Chapter 3 - The Pentagon Clearance
The shadow of the grand mansion stretched long across the gravel driveway as the dark-suited agents surrounded the steps.
Victoria reached for Arthur’s arm, her manicured nails digging into his sleeve.
“You gave this estate to a disgraced captain?!” Victoria hissed, pointing a trembling finger at Vivian’s navy blue dress uniform.
Vivian adjusted her toddler on her hip, her ribbon medals catching the last rays of sunlight.
“I was never disgraced, Victoria,” Vivian said softly, her voice carrying a quiet, terrifying authority.
“My suspension was a classified military operation designed to catch the person stealing military logistics funds from the Sterling Trust,” Vivian added.
Harrison pulled a second document from the manila folder, displaying a federal wiretap authorization stamped by the Pentagon.
Chloe’s jaw dropped as she looked at her mother, realizing the trap had been sprung months ago.
“You wiretapped my phone?” Chloe whispered, her face draining of all color.
“We wiretapped every room in this house, Chloe,” Harrison replied without a trace of emotion.
Arthur turned to face Victoria, his silver hair shining under the porch lanterns as the sun dipped below the horizon.
May you like
“Pack your bags, Victoria,” Arthur ordered. “You have thirty minutes before federal marshals arrive.”
---
