Chapter 10 - Blood in the Water
By 5:30 AM, inside a secure federal facility in downtown Chicago, Special Agent David Vance of the FBI's Major Economic Crimes Unit was staring at the mountain of evidence spread across the conference table.
Beside him sat Dr. Sterling, handcuffed to the steel chair, weeping openly as he signed a seventy-page sworn confession detailing eight years of orchestrated fraud, poisoning, and identity theft.
"This is the most comprehensive organized crime dossier I’ve seen in twenty years," Agent Vance said, turning to Claire with profound respect. "Mrs. Bennett, you have delivered us an open-and-shut case against Daniel Bennett, Linda Bennett, Victoria Vance, and nine corrupt corporate intermediaries."
"I don't just want them arrested in private, Agent Vance," Claire said, leaning over the table. "I want them caught at the peak of their arrogance. I want the world to see Victoria Vance walk into First National Depository pretending to be me, and I want the handcuffs slapped on Daniel Bennett in front of every business partner he ever lied to."
"We can execute the sting operation at Vault 402," Agent Vance agreed, nodding to his tactical squad commanders. "Federal agents will replace the bank’s internal security detail. We will allow Victoria to access the vault deposit room. The moment she attempts to authenticate with your grandfather's trust charter using fraudulent biometric data, we seal the subterranean corridor and execute federal arrest warrants simultaneously at the bank and the Apex Group closing office."
"There’s one more thing," Claire added. "Daniel believes he is meeting Victoria at the title agency across the street at ten in the morning to receive the sale proceeds. I want to be the one who delivers the documents to him."
Marcus stepped forward. "I'll be with her every step of the way."
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Agent Vance looked between Claire and Marcus, seeing the unbreakable resolve in their eyes. He slowly slid a federal tactical transmitter and an emergency duress beacon across the table.
"Operation Mirror Image is authorized," Vance announced. "Let's bring these monsters down."
