Chapter 2 - The Red Notice at Gate B12
At 3:05 a.m., the VIP first-class boarding lounge at Gate B12 of Boston Logan Airport was quiet, populated only by a handful of sleepy international travelers awaiting Emirates Flight 238 to Dubai.
Arthur Vance sat in a plush leather lounge chair, clinking his crystal glass of mimosa against Sienna’s champagne flute.
"To freedom, baby," Arthur grinned, leaning over to kiss her cheek. "By the time Eleanor wakes up at 9:00 a.m. and calls the bank, our forty-five million will be cleared through the Cayman escrow into our private Swiss vault. She won't have enough money left to hire a public defender."
"You're a genius, Arthur," Sienna purred, admiring the glittering diamond tennis bracelet on her wrist. "I still can't believe she didn't notice the money moving."
"Eleanor is a glorified librarian," Arthur scoffed, checking his gold watch. "She spends her days reading novels and watering roses. She has no idea how international banking works."
His phone buzzed in his pocket.
Arthur pulled it out, seeing the reply from Eleanor: “Enjoy the airport.”
Arthur chuckled, showing the screen to Sienna. "Look at this. She’s in total denial. She thinks she's being witty."
"Flight 238 to Dubai, first-class passengers may now proceed to the jet bridge," the gate agent announced through the overhead speakers.
Arthur stood up, grabbing his designer leather carry-on, extending his arm for Sienna. "After you, my future queen."
They walked toward the boarding scanner, handing their boarding passes to the airline representative.
The agent scanned Arthur's pass.
BEEP-BEEP-BEEP.
A sharp, flashing red warning box appeared on the computer monitor:
ALERT: PASSENGER MANIFEST FLAGGED - DO NOT BOARD - NOTIFY PORT AUTHORITY IMMEDIATELY.
The gate agent’s smile vanished. She looked up at Arthur, her voice polite but rigid. "Mr. Vance, there appears to be a slight system verification issue with your passport. Please step aside to the podium for just a moment."
"What do you mean, system issue?" Arthur barked, his voice rising in annoyance. "I am a Platinum Skywards member! I have a private first-class suite on this aircraft! Scan it again!"
"I'm afraid you won't be boarding that aircraft, Mr. Vance," a deep, commanding voice echoed from behind them.
May you like
Arthur spun around.
Walking down the carpeted concourse were four armed United States Marshals in dark tactical vests, flanked by two uniformed Massachusetts State Police officers and Special Agent Marcus Cole of the FBI’s Major Fraud Division.
