Chapter 12 - The Dissolution of Red Lotus
By 6:00 PM, the dojo had been cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape.
Two local police cruisers and an FBI command trailer were parked in the circular driveway, their red and blue strobe lights flashing rhythmically against the dark pine trees bordering the property.
Inside the command trailer, Sarah sat on a leather bench, wrapping a warm wool blanket around her shoulders. A paramedic had checked her vitals and offered her hot tea, which she held tightly between her hands, watching the steam rise into the cold air.
Emma sat beside her, her legs dangling over the edge of the bench.
Agent Reed stepped inside the trailer, holding a tablet displaying a series of legal documents.
"Viktor Vance has been transported to the federal holding facility in Seattle," Reed reported, tapping the screen. "The state attorney general has already issued arrest warrants for twelve senior executives associated with Vanguard Strategic and Project Blackwood. The entire network is collapsing as we speak."
Sarah took a slow sip of tea, her chest letting out a long, shuddering breath that she felt she had been holding for seven long years. "What happens to the dojo?"
"Seized under federal asset forfeiture laws," Reed replied. "The property will be liquidated, and the proceeds will be placed into a state trust fund dedicated to the families of Task Force 7 veterans."
May you like
He looked at Emma, a faint smile touching his lips. "That includes a full educational grant for you, Emma. Any university you choose, anywhere in the country."
Emma looked out the trailer window at the quiet, darkened building of the Red Lotus Dojo. "I don't need a university yet, Agent Reed. I just want to go home."
