Chapter 7 - The Downfall at Moretti Towers
On Christmas Eve morning, Manhattan was wrapped in a quiet blanket of fresh snow.
At Moretti Financial Towers, Vincent sat alone in the dark boardroom on the top floor.
He hadn't heard from Dominic in over twenty-four hours. His phone had been silent. Victoria Hale sat in the corner, staring at her laptop screen in absolute, helpless horror.
"It’s over, Vincent," Victoria whispered, her voice hollow. "The Swiss banks just frozen all our corporate accounts. The federal prosecutors have filed thirty-two counts of racketeering and capital murder against you."
Vincent didn't answer. He sat at the head of the long glass table, staring at the empty leather chair at the far end where Evelyn had once sat during corporate galas.
He pulled out a golden locket from his pocket—one Evelyn had left behind on her nightstand. Inside was a small photograph of her smiling on a beach in Italy during their honeymoon.
He realized now, with a crushing, agonizing clarity, that he had possessed everything a man could ever dream of: a brilliant, loyal, beautiful wife who truly loved him, an unborn son, and an honorable future.
And he had thrown it all away for money he couldn't take with him.
The heavy oak doors of the boardroom were suddenly blown off their hinges with a deafening CRACK.
"FEDERAL AGENTS! DON'T MOVE!"
A dozen tactical FBI officers flooded into the room, laser sights cutting through the dim light, weapons trained directly on Vincent and Victoria.
Agent Sarah Miller stepped through the doorway, holding a federal arrest warrant.
"Vincent Moretti," Agent Miller declared loudly. "You are under arrest for the murder of Richard Whitmore, corporate fraud, grand larceny, and conspiracy to commit murder. Stand up slowly and place your hands behind your head."
Victoria immediately put her hands up, weeping hysterically, while an agent slapped steel handcuffs around her wrists.
Vincent did not run. He did not reach for a weapon.
He stood up slowly, straightened his tie, and held out his hands.
As the cold steel cuffs locked around his wrists, Vincent looked at Agent Miller.
"Is she safe?" Vincent asked, his voice barely a whisper.
May you like
Agent Miller looked at the mob boss with cold, uncompromising disgust. "She is safe. She is far beyond your reach, Mr. Moretti. And your son will grow up knowing his mother was the strongest person alive."
Vincent was led out of his corporate empire in chains, surrounded by dozens of flashing blue police lights on the snowy streets of Manhattan below, while news cameras broadcast his arrest to the entire world.
