Chapter 8 - The Price of Treason
The two federal agents who stepped out of the unmarked SUVs were from the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division and the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General.
They didn't waste time with pleasantries.
""Victor Sterling?"" the lead agent, a severe woman with silver hair named Special Agent Campbell, asked as she flashed her gold credentials.
Victor couldn't speak. He simply nodded weakly, his knees trembling.
""You are being placed under arrest pursuant to a federal warrant issued by the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts,"" Agent Campbell announced in a clear, mechanical tone. ""You are charged with eight counts of bank fraud, four counts of aggravated wire fraud, identity theft, and filing false instruments in connection with federally backed mortgage assets. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.""
As the metal cuffs clicked around Victor’s wrists, Rita collapsed against the trunk of her car, sobbing uncontrollably.
""What about her?"" Victor snarled through his tears, pointing his cuffed hands at Rita. ""She signed the documents! She knew everything! If I'm going down, she's coming with me!""
Agent Campbell gave Victor a look of utter disgust. ""Miss Vance surrendered herself to the U.S. Attorney’s office through counsel at seven this morning, Mr. Sterling. She has signed a full cooperation and proffer agreement. She handed over every email, every encrypted WhatsApp thread, and every ledger from your private safe. She is our star witness. You, on the other hand, are going straight to federal processing.""
Victor turned back to look at me one last time as they guided him into the back of the SUV.
""Sarah! Please!"" he sobbed openly now, snot running down his upper lip, all dignity discarded. ""Think of the years we had! Think of what we built! You can't let them take me! I'm sorry! I swear to God I'll transfer everything back to you! Just drop the charges!""
""I don't need you to transfer anything back, Victor,"" I said evenly. ""The court already declared it mine. Have a safe trip.""
The heavy car door slammed shut, cutting off his pathetic wails. The black SUV pulled out of the driveway, followed by the Brookline police cruisers, leaving only the quiet rustle of autumn leaves in the morning breeze.
Rita Vance stood by her car, clutching her coat, her eyes swollen and red.
""Can I... can I go now, Mrs. Sterling?"" she whispered, trembling.
May you like
""You can go, Rita,"" I said without looking at her. ""Take those boxes of his clothes with you. You wanted him so badly—now you can take care of what's left of him.""
Without another word, Rita scrambled to throw Victor's boxes into her backseat, jumped into the driver's seat, and sped away from Brookline, never to return.
