Chapter 4 - The Substandard Steel
The projection screen displayed technical structural lab tests.
The report proved the pier steel was compromised.
It could collapse under heavy destroyer ship loads.
My officers had gathered evidence for six months.
We tracked every offshore wire transfer to Panama.
Every transfer was signed by Julian and Richard.
"You thought I was playing soldier, Julian?"
I asked my younger brother in low tone.
"I was managing the federal defense audit team."
"The team investigating your fraudulent construction contract today."
Julian backed away, his knees shaking uncontrollably now.
He looked at his father for legal protection.
"Dad, do something!" Julian cried out hysterically.
"She is going to send us to prison!"
Richard tried to regain his old booming authority.
He slammed his heavy fist onto altar table.
"This is private property!" Richard roared at officers.
"You have no legal right to display files!"
"I will call the Secretary Defense right now!"
"I donated two million dollars to his campaign!"
I pulled a signed white paper from pocket.
I held the document up for him to.
"The Secretary of Defense signed this arrest warrant."
"He signed it three hours ago in D.C."
Richard's face drained of all its remaining color.
His telephone political connections were completely useless now.
The federal government was shutting down his empire.
My mother Margaret fell onto her knees crying.
Her fake aristocratic composure was entirely gone today.
"Claire, I am your mother!" Margaret sobbed.
"How could you do this to your own blood?"
"You chose money over honor, Margaret," I.
"Now you get to pay the full price."
Two armed federal agents entered through front doors.
They wore dark suits with brass federal badges.
They walked down the aisle with steady steps.
Their hands rested near their leather waist holsters.
The wedding guests scrambled out of their way.
People pushed chairs back to avoid being involved.
The grand luxury ballroom had turned into court.
Richard looked around at his fleeing high-society friends.
None of his wealthy golf buddies helped him.
They turned their backs, pretending not to know.
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The isolation hit him like a physical blow.
📖 Chapter 5 brings the shocking power shift as federal agents seal the exit doors. Read on right now. 👇
