Chapter Three: The Arrival
Seven minutes later, the first black SUV rolled through the gate.
Then another.
Then three more.
No sirens. No flashing lights. Just unmarked vehicles with government plates and men in dark suits who moved like they'd been trained to kill with their bare hands.
The party guests scattered like startled birds.
The Chief's face went white.
"Arthur... who are these people?"
I didn't answer.
The lead agent approached me with a crisp salute. His name was Morrison—a man I'd worked with in places I'd never be able to discuss. We'd saved each other's lives more times than either of us could count.
"Sir," Morrison said. "It's good to see you again. I wish it were under better circumstances."
"Likewise, Morrison."
He glanced toward Lily. His jaw tightened.
"Ma'am is injured?"
"My daughter," I confirmed. "We need medical support."
"Already inbound. My team has secured the perimeter. No one leaves until we process the scene."
Richard tried to push past the agents.
"You can't do this! This is my property! I have rights—"
Morrison stepped in front of him.
"Mr. Richard Thompson, you're being detained pending investigation into charges of aggravated assault, domestic battery, and attempted murder."
Richard laughed.
"Attempted murder? She fell! I told you—"
"We have a recording of you admitting to causing her injuries."
"She's unstable! She's lied about—"
"We also have physical evidence," Morrison continued calmly. "The photographs I'm seeing show clear handprints around her neck. Consistent with strangulation. That's not a fall, Mr. Thompson. That's an attempt to kill."
Richard's mother started screaming.
The guests tried to leave.
May you like
But Morrison's team had already blocked every exit.
