Chapter 19 - The Rising Sun
For three agonizing seconds, absolute silence hung in the narrow concrete tunnel.
Then, a harsh electronic chime echoed from the main wall panel.
BEEP-BEEP-BEEP.
EMERGENCY OVERRIDE ACCEPTED: OPENING ALL EXITS.
The massive iron blast doors slowly groaned open, unlocking the pathway to the outer courtyard.
Fresh, cold night air rushed into the choked tunnel, filling their lungs with life.
A team of heavily armed federal agents and paramedics immediately rushed through the open doors.
"Federal agents! Put your hands up!" the tactical team leader commanded, sweeping the area with flashlights.
Arthur stepped forward into the bright light, holding his arms open peacefully.
"I am Arthur Vance," he declared calmly and authoritatively. "The situation is under control."
The agents quickly identified Arthur and Marcus, turning their sights onto Maria.
Two female federal officers stepped forward and placed heavy steel handcuffs around Maria's wrists.
"Maria Vance, you are under arrest for attempted murder, fraud, and corporate treason," the lead officer read her rights.
Maria was dragged up the concrete ramp toward the waiting police transport, silent and utterly broken.
Dr. Harrison was already loaded into the back of a police van in heavy restraints nearby.
As the sun began to rise over the horizon, painting the sky in gorgeous shades of gold and amber, Arthur turned to Marcus.
May you like
"Thank you, old friend," Arthur said, shaking Marcus's hand tightly. "I owe you my life."
"You owe me a long vacation, boss," Marcus replied with a rare, genuine smile.
