chapter 8:
320 Words
The heavy rain began to clear as the convoy of federal vehicles pulled away from the dark harbor warehouse. The flashing red and blue lights faded into the distance, leaving the area in a quiet, damp stillness.
Victor stood alone outside the broken metal wall, the cool night breeze brushing against his face. He pulled his phone from his coat pocket and tapped the screen twice. A secure line connected almost immediately.
The first phase is complete, Victor said, his voice steady as he watched the last taillights disappear down the access road. Marcus and Elena are in custody.
A slow, approving chuckle came through the earpiece from his unseen ally.
Very good, the voice replied. But do not celebrate just yet. Arthur Vance is already aware that his warehouse was raided. He knows everything has fallen apart. A cornered animal is always at its most dangerous.
Victor narrowed his eyes, looking out toward the glittering skyline of the downtown district where the massive headquarters of Vance Holdings towered over the city.
Let him panic, Victor answered softly. He spent five years living comfortably on stolen wealth. Now it is time for him to pay the price. What is our next move.
Your next move is the board of directors, the voice instructed sharply. Tomorrow morning, Arthur is calling an emergency meeting to try and save his sinking stock value. That is your chance to strike at the heart of his empire. Be there.
Victor hung up without another word. He slipped the phone back into his pocket and turned toward his waiting car parked just past the security line.
The game was shifting from the shadows into the open corporate world. Arthur Vance thought he was untouchable behind his high glass walls and millions of dollars. But by sunrise, Victor would walk right through the front doors of Vance Holdings and take back everything that belonged to his family.
- Writer
