Chapter 3 - THE UNRAVELING BANQUET
Two broad-shouldered security guards clad in black suits stepped into the doorway, effectively blocking Victoria’s only escape route toward the valet lobby. Victoria turned around wildly, her blonde hair coming undone from its elegant updo as her eyes searched the crowded room for a friendly face among Manhattan's elite. Every senator, hedge fund mogul, and socialite in attendance turned their backs, refusing to make eye contact with a woman caught in a public treason.
Leo took a step back toward the velvet curtains, where a tall woman in a navy blue trench coat stepped out from the shadows to wrap her arm around his shoulders. Special Agent Sarah Miller flashed her gold FBI credentials to the surrounding crowd before resting her hand on her concealed sidearm holster.
"FBI, nobody move," Agent Miller announced firmly, her voice carrying through the vaulted ceiling of the luxury restaurant. "This dining hall is now an active federal crime scene under United States jurisdiction."
Victoria gasped, her knees giving out beneath her as she collapsed onto a velvet bench near the grand piano. "Sarah? You... you were the boy's mother? You put a wire on your own son?"
"My son spotted you slipping a synthetic powder from your diamond necklace into Arthur's plate twenty minutes ago, Victoria," Agent Miller replied, stepping forward with pair of heavy steel handcuffs. "And we have had this entire room under high-definition video surveillance since six o'clock."
Arthur adjusted his black satin lapels, showing no emotion as the federal agents moved in to surround his wife. He looked down at little Leo, offering the brave young boy a subtle, approving nod of profound gratitude.
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"You saved my life tonight, son," Arthur said softly, kneeling down on one knee to look the boy dead in the eye. "Who taught you to be so observant?"
"My dad was a United States Marine, sir," Leo answered proudly, holding his head high despite the commotion. "He taught me to always protect good people from bad ones."
