Chapter 10 - The Federal Iron
Four armed federal marshals in dark tactical vests burst through the glass front doors of Excel Fitness, their carbines raised, their heavy boots pounding across the rubber floor mats.
"FEDERAL AGENTS! DROP YOUR WEAPONS! GET ON THE GROUND!"
Arthur didn't resist. He set his silver revolver down on a wooden bench, raised his hands above his head, and stepped away from the broken glass.
Maya stood up, pulling her official Department of Justice credentials from her back pocket, holding them up toward the lead agent.
"Special Agent Lin, Inspector General's Office," Maya announced loudly over the sound of the wailing gym alarm. "Target Victor Vance is secured. Suspect has a gunshot wound to the right shoulder. Call an ambulance."
The lead agent nodded, signaling his team to secure Victor, who was groaning in pain on the floor as cold steel handcuffs clicked around his wrists.
The lead agent turned to Arthur, his expression softened by professional respect. "Inspector Pendelton. You were supposed to stay in the chase car."
"I spent three weeks walking on that treadmill in a grey tracksuit, Agent Ross," Arthur smiled faintly, lowering his hands. "I earned the right to be in the room."
Ross chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled a pair of keys from his pocket and unlocked the tactical cuffs on Arthur’s hands. "Your daughter would have been proud of you, Arthur."
May you like
Arthur turned to look at Maya, who was wiping a small cut on her cheek caused by flying glass.
"She was proud of both of us," Arthur said quietly.
