arthur exchanged a knowing glance with Clara. A quiet, deep respect passed between them. He stood up, adjusting his coat against the morning wind.
Then let’s not keep them waiting, Arthur said, turning toward the waiting car parked at the curb.
Ten minutes later, the sedan sped through the quiet, empty downtown streets, racing against the clock as the digital dashboard clock ticked closer to six o'clock. The city buildings blurred past in a smear of gray concrete and glass.
As they approached the iron security gates of the private aviation terminal, Clara pointed ahead through the windshield.
There! Clara exclaimed. His black town car is pulling up to the private hangar right now!
Arthur pressed his foot down on the gas pedal, the engine roaring as the car surged forward, cutting off the town car just inches before it could pass beneath the hangar’s open security barrier.
The town car screeched to a halt, and the back door swung open immediately. An elderly, impeccably dressed man with silver hair stepped out, his face contorted in furious disbelief as he recognized Arthur stepping out of the leading vehicle.
You? the chairman shouted, pointing a trembling finger at Arthur. You were supposed to be buried five years ago!
Arthur walked forward with slow, deliberate steps, holding out the encrypted USB drive like a shield.
Your time is up, Richard, Arthur said, his voice echoing loudly in the quiet hangar. Sign the confession, or spend your remaining years sharing a cell with Julian and Marcus.
Richard stared at the drive, his chest heaving as he realized every escape route had been completely sealed off.
May you like
Before Richard could raise his hands in defeat, the screech of tires echoed from the highway entrance behind them, signaling the arrival of a final unexpected vehicle.
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