Chapter 19 - The courtroom shocker
Flashbang grenades detonated in blinding bursts of white light, echoing through the warehouse like rolling thunder. State tactical officers in full breach gear dropped down on tactical ropes, their laser sights painting Vance and his private security team in an instant crossfire.
"State Police! Drop your weapons! Hands on your heads!" the tactical commander roared.
Vance stumbled backward, dropping the silver locket onto the concrete as armed officers tackled his guards to the ground. Marcus moved in swiftly, cutting the flex-cuffs from Maya’s wrists and helping her to her feet as Garrett burst through the warehouse side entrance, his face pale with frantic relief.
"Are you hurt?" Garrett demanded, pulling Maya into a fierce, protective embrace before she could even catch her breath.
"I’m fine," Maya whispered, bending down to retrieve the silver locket from the floor. She snapped it open with her thumb. Inside, nestled behind a glass casing, was a micro-engraved serial number corresponding to the neonatal intake record of St. Jude's Hospital, dated November 14th, twenty-four years ago.
"The live audio transmission from your collar just went directly to the federal magistrate," Marcus announced, securing Harlan Vance in steel handcuffs. "The arrest warrants for Arthur Weston and Dr. Julian Vance were signed five minutes ago."
Three hours later, the emergency courtroom of the State Appellate Division was packed to capacity with corporate executives, journalists, and estate lawyers. Arthur Weston sat at the defense table, smiling smugly at his attorneys, entirely unaware of the raid at the warehouse.
The heavy double doors at the back of the courtroom swung open.
Garrett entered, accompanied by two federal marshals, with Margaret walking beside him without a cane, her posture upright and regal. And walking between them was Maya, wearing a tailored black suit, carrying the silver locket and the Project Beacon archive drive.
Arthur’s smile instantly vanished. He shot up from his chair, his face turning an ash-gray color. "Your Honor! This is an unauthorized intrusion! Garrett Weston has been suspended by the board!"
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The presiding judge banged her gavel with authority. "Sit down, Mr. Weston. The United States Attorney’s office has just unsealed a multi-count indictment for corporate espionage, attempted capital murder, and medical fraud against you, Harlan Vance, and Dr. Julian Vance."
The courtroom erupted into a chaotic storm of camera flashes and shouting reporters as federal agents moved down the center aisle, placing Arthur Weston in handcuffs before the entire corporate elite of the city.
