Chapter 20 - Showdown at Stamford Marina
The Stamford Marina was shrouded in thick sea fog as cold waves slapped against the wooden docks.
At the end of Dock C sat a luxury eighty-foot yacht named The Royal Empress, its engines idling quietly.
Richard parked his SUV behind an industrial shipping container, stepping out into the damp sea air.
Maria followed closely behind him, holding a high-powered tactical flashlight.
"Stay behind me and keep your eyes on the upper deck," Richard instructed in a low whisper.
They stealthily crept along the wooden boardwalk, stepping onto the yacht's stern deck unnoticed.
Inside the main mahogany salon, Victor Sterling stood by a bar, pouring himself a glass of scotch while talking on a satellite phone.
Spread across the glass coffee table were original trust deeds and forged offshore transfer certificates.
Richard kicked open the sliding glass door, stepping into the salon with his weapon raised.
"Party's over, Uncle Victor," Richard announced coolly.
Victor froze, slowly lowering his glass as a bitter, arrogant smile spread across his face.
"Ah, nephew. Always playing the brave soldier," Victor sneered, hanging up his satellite phone.
"You're too late, Richard. The trust shares were transferred to my Swiss account ten minutes ago."
"Not quite, Mr. Sterling," Maria said, stepping into the cabin holding her brother's tablet.
"Carlos uploaded a counter-virus to your server three minutes ago. The transfer was rejected by the Zurich bank."
Victor's arrogant smile vanished, replaced by an expression of pure rage.
He reached under the bar for a concealed pistol, but Richard tackled him over the sofa, sending both men crashing to the floor.
Glass shattered as the two men wrestled violently across the cabin floor.
Victor pulled a pocket knife, slashing wildly toward Richard's chest.
Maria grabbed a heavy bronze ship wheel decoration from the wall, slamming it onto Victor's arm.
Victor screamed in pain, dropping the knife as Richard pinned him to the carpet in a firm chokehold.
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Within seconds, the blare of police sirens echoed across the harbor as state troopers flooded the docks.
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