Chapter 7 - The Reckoning of the Bureaucrat
General Vance raised his hand and made a brief, decisive motion to the lead tactical officer standing near the front SUV.
"Take him into custody," Marcus ordered sharply. "Charge him under Federal Statute 1382 for interference with military personnel, assault on a decorated veteran, and official misconduct under color of authority. Have his agency's entire district office sealed for a federal audit by nineteen-hundred hours."
"Yes, sir!" the lead officer replied, stepping forward immediately with two tactical guards.
Victor let out a terrified shriek as the guards grabbed his arms, twisting them behind his back and snapping heavy steel handcuffs around his wrists. His wire-rimmed glasses slipped off his face entirely, shattering against the concrete floor where Arthur's cap had rested moments before.
"You can't do this! I have connections in the city council! My father is the regional director!" Victor screamed, his frantic cries echoing off the red-brick buildings as he was hauled backward toward the rear seat of the second SUV.
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"Your father is going to be audited by the Department of Justice by tomorrow morning, son," Marcus said, his voice flat and unyielding. "You better get used to the cold."
The enforcer in the denim jacket didn't make a single move to help his boss. He kept his hands raised high against the light pole, watching in sheer terror as Victor was shoved roughly into the back of the armored vehicle, the heavy door slamming shut with a solid, absolute thud that sealed out his frantic protests forever.
