Chapter 19 - THE BANK VAULT CONFRONTATION
Thirty minutes later, three marked FBI tactical vans screeched to a halt in front of the First National Bank on Michigan Avenue.
Mr. Cole, his shoulder neatly bandaged under a fresh black coat, stepped out into the crisp morning air alongside Clara.
State police officers surrounded the grand granite pillars of the historic financial building, weapons drawn and ready.
Agent Miller, the lead federal investigator on the scene, walked up to Mr. Cole with a serious, respectful expression.
"We have the perimeter secured, Mr. Cole... Victoria Vance and Julian Vance are inside Box 402 area," Miller reported.
"Julian is trying to burn the paper documents before we can execute the federal warrant," Miller added urgently.
"They won't be able to burn the primary deed," Clara spoke up, stepping forward with surprising strength and dignity.
"Richard made sure the original title was printed on fire-resistant legal parchment manufactured for federal trusts," she revealed.
Agent Miller looked at the young mother in her light blue shirt, impressed by her composure under such immense stress.
"Follow my team inside, Mrs. Vance... it’s time to claim what belongs to your daughter," Agent Miller declared.
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They entered the marble lobby of the bank, the heavy iron vault door standing wide open under the glare of police floodlights.
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