Chapter 10 - The Trap Is Sprung
When Richard arrived at the Halcyon Dynamics corporate headquarters, the main lobby was unusually quiet. The security guards at the front desk did not offer their customary smiles.
Richard marched toward the executive elevators, swiping his keycard against the sensor.
The scanner flashed red and let out a sharp, discordant beep.
[ACCESS REVOKED]
Richard’s face flushed with anger. “What is wrong with these cards today?” He turned to the head of building security. “Frank! Reset my badge immediately. I have a full Board of Directors meeting on the fortieth floor in ten minutes!”
Frank, a retired military veteran who had always been polite, stepped forward with an expression of stone. “Mr. Mercer. You won’t need your badge. You have an executive escort to Boardroom Alpha. Please surrender your company smartphone and laptop to my officers.”
Richard took a step back, stunned. “Have you lost your mind, Frank? I am the Senior Vice President of Procurement! You don't confiscate my devices!”
Two armed federal marshals stepped out from the security corridor behind Frank.
“Mr. Mercer,” the lead marshal said, showing his badge. “You are ordered to proceed directly to Boardroom Alpha under federal subpoena. Failure to comply will result in immediate detention.”
The blood drained from Richard’s face. His heart hammered against his ribs like a trapped bird. The reality of what was happening began to crash down on him like a tidal wave.
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“This... this is a misunderstanding,” Richard stammered, his confident swagger evaporating into thin air. “I’m sure Arthur Sterling can explain this.”
“The Chairman is waiting for you upstairs, Mr. Mercer,” Frank said coldly. “Move.”
