Chapter 13 - The Override Sequence
The high-pitched electronic shriek cut through the howling wind off the Hudson River, freezing Arthur in his tracks. He dropped his gun with a startled curse, clawing frantically at his coat pocket to pull out the unbranded phone.
The screen was no longer displaying a standard operating system. Instead, a cascading wall of green biometric code was scrolling across the display at blinding speed, accompanied by an automated voice recording playing from the internal speaker at maximum volume.
“Federal override protocol activated. All local transmissions intercepted. Asset location and syndicate ledger downloaded successfully.”
Arthur stared at the screen in absolute horror. He looked up, his face twisted in disbelief as the distant sound of blaring sirens began to echo down the dark access road behind the pier.
“You son of a bitch,” Arthur hissed, glaring at Daniel. “You didn't bluff about the cloud backup. You programmed the dead-man switch into the phone before you even left the cloakroom.”
Daniel didn't answer. He rushed to Victoria’s side, pulling a small pocket knife from his tuxedo lining and slicing through the heavy plastic zip-ties binding her wrists and ankles. Victoria scrambled to her feet, rubbing her raw wrists as she stepped behind Daniel for protection.
Three unmarked black SUVs tore around the corner of the warehouse, their high-beam headlights blinding Arthur as they skidded to a halt on the wet asphalt. Doors flew open in unison, and half a dozen tactical agents in full riot gear poured out, weapons raised and training sights locked directly onto Arthur Sterling.
“Federal Bureau of Investigation! Drop your weapon and get on the ground!” Agent Vance shouted, stepping to the front of the tactical unit with a badge held high in one hand and a rifle in the other.
Arthur looked around slowly. He was entirely surrounded. The maritime escape route was blocked by the rising tide, and the federal task force had secured every exit. With a defeated sigh, Arthur tossed his weapon onto the concrete and slowly raised his hands behind his head.
“It’s over, Arthur,” Agent Vance said, motioning for two agents to step forward and slap steel handcuffs onto the syndicate leader.
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As Arthur was hauled away toward the transport vehicles, Daniel turned to Victoria, pulling her into his arms. The nightmare was finally coming to an end.
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