Chapter 7 - The Strike in the Shadows
Before Julian could bring the brass weapon down, the double doors of the pavilion burst open with thunderous force.
"Federal Bureau of Investigation! Drop your weapon! Hands on your heads!"
A tactical team of federal agents, backed by armed county sheriff deputies, swarmed the room with weapons drawn. Leading the entry was Special Agent Miller, holding his badge high alongside our family accountant, who held a thick stack of blue-bound forensic dossiers.
Julian froze in mid-swing. Seeing six assault rifles trained directly on his chest, he dropped the brass candlestick. It crashed against the marble with a hollow ring. He slowly raised his trembling hands into the air, falling to his knees beside the shattered mirror.
Victoria gasped, backing against the white iron bars of the cage. "What is the meaning of this?! Do you know who I am? I am Victoria Caldwell! I demand to speak to my attorneys immediately!"
Agent Miller didn't flinch. "Victoria Caldwell and Julian Vance, you are under arrest for federal wire fraud, embezzlement of corporate funds, and felony kidnapping."
I looked up from where I held Grace. Before coming to the north pavilion, I hadn't just spoken to Martha—I had used my laptop in the study to transmit the encrypted financial files and security overrides directly to the U.S. Attorney’s office, requesting an immediate emergency warrant.
Paramedics carrying emergency trauma bags rushed into the room, kneeling beside us with blankets and medical monitors.
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"Sir, we need to transport your wife to St. Jude’s Memorial immediately," the lead paramedic said gently. "She's in early labor."
Grace looked at me, her face pale but her eyes shining with fierce courage. "Ethan... it's time."
