Chapter 11 - THE MIDNIGHT KNOCK
The digital clock on the microwave glowed a harsh 2:14 AM as the quiet apartment was shattered by a sharp, aggressive knock at the front door.
Chloe bolted upright on the living room sofa, clutching the blanket tightly around her shoulders with trembling hands.
Ethan stepped out of the hallway bedroom wearing a plain t-shirt and sweatpants, holding a heavy metal flashlight like a club.
"Stay behind me," Ethan whispered softly, motioning for Chloe to remain near the kitchen counter.
Another loud round of pounding rattled the wooden door frame, accompanied by a muffled voice shouting from the landing.
"Open up! Federal marshals! We have a court-ordered search warrant!" a stern voice barked through the apartment door.
Ethan exchanged a bewildered glance with Chloe before unlocking the deadbolt and slowly pulling the door open.
Two men in dark tactical vests stood in the dim hallway, their badges gleaming under the flickering overhead bulb.
"Agent Miller, FBI Financial Crimes Division. Are you Ethan Brooks and Chloe Vance?" the lead agent demanded.
Chloe stepped out from the kitchen, her eyes wide with shock. "I'm Chloe Vance. What is this about?"
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Agent Miller flashed an official document, holding it up for them to read under the hallway light.
"We have reason to believe you are in possession of classified corporate documents stolen from Vance Global Logistics," Agent Miller stated.
