Chapter 16 - The Midnight Helicopter Lands On The Mansion Lawn
Darkness blanketed the coastal estate as a heavy twin-engine tactical helicopter descended onto the sprawling front lawn.
Rotor wash flattened the manicured turf and rustled the branches of the old oak trees surrounding the property.
Arthur stood on the wide stone porch, watching as the cabin door slid open and a senior federal prosecutor stepped out.
The prosecutor walked briskly up the steps, carrying a heavy leather briefcase secured with a brass combination lock.
“Director Vance, I just came from the federal arraignment hearing downtown,” the prosecutor reported, catching his breath.
“How did Jonathan and his wife plead before the federal magistrate?” Arthur asked, his expression entirely neutral.
“Jonathan refused to speak a single word, but his wife threw a tantrum and blamed him for the entire conspiracy,” the prosecutor said.
“The judge denied bail completely due to extreme flight risk and the gravity of the national security charges,” he added.
Arthur nodded slowly, knowing that justice was finally taking its proper course through the American legal system.
“Good; make sure they are placed in separate maximum-security facilities with zero outside communication privileges,” Arthur instructed.
May you like
The prosecutor saluted crisply before boarding the helicopter, which lifted off immediately into the stormy night sky.
***
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