Chapter 7
A midnight mist blanketed the runway at the private airfield just outside Los Angeles.
A sleek black chartered jet sat near the hangar, its twin engines humming quietly in the cool night air.
Maya walked across the wet tarmac, wearing her olive green hoodie under a heavy dark coat.
Marcus followed close behind her, carrying two small duffel bags packed with basic essentials.
A tall woman in a crisp charcoal suit stepped out from the hangar shadows to greet them.
"Ms. Vance?" the woman asked, showing a gold federal badge inside a leather wallet.
"I am Special Agent Sarah Connor with the Department of Justice."
Maya paused, her eyes examining the badge with careful, analytical precision.
"Agent Connor," Maya acknowledged softly. "Did prosecutor Harrison send you?"
"Harrison was arrested two hours ago by federal marshals," Agent Connor revealed in a flat, grave tone.
"Victor Vance bought off his entire office three days ago."
Maya stopped dead in her tracks, her breath catching in her throat as the cold wind whipped around them.
"If Harrison was compromised, then who authorized this private flight?" Maya asked, stepping back cautiously.
May you like
Agent Connor's expression remained completely unreadable under the harsh runway lights.
"Your father did," Agent Connor whispered, reaching into her jacket.
