Chapter 9 - THE FEDERAL TRAP
The rain beat a relentless tattoo against the armored roof of the SUV.
Inside, the digital display on the dashboard flickered.
Breaking news broadcast echoed from the radio speaker.
"We interrupt this program with a developing bulletin," the news anchor’s voice announced frantically.
"Federal authorities have issued a statewide arrest warrant for notorious syndicate leader Nathaniel Rook."
"Charges include arms trafficking, conspiracy, and the bombing at Pier 49."
"A joint task force led by Senator Arthur Sterling has pledged to dismantle the Rook empire within twenty-four hours."
Elodie shifted in the back seat, leaning against Alma.
"Daddy," Elodie whispered, her voice laced with worry.
"Are the bad men going to take you away?"
Nathaniel looked back through the rearview mirror.
Meeting his daughter’s frightened eyes.
His expression softened instantly.
"Nobody is taking me anywhere, little bird," Nathaniel promised firmly.
Marcus slammed his fist against the steering wheel.
"Sterling moved fast," Marcus cursed.
"He flipped the federal prosecutor’s office within ten minutes of Vivian’s capture."
"He's using the entire weight of the government to shield himself."
"Not for long," Nathaniel replied coldly.
He pulled a flash drive from his inner pocket.
The very drive Vivian had given to Marco.
"What’s on that?" Marcus asked, glancing over.
"Everything," Nathaniel said.
"Bank transfers from Sterling’s offshore accounts to the Moriarty syndicate."
"Audio recordings of Sterling ordering the hit on my estate."
"Vivian wasn't the only one recording conversations."
Marcus grinned wolfishly.
"That should be enough to burn down Washington."
"Provided we make it to the gala tonight," Marcus added, checking his map.
"Senator Sterling is hosting a high-society charity gala at the Grand Plaza Hotel."
"Hundreds of witnesses. Federal bodyguards. FBI agents at every door."
"It's the safest place for him to hide in plain sight."
Nathaniel pulled his black leather gloves tight over his knuckles.
"Then that is where we will corner him."
Twenty minutes later, the SUV pulled into the subterranean parking garage of the Grand Plaza Hotel.
Valet attendants scattered as armed men in tactical gear poured out of the rear doors.
Nathaniel walked at the front.
Unflinching.
Unstoppable.
They bypassed the security checkpoints, utilizing private maintenance elevators straight up to the penthouse ballroom.
The heavy mahogany doors of the ballroom opened to a sea of glittering chandeliers, expensive gowns, and tuxedoes.
Senator Arthur Sterling was at the podium, delivering a keynote speech about law and order.
"We must eradicate crime at its root," Sterling’s booming voice echoed across the hall.
"No empire is above the law—"
The ballroom doors slammed open with a deafening crash.
Silence slammed over the three hundred elite guests.
Senator Sterling stopped mid-sentence.
His microphone squealed with feedback.
Nathaniel Rook walked down the center aisle.
Flanked by Marcus and four heavy enforcers.
Whispers erupted among the politicians and judges.
"That's Nathaniel Rook!" someone screamed.
"Where is security? Arrest him!" another shouted.
Senator Sterling’s face turned the color of chalk.
He gripped the edges of the podium so hard his knuckles turned white.
"Mr. Rook," Sterling stammered, attempting to maintain his composure.
"You have some nerve showing your face here."
"Federal agents! Arrest this criminal!"
Four FBI agents in suits rushed forward from the wings, hands reaching for their holstered sidearms.
Marcus stepped in front of them, drawing his assault rifle in one fluid motion.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," Marcus warned, his voice deadpan.
The agents froze.
Nathaniel stopped ten feet from the podium.
He reached into his jacket.
Sterling flinched, expecting a weapon.
Instead, Nathaniel pulled out a small silver flash drive and tossed it onto the podium.
It skidded across the mahogany wood and stopped right beside Sterling’s notes.
"What is this?" Sterling demanded, his voice shaking.
"Play it on the main screen, Senator," Nathaniel commanded.
His voice echoed through the massive ballroom.
May you like
"Let your constituents hear who is really funding the cartels."
Cliffhanger: Senator Sterling’s hand hovered over the remote as the massive projection screen behind him flickered to life, displaying a live video feed of Senator Sterling handing a briefcase of cash directly to Viktor Vance.
