Chapter 12 - The Confession of Madeline
Alexander slid a single sheet of paper across the polished wood. It wasn't a corporate deed; it was a full, notarized confession detailing the premeditated assault, extortion, and attempted kidnapping of Clara Vance, along with a complete disclosure of the Robas family's hidden smuggling routes.
""Sign it,"" Alexander commanded.
Madeline looked from the document up into Alexander's merciless eyes. ""If I sign this, I spend the rest of my life in a federal penitentiary.""
""If you sign this, you go to prison,"" Alexander corrected coldly. ""If you do not sign this, Donald puts you and your son into the trunk of a sedan, and Neptune Seven leaves port without any records of your existence. You have ten seconds to decide if you prefer concrete walls or the Atlantic ocean floor.""
Madeline's breath hitched. She looked at Javier, whose face was purple from fear and agony. ""You wouldn't dare. The media...""
""The media will report that the Robas family fled the country following massive debt default,"" Alexander said, his voice dropping to a gravelly whisper. ""Three. Two...""
""I'll sign!"" Javier screamed, thrashing on the carpet. ""Untie my hands, I'll sign it! Mother, sign it!""
Madeline’s shoulders finally dropped, the last shred of her monstrous vanity collapsing into hollow defeat. Her trembling hands were freed just enough to grip the heavy fountain pen. With shaking strokes, she scrawled her signature across the bottom of the parchment.
Clara stepped forward, picked up the signed confession, and blew gently across the wet ink.
""Thank you, Madeline,"" Clara said quietly. ""Now Javier has something to remember his wedding day by.""
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Donald stepped forward, pulling both captives to their feet. ""Sir, the transport van is waiting in the basement.""
""Take them to the federal prosecutor's private residence,"" Alexander ordered. ""Make sure the press is tipped off before they arrive at the precinct.""
