Chapter 3: The Security Guard Who Never Existed
Within minutes, security records were pulled from the event organizers.
Something didn't add up.
There were supposed to be twelve guards assigned to the banquet.
Yet surveillance footage clearly showed thirteen.
The mysterious extra guard had entered through the service entrance nearly two hours earlier...
...using an authentic security badge.
But no employee by that name existed.
"He had a fake identity," the detective muttered.
They immediately reviewed the security cameras.
On the screen, the fake guard could be seen carrying a toolbox beneath the stage.
Moments later, he disappeared behind Judge Harrison's table.
When the footage resumed, he calmly walked away.
Then something even more disturbing appeared.
The camera captured Victoria speaking with the fake guard only minutes before the banquet began.
The two stood together in a quiet hallway.
She handed him an envelope.
His face remained hidden beneath his cap, but he nodded before walking away.
Victoria's face turned white.
"That's not what it looks like!"
The detective replayed the footage.
Frame by frame.
Victoria wasn't giving directions.
She was paying him.
"I can explain—"
"No," Judge Harrison interrupted.
"You'll explain at police headquarters."
Before officers could handcuff her, another investigator rushed into the ballroom holding a laboratory report.
"Judge..."
"The syringe wasn't filled with poison."
Everyone stared.
"It contains a powerful paralytic."
The room froze.
The investigator continued.
"The victim would remain completely conscious..."
"...unable to move..."
"...while suffering cardiac arrest that would appear to be a natural heart attack."
Judge Harrison slowly closed his eyes.
May you like
Someone hadn't wanted him dead merely for revenge.
They wanted his murder to look completely accidental.
