Chapter 16: The Trap Collapses
Arthur stood ground, clutching the leather-bound ledger tightly against his ribs. The cold metallic scent of rain filled the bedroom, drifting through the broken patio doors down the hall.
"An understanding?" Arthur said, his voice ringing with disdain. "You broke into my home, terrorized my family, and threatened my mother. The time for understandings passed fifteen years ago, Vance."
Vance smiled thinly, taking a step into the room. "Your father thought he was a hero, Arthur. Look where it got him—dead of a stroke at fifty-eight, leaving his family to rot with a secret they couldn't even use. Hand over the ledgers. You have no move left."
"Actually, he has one," Detective Miller said calmly from the doorway.
Vance glanced back, annoyed. "Quiet, Detective."
"You see, Mr. Vance," Miller continued, a slight smirk playing on his lips, "you were so eager to beat federal charges that you walked straight into a active crime scene surrounded by a swat team. Did you really think I came to a high-value suspect's home with only two officers?"
Outside, sudden red and blue flashes illuminated the dark windows as sirens wailed, instantly surrounding the house. Heavy boots thundered up the front steps, and red laser sights danced across the walls of the hallway.
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"Federal agents! Drop your weapons! Hands on your heads!" a voice bellowed through a loudspeaker outside.
Vance’s two armed men exchanged panicked glances. Realizing they were completely outmatched, they lowered their weapons and raised their hands into the air. Vance’s composure shattered, his face twisting into a mask of pure fury as federal agents burst into the room, tackling his guards and forcing Vance down onto his knees.
