Chapter 6 - The Iron Hand of Justice
“You think this is a domestic matter, Arthur?” I stepped right up to the older man, ignoring his intimidation tactics. I looked past him, straight into Andrew’s weak, terrified eyes. “Andrew, look at me.”
Andrew flinched, holding the car seat tighter.
“If you walk out those doors with my son,” I said, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, “you are committing parental kidnapping under Title 18 of the United States Code. But more importantly, you are delivering that baby into a house that is being searched under a federal warrant right now.”
Arthur Sr.’s face twitched. “What are you talking about?”
“Did you really think I didn't know where the money for Andrew’s law firm partnership came from, Arthur?” I asked, a bitter smile touching my lips. “You used your son’s firm to launder the proceeds from the municipal construction kickback scheme you operated while on the bench. I’ve been supervising that DOJ wiretap for fourteen months. I recused myself from the criminal trial last night only because of my personal connection—and turned the entire file over to the Special Prosecutor.”
Arthur’s smug demeanor shattered into pieces. “You… you wiretapped my firm?”
“I didn't have to. Your associate turned state's evidence three weeks ago,” I said.
At that exact moment, the glass doors swung open. Rain roared outside as a fleet of black federal sedans pulled up into the ambulance bay. Half a dozen FBI agents rushed in, led by Special Agent-in-Charge Miller.
“Arthur Ellis Sr.,” Agent Miller announced, expanding a federal arrest warrant. “You are under arrest for federal racketeering, money laundering, and obstruction of justice.”
Arthur Sr. looked at the handcuffs, then at his cowardly son, and finally at me. “You monster,” he breathed. “You ruined this family!”
“You ruined yourselves the moment you decided people were things to be owned,” I replied.
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Agent Miller turned to Andrew. “Andrew Ellis, put the child down carefully and place your hands behind your back. You are being charged as a co-conspirator in federal financial crimes.”
Andrew dropped to his knees, sobbing hysterically as a female agent gently picked up the car seat and handed Noah back into my waiting, trembling arms. I pulled my baby boy tight against my chest, tears finally spilling down my cheeks.
