Chapter 2 - The Golden Badge In The Miami Light
The golden elevator doors clicked shut as the silence in the sunlit Miami resort lobby grew terrifyingly heavy.
Victoria stood frozen on the polished marble floor, her crimson double-breasted blazer suit suddenly feeling like a lead weight upon her chest.
The gold Federal Special Agent star badge inside the dark mahogany box caught the afternoon sun, casting a sharp reflection across Victoria’s diamond necklace.
The two US Marshals instantly released Elena’s shoulders, taking three rapid steps backward before snapping into crisp, military-style salutes.
"Special Agent Vance," the lead Marshal announced, his voice dropping into a tone of absolute, trembling respect.
"We were not informed that the Founder of the Southeastern Task Force was present on the resort premises."
Elena did not flinch, her barefoot stance unyielding despite the blood lingering on her dark olive green button-down shirt.
She slowly closed the dark mahogany box with a soft wooden click, her hazel eyes locking onto Victoria’s pale, trembling face.
"You called me a nobody, Victoria," Elena said, her voice quiet, gravelly, and laced with icy authority.
"But three hours ago, your resort’s off-grid server room was used to bypass federal wiretaps in Washington."
Marcus stepped out of the private elevator, his dark charcoal suit unbuttoned, his blue silk tie slightly askew from his shock.
"Elena... we thought you were dead," Marcus whispered, taking a slow step toward her across the wide marble floor.
"The federal transport plane went down over the Florida Everglades at midnight," Marcus added, his hands trembling at his sides.
Elena turned her gaze toward Marcus, her micro-expression tightening with a mixture of past intimacy and profound, current betrayal.
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"The plane didn't crash because of a mechanical failure, Marcus," Elena replied, her voice cutting through the lobby.
"Someone inside this resort paid the pilot two million dollars to ensure I never reached the federal grand jury."
