Chapter 6 - The Fall of the Predator
Director Vance plugged the USB drive into his portable diagnostic tablet. For three agonizing minutes, the hangar remained completely silent, save for the hum of the overhead fluorescent lights.
Marcus Sterling looked around frantically, but the two federal inspectors accompanying Director Vance had already positioned themselves between Marcus and the exit doors.
Finally, Director Vance looked up from the screen, his face grim and pale with fury.
""Mr. Sterling,"" Director Vance said, his voice dropping into a lethal, bureaucratic chill. ""The digital signatures on these wire transfers trace directly back to your corporate IP address at Apex AeroCorp. Furthermore, the federal database confirms these polymer-coated filtration units violate federal aviation code section 14-C.""
Marcus took a step backward, raising his hands defensively. ""This is a setup! You can't—""
""Federal Marshals,"" Director Vance barked, turning toward the hangar entrance.
Two armed federal agents in tactical windbreakers stepped out from behind the maintenance trucks, moving with practiced efficiency. They grabbed Marcus Sterling by both arms, snapping heavy steel handcuffs securely around his wrists.
""Marcus Sterling, you are under arrest for federal aviation sabotage, corporate espionage, and wire fraud,"" the lead marshal announced crisply, reading him his rights as they hauled him toward the black sedan outside.
Marcus glared back over his shoulder at Mason and Tessa, his face twisted in pure, impotent rage, before being shoved violently into the back seat of the cruiser.
Director Vance closed his tablet and turned to Mason, offering a tight, respectful nod. ""Mr. Reed, I formally rescind the provisional grounding order against your fleet. Furthermore, the Federal Aviation Safety Office will be launching a full-scale federal racketeering investigation into Apex AeroCorp's entire regional operations. Your airline is completely cleared for flight.""
Grant let out a massive, booming cheer that echoed off the hangar rafters, pumping his fist in the air. Several of the senior mechanics started clapping, their smiles stretching from ear to ear.
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Mason exhaled a breath he felt like he had been holding for two straight months. He extended his hand toward Director Vance, shaking it firmly, before turning his attention back to Tessa.
""Well,"" Mason said softly, a warm, genuine smile spreading across his face. ""It looks like our Friday bank review is going to go a little differently than we expected.""
