Chapter 10: The Net Closes
Within twenty-four hours of transmitting the encrypted archive to the federal task force, the digital landscape surrounding the Vance estate shifted dramatically. Thomas’s police scanner crackled incessantly with encrypted dispatches from state troopers and federal agents converging on the corporate headquarters and the family residence in the city. Katherine’s public relations firm was in complete disarray, issuing desperate, frantic press statements denying all allegations of financial impropriety and corporate malfeasance, while news helicopters hovered relentlessly over the sprawling iron gates of the mansion.
Inside the cabin, the tension was palpable. Evelyn stood by the window, watching the rain begin to fall through the pine branches, holding Lily’s small hand as the little girl drew pictures of their upcoming journey. The federal agents had acknowledged receipt of the evidence and requested a secure, confidential meeting with Evelyn to verify her testimony and officially enter the eyewitness accounts into the grand jury record.
A heavy knock echoed at the wooden door of the cabin. Thomas reached instinctively for his hunting rifle, but checked himself as a coded three-tap signal was tapped against the timber frame. He unbolted the door and pulled it open.
A tall woman in a slate-gray federal investigator's suit stepped inside, flashing an official badge bearing the gold seal of the Department of Justice. Her expression was professional, sharp, and respectful. "Mrs. Vance? I am Special Agent Rachel Vance—no relation to the corporate family, I assure you," she added with a slight, reassuring smile. "We received your transmission. The primary financial servers at Vance Enterprises have been seized under federal warrant, and arrest warrants have been issued for Katherine Vance and her executive associates."
Evelyn exhaled a long, steady breath she felt she had been holding for two years. "Thank God," she whispered softly, squeezing Lily’s hand a little tighter. "Is there any word on the recovery effort for my husband’s vehicle?"
Special Agent Vance’s expression softened into one of deep professional sympathy. "Our marine recovery teams located the wreckage in the ravine yesterday afternoon based on the dashcam coordinates you provided. Forensics are currently processing the site. While we cannot bring him back, Mrs. Vance, we can ensure that every single person responsible for covering up his death faces full accountability under the law."
"I want to testify before the grand jury," Evelyn stated firmly, stepping forward without hesitation. "I want to look Katherine in the eye when the formal charges are read."
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"Your testimony will be crucial to securing the indictments," the agent replied, pulling a secure digital tablet from her briefcase. "We have a secure transport waiting down the road to take you and your daughter to a safe federal facility in the capital. You will be fully protected."
***
