Chapter 7 - Caught in the Act
The audio through the earpiece was razor sharp. I could hear the rustle of heavy legal parchment and the clinking of water glasses inside the private conference room on the eighth floor of the financial tower.
"Everything appears to be in order, Mr. Bennett," the undercover agent’s voice came through clearly. "We have the mortgage modification and the secondary lien assignment for ninety-six thousand dollars. We just need the property co-owner, Mrs. Nora Bennett, to present her identification and sign the primary acknowledgement on page twelve."
"Of course," Vivian’s voice purred with sweet, grandmotherly efficiency. "Nora, darling, show the gentleman your ID so we can wrap this up before traffic gets heavy."
A younger female voice—Carla Jennings, the hired impersonator—spoke next. "Here is my driver's license, officer... I mean, sir. Where do I sign?"
"Right on the highlighted line, Mrs. Bennett," the agent replied.
A momentary silence followed, accompanied by the distinct scratching sound of a ballpoint pen moving across paper.
"Excellent," Daniel chimed in, his voice brimming with arrogant triumph. "And the disbursement routing to Vance Horizon Holdings? Will that wire clear by three o’clock this afternoon?"
"The wire will be processed immediately, Mr. Bennett," the agent replied evenly. "Right after these gentlemen enter the room."
A loud bang echoed through the earpiece as the heavy conference room doors swung open.
"Federal Bureau of Investigation and Seattle Police Department! Nobody move! Keep your hands flat on the table!"
A chaotic cacophony of scraping chairs, gasps, and shouts erupted over the radio.
"What the hell is this?" Daniel’s voice cracked into a panicked screech. "There’s a mistake! Who called you? We’re conducting a private legal closing!"
"Shut up, Daniel!" Vivian hissed, her composure instantly shattering into venomous rage. "Officer, my son is a respected businessman! You have no legal warrant to barge into this private meeting!"
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"Vivian Bennett, Daniel Bennett, and Carla Jennings," Detective Miller’s voice sounded over the speaker as our cruiser pulled up to the curb downstairs. "You are under arrest for federal wire fraud, attempted grand larceny, identity theft, and criminal conspiracy. Step away from the table and put your hands behind your backs."
Agent Hayes turned around in the passenger seat and offered me a small nod. "It's time, Nora. Let's go up and say hello to your husband."
