Chapter 9 - SHADOWS AT THE MANSION
The Vance estate was a sprawling fortress lit up by grand chandeliers and spotlights.
Luxury cars line the long driveway as high-society guests arrived in expensive gowns and suits.
Outside the perimeter fence, Marcus checked his concealed weapon inside a stolen security uniform.
Sarah sat in a van nearby, hooked into the mansion’s broadcasting server.
"I've overridden the main security camera feed," Sarah spoke through Marcus’s earpiece.
"You have a ten-minute window through the East conservatory."
Leo sat in the back of the van, holding a microphone connected to the mansion's main audio system.
"Be careful, Marcus," Leo whispered into the radio.
"Don't worry, kid," Marcus replied. "Keep your eyes on the screen."
Marcus slipped over the stone wall and sprinted silently across the manicured lawn.
He bypassed two armed guards who were distracted by their phones.
He slid through the glass doors of the conservatory and into the grand hallway.
The sound of classical music and clinking champagne glasses echoed from the ballroom.
Marcus made his way toward the master study on the second floor.
That’s where Vance kept the hard physical evidence connecting him to the hitmen.
He unlocked the study door and slipped inside, shutting it quietly.
He rushed to the mahogany desk and began tearing through the drawers.
"Looking for these?" a voice echoed from the dark corner of the room.
The lights clicked on.
Richard Vance stood there, flanked by four heavily armed mercenaries pointing rifles at Marcus.
"Officer Marcus," Vance smiled cruelly.
"I must admit, you are far more persistent than I gave you credit for."
"It’s over, Vance," Marcus spat, raising his hands slowly.
"We have your files. The press knows."
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"The press knows only what I pay them to know," Vance chuckled darkly.
"And as for you... you die tonight as a rogue cop."
