Chapter 11 - The Stripping of the Name
Ten minutes later, Julian was led out through the grand front doors of the Vantage estate in heavy steel handcuffs.
His white dress shirt was torn and stained with blood, his hair wild, his right wrist wrapped in a temporary splint applied by the paramedic unit. As he was led down the marble steps toward the back seat of the police cruiser, the high-society guests who had stayed behind watched him with cold, unblinking eyes.
The rumors had already spread across the lawn. The video had already been transmitted to the state prosecutor's office. The powerful Vantage name, built on decades of social dominance, had been dismantled in less than an hour.
Julian caught sight of Marcus standing beside the lead tactical SUV, flanked by his operators.
"You destroyed me!" Julian screamed, his voice breaking into a pathetic shriek as the officer pushed his head down toward the door of the police car. "You destroyed everything, Marcus! I'll sue you! I'll take everything you have!"
Marcus didn't move an inch. He didn't yell back. He simply watched with cold indifference as the door slammed shut, cutting off Julian's rant.
Chief Thomas walked over to Marcus, leaning against the hood of the SUV. "The prosecutor has already seen the video, Marcus. Grand jury indictment for felony assault with a deadly weapon and kidnapping charges will be filed by tomorrow morning. He's not getting bail."
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"Good," Marcus said, his voice flat. "Because if he gets out, the police won't be the ones finding him."
Thomas sighed, patting his old friend on the shoulder. "Go take care of your family, Commander. We've got it from here."
