Chapter 13 - Digital Proof
The laptop screen illuminated the dark interior of the moving car with a ghostly blue light. Julian clicked open the folder, revealing dozens of audio files, scanned wire transfer receipts, and recorded video depositions.
"Look at this," Julian murmured, clicking on a high-definition video file dated three days ago.
The screen played a grainy, clear recording of Richard Vance sitting in his plush corner office, laughing casually as he discussed laundering millions through shell corporations with an unidentifiable offshore broker. Even more damning was the second audio file—a recorded phone conversation between Richard and an unknown operative discussing Maya’s recent movements and how to eliminate the threat before she reached out to Julian.
"That's a confession on a silver platter," Miller said, glancing back at the screen with an approving nod. "With these files, the SEC and the federal prosecutor's office can slap Richard with racketeering, embezzlement, and conspiracy charges within the hour."
Julian felt a grim sense of vindication wash over him, though it was heavily tempered by the unresolved fate of Maya. "We need to take this straight to the U.S. Attorney's office, not the local precinct. Richard has too many local judges and police captains in his pocket."
"Agreed," Miller said, signaling a lane change toward the federal courthouse district downtown.
Suddenly, a massive black SUV slammed into the rear bumper of their unmarked car, sending the vehicle spinning violently across three lanes of traffic. The screech of tearing metal and squealing tires filled the air as Miller fought desperately to maintain control of the steering wheel.
Julian threw his arms completely around Lily and the sleeping baby, curling his body into a protective human shield as the police car collided heavily with a concrete median barrier, airbags deploying with a deafening pop.
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Smoke billowed from the crumpled hood of the car. Through the shattered rear window, Julian saw the black SUV pull up right behind them, its passenger-side door swinging open. Two masked men stepped out, weapons drawn, walking purposefully toward their wrecked vehicle through the billowing smoke.
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