Chapter 13 - The Net Tightens
While Burlington enjoyed its peaceful spring thaw, the shockwaves of Vivian’s downfall continued to reverberate through the upper echelons of international finance. Federal regulators in New York and Zurich were combing through the digital ruins of Sterling Capital, uncovering a labyrinth of illegal front companies that spanned four continents.
Marcus requested a secure satellite uplink to brief me on a secondary syndicate cell that had attempted to exploit the power vacuum left by Vivian’s arrest in New England. I listened from my private study, my fingers steepled beneath my chin as Marcus detailed the neutralization of the rogue faction.
"They thought they could move drugs through our northeastern shipping lanes while our attention was focused on Blackthorn House, Boss," Marcus reported over the encrypted audio channel.
"And?" I asked calmly.
"We intercepted their primary cargo vessel off the coast of Maine three hours ago. The contraband was confiscated, and the cell leaders are currently enjoying a permanent vacation in a Black Site facility near the Arctic Circle."
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"Good," I replied evenly. "Make sure the message is sent to any other regional syndicates who might mistake mercy for weakness. The Crown does not negotiate boundaries."
I cut the connection, standing up to gaze out the tall French doors toward the blooming garden where Claire was pruning rose bushes in the afternoon sun. She looked happy, healthy, and entirely free of the shadows that had haunted her youth.
