Chapter 14 - THE TIDE TURNS
Dozens of state troopers in heavy tactical gear spilled out from the trees, lasers targeting Sheriff Miller and his corrupt officers.
"DROP THE WEAPON! DROP IT NOW!"
Sheriff Miller’s eyes widened in sheer panic.
He slowly lowered his gun and raised his hands into the air as troopers tackled him to the muddy ground.
A tall man in a long charcoal trench coat stepped out from behind the SWAT van, holding a black umbrella.
It was Marcus Kane.
Beside him stood the Chief of State Police.
"You're late, Marcus," Elena gasped, collapsing onto her side, still clutching Lily.
Marcus walked over to the edge of the cliff, handing his umbrella to a officer and kneeling beside Elena.
"I had to secure the Federal Arrest Warrant directly from the Governor, Elena," Marcus said softly, his grey eyes calm and victorious.
"The Vance family’s jurisdiction ends tonight."
State paramedics rushed forward with warm blankets and a stretcher.
They wrapped Lily in a thick thermal blanket, lifting her gently into the medical van.
"Mommy!" Lily cried, reaching her small hand out from the stretcher.
"I'm right here, baby," Elena promised, kissing her daughter’s cold forehead before the medics began treating the child.
Marcus helped Elena stand up, wrapping a coat around her shivering shoulders.
Back at the lodge, state troopers led Victoria Vance out in heavy steel handcuffs.
Her expensive dress was covered in dirt.
Her hair was a ruined, tangled mess.
She looked at Marcus Kane with pure hatred.
"You can't do this to me!" Victoria shrieked, struggling against the guards.
"I own this city! I own the courts!"
"Not anymore, Victoria," Marcus said smoothly, stepping into her path.
"Ten minutes ago, Federal Agents raided your corporate headquarters."
"We recovered the original ledgers detailing twenty years of bribery, illegal child trafficking, and corporate fraud."
"Your assets have been frozen."
"Your empire is finished."
Victoria turned her bloodshot eyes to Julian, who was being led out in handcuffs right behind her.
"Julian! Do something!" she screamed hysterically.
"Tell them I did it for you! Tell them!"
Julian looked at his mother with cold, hollow eyes.
May you like
"No, Mother," Julian whispered quietly.
"I'm finally going to tell them everything."
