Chapter 23 - The Unopened Envelope
Just as their peaceful routine seemed permanently established, a lone postal courier delivered a single thick envelope to the estate gate.
There was no return address, only a red wax seal stamped with an unfamiliar emblem featuring a soaring golden falcon.
Marcus brought the envelope directly to General Vance's study, placing it on the mahogany desk beside the framed American flag.
General Vance slit open the heavy paper with a letter opener, pulling out a single sheet of embossed stationary.
The message written inside was short, cryptic, and chillingly polite: "The falcon never flies alone; watch your eastern flank, General."
General Vance stared at the ominous words, his eyes narrowing as he realized a brand new chapter of shadows was opening.
He picked up his secure satellite phone, dialing the direct extension of FBI headquarters in Washington D.C.
"Director, this is Vance; initiate maximum threat-con level five across the eastern seaboard immediately," he ordered sharply.
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The battle for justice was a continuous vigil, and the Vance family was always standing guard over the American dream.
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