Chapter 11 - The Trap Sprung
Marcus didn't move. He stood completely still, watching the young assistant’s trembling hands. Beside him, Julian was already grabbing his suit coat and dialing a direct number on his cell.
""On what charge?"" Julian demanded into the void, his voice ringing with authority.
""Class B Felony,"" the assistant whispered. ""Extortion and aggravated harassment. Principal Harris swore an emergency affidavit an hour ago claiming Mr. Thorne called his private residence and threatened his family's lives.""
""It's a fabrication,"" Julian snarled, his eyes blazing. ""Harris is trying to take Marcus off the board before the public meeting tomorrow. If Marcus is detained overnight in county processing, he won't be able to speak to the press or attend the council hearing.""
Marcus walked calmly toward the lounge door. Peering through the small glass pane, he saw Lily sound asleep on the plush sofa, her small hand clutching the silver locket beneath her cheek. She looked so peaceful, completely removed from the corrupt machinery attempting to swallow her family whole.
""Julian,"" Marcus said, turning back. ""Can you keep Lily safe tonight?""
""My wife and I will take her to our estate outside the city limits,"" Julian swore, placing an iron hand on Marcus’s shoulder. ""Not a soul will find her. But you can't walk out there, Marcus. County lockup isn't safe when a connected school board has police friends.""
""I am walking out there,"" Marcus replied evenly, checking his cuff links. ""Because if I run, Harris controls the media narrative tomorrow morning. He will paint me as an unhinged fugitive.""
""Marcus—""
""Process the bail immediately,"" Marcus cut him off with calm finality. ""Use your judicial contacts. Have the bond signed before midnight. But whatever you do, Julian... keep that thumb drive secure. Do not open the second folder until seven o'clock tomorrow evening.""
Julian blinked in surprise. ""There’s a second folder?""
Marcus offered a cold, humorless smile that sent a shiver down the lawyer's spine. ""Harris thinks he's the only one who knows how to set a trap.""
Without another word, Marcus pushed through the double glass doors and stepped into the plush reception lobby. Two detectives stood beside the security turnstiles, their handguns holstered but their postures rigid and alert.
""Marcus Thorne?"" Detective Miller, the older of the two, stepped forward with silver handcuffs already dangling from his fingers.
""I am,"" Marcus said, extending his wrists without hesitation. ""I assume Principal Harris sends his regards?""
""You have the right to remain silent,"" Miller recited mechanically, clicking the cold steel cuffs tight against Marcus’s skin. ""Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.""
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Marcus didn't flinch as the metal bit into his wrists. As they marched him toward the private service elevator, he caught sight of a plainclothes officer speaking quietly into a radio in the corridor.
""Package is secured,"" the man whispered into his collar. ""Inform Vance she has a clean floor tomorrow.""
