Chapter 9 - The Federal Safe Zone
By dawn, a convoy of three unmarked federal sedans escorted Richard's battered SUV into the secure underground garage of the Federal Building in Hartford.
Dozens of armed federal agents stood watch as Special Agent Sarah Jenkins stepped forward to greet them.
"Commander Vance, it's good to see you alive," Agent Jenkins said, shaking Richard's hand warmly.
She turned to Maria, offering a sympathetic smile as she noticed the severe bruising on her face.
"Miss Maria, medical staff are waiting inside to treat your injuries and check on young Leo," Sarah assured her.
"Thank you, Agent Jenkins," Maria said, her legs trembling from sheer physical exhaustion.
Inside the secure facility, Leo was given hot chocolate and colorful crayons while a paramedic applied bandages to Maria's shoulder.
In the adjacent briefing room, Richard laid out Eleanor's black ledger alongside the cracked smartphone containing video evidence.
Agent Jenkins reviewed the high-definition video showing Eleanor striking Maria inside the mansion's private quarters.
"This is definitive proof of domestic assault and child endangerment," Agent Jenkins declared, her face hardening.
"It's enough to arrest Eleanor Vance today, but we have a bigger problem."
Richard sat down across the metal table, his eyes fixed on the agent.
"What problem?" Richard asked.
"Eleanor isn't at the mansion anymore," Jenkins revealed, sliding a tactical map across the desk.
"At 4:00 AM, she boarded a private Gulfstream jet registered to Apex Global Holdings at Teterboro Airport."
"Where was the flight plan registered?" Richard asked, his jaw clenching tightly.
"Miami, Florida," Jenkins answered. "She's meeting with the board of directors to force an emergency sale of Vance Enterprises."
Maria entered the room quietly, listening to the alarming revelation.
"If she sells the company today, the trust fund for Leo disappears completely," Maria stated.
Richard looked at his watch; it was 7:30 AM.
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"Then we have four hours to get to Miami and stop that meeting," Richard declared.
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