Chapter 5 - The Downfall of Arthur VanceThe federal indictment of Arthur Vance didn't hit the newspapers slowly; it detonated across Chicago like a localized financial earthquake.
“VANCE REALTY HEIR ARRESTED IN MASSIVE RACKETEERING AND EMBEZZLEMENT SWEEP.”
“Federal Investigators Seize Assets Tied to Municipal Logistics Fraud.”
Inside a maximum-security holding facility on the outskirts of the city, Arthur Vance sat on the edge of a steel-framed cot in a gray jumpsuit that was three sizes too big for him. The arrogant, self-satisfied smile that had defined his entire public life was completely gone, replaced by a twitchy, paranoid desperation.
The heavy steel door of the holding cell unlocked with a loud clack.
Arthur bolted upright, expecting his defense attorney or a prison guard. Instead, the door swung wide open to reveal Vincent Moretti, flanked by two towering guards who remained stationed in the hallway.
Vincent stepped inside the cramped cell, casting a cold, dismissive glance at the concrete walls before looking down at Arthur.
Arthur scrambled backward until his back hit the cold cinderblock wall, his hands trembling violently. “V-Vincent... please! You have to listen to me! My lawyer says the federal bail hearing is tomorrow—if you tell your people in the district attorney’s office to back off, I can—I can give you—”
“You can give me nothing, Arthur,” Vincent interrupted smoothly, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Your bank accounts are frozen. Your real estate holdings have been seized under federal asset forfeiture laws. Your associates at the Bennett estate have already cut ties and claimed they never knew you.”
Arthur let out a ragged, hysterical sob, pulling his knees up to his chest. “Why are you doing this to me?! It was just a little money! Just a few offshore accounts!”
“The money I don't care about,” Vincent said, his voice dropping into a lethal, quiet register. “What I care about is what you did in that house. What you did to Elena. And what you tried to do to a little girl who deserved a father, not a monster.”
Arthur’s eyes bulged. “Elena? This is because of her?! She’s a nobody! She’s nothing!”
Before Arthur could finish his sentence, Vincent moved with blinding speed. He grabbed Arthur by the collar of his jumpsuit, yanking him forward off the cot until their faces were inches apart. The sheer force of Vincent’s grip lifted Arthur off his feet.
“She is worth a thousand men like you, Arthur,” Vincent whispered, his gray eyes flashing with cold fury. “And for every scar on her arms, you’re going to spend an extra year in solitary confinement.”
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Vincent shoved Arthur backward, sending him crashing hard onto the concrete floor.
“Enjoy your stay,” Vincent said calmly, straightening his jacket cuffs as he turned and walked out of the cell, leaving Arthur howling in helpless, shivering terror as the heavy steel door slammed shut behind him.
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