Chapter 7 - The Interrogation and Sweating Lawyers
Down at the federal courthouse, the legal maneuvering of the Ashford defense team was collapsing faster than a house of cards.
Thomas Vance’s high-priced defense attorney, Marcus Gable—a man known for getting corporate executives off scot-free through technicalities—sat across from Agent Miller and the federal prosecutor in a sterile, windowless conference room.
Gable slammed a folder onto the table, his face flushed with frustration. “This is ridiculous! These wire transfer records were obtained without a proper interstate warrant! We will move to suppress every bit of this digital evidence!”
Agent Miller didn't even blink. He calmly pushed a secondary document across the table, sliding it right under Gable’s nose.
“You might want to check the chain of custody on that suppression motion, counselor,” Miller said smoothly. “Those records weren't seized by us. They were voluntarily handed over by the Swiss banking regulators after an official mutual legal assistance treaty was signed yesterday afternoon. The accounts belong directly to a private trust under Thomas Vance’s personal social security number.”
Gable’s eyes widened. He grabbed the papers, flipping frantically through the pages, watching his entire legal defense strategy crumble in real-time.
“And as for the arson charges,” the federal prosecutor added, folding his arms across his chest, “we have a signed confession from the lodge manager who installed the padlocks under direct written orders from Thomas Vance himself. He’s cooperating fully in exchange for witness protection and a reduced sentence.”
Gable sank back into his chair, the last remaining color draining from his face. He realized there was no loophole big enough, no bribe expensive enough, and no technicality clever enough to save his clients.
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“What... what kind of plea arrangement are we looking at?” Gable muttered, his voice defeated.
“No plea arrangements,” the prosecutor said coldly. “We are taking this all the way to trial. Maximum sentencing on all counts. Forty years without parole.”
