Chapter 11 - The Collapse of the Citadel
The federal courthouse buzzed like an electrified hive after a lightning strike.
Flashbulbs popped in blinding succession outside the oak doors as marshals escorted Judge Harrison Brooks into a subterranean van.
In the second-floor corridor, journalists shouted overlapping questions about corporate collusion and judicial corruption.
Inside the private conference room, Special Agent Vance slammed a manila folder onto the mahogany table.
"The entire warrants division is moving on Vane's subsidiary warehouses across Cook County," Vance said, his face grim with professional satisfaction.
"With Brooks in custody and the master audio logs entered into the federal record, the syndicate's legal armor has completely shattered."
Lorenzo stood by the tall arched window, his hands resting in the pockets of his dark wool trousers.
He watched the rain streak down the thick bulletproof glass, washing away the grey soot of a dying era.
"Julian Vane is still sitting in the Cicero warehouse," Lorenzo murmured, his voice as cold as the wind off the lake.
"He believes his political cronies will bail him out before midnight."
Evelyn stepped out from the shadows near the corner bookshelf, her posture rigid and composed.
"They won't," she said, her voice dropping into a register of absolute finality.
"Julian doesn't have any allies left who can survive a federal audit."
"Every judge, councilman, and commissioner who took his money is currently deleting their encrypted messaging apps."
"They are running like rats from a sinking ship."
Lorenzo turned around slowly, his dark eyes locking onto her pale, resolute face.
"Are you ready to look the man in the eye who stole your family from you, little bird?" he asked softly.
Evelyn did not hesitate for a single heartbeat.
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"I've been waiting five years for this moment, Lorenzo," she replied, picking up her leather briefcase from the chair.
"Let's go open the cage."
