Chapter 7 - Breaching the Citadel
The massive mahogany entrance doors were blown inward off their hinges with a controlled, surgical concussive charge. Dust and smoke billowed into the grand ballroom.
Through the haze poured two dozen operators in matte-black tactical gear, their assault rifles raised in low-ready positions, laser sights painting the walls with lethal crimson dots.
"FEDERAL TACTICAL UNIT! NOBODY MOVE! HANDS ON YOUR HEADS!"
Guests shrieked, dropping instantly to their knees. Men in million-dollar tuxedos and women draped in diamonds hit the champagne-soaked floor without hesitation.
Leading the assault team was a tall man in a tailored FBI Hostage Rescue uniform alongside a full-bird Colonel in desert combat fatigues. The Colonel scanned the room, ignoring the screaming elites, until his eyes landed on Marcus Reed standing calmly in the center of the hall.
The Colonel snapped a crisp, razor-sharp salute.
"Colonel Miller, 5th Special Forces Group. Sir, the perimeter is secured. All county access roads are closed. FAA has instituted a five-mile no-fly zone around this coordinate."
Marcus didn't return the salute—civilians didn't salute, even legendary former commanders—but he gave a firm nod. "Thank you, Colonel. Sheriff Pike has surrendered his weapon. The suspects are Julian and Preston Beaumont."
Julian stepped forward, his eyes wild, trying to play his final political card. "Colonel! I am Julian Beaumont! I demand you arrest this intruder! I am personal friends with Senator Bradley! I demand you let me contact the Attorney General!"
Colonel Miller walked straight up to Julian, standing inches from the billionaire’s nose. He pulled a thick manila folder stamped *TOP SECRET / CLASSIFIED DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS* from his vest.
"Julian Beaumont," Miller announced in a voice that carried to every corner of the room. "As of eight minutes ago, an emergency federal grand jury in Washington D.C. unsealed thirty-two indictments against you, Beaumont Financial, and Beaumont Biomedical."
Julian choked. "What... what indictments?"
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"Espionage against domestic defense infrastructure, corporate extortion, money laundering through offshore shell corporations, and conspiracy to commit aggravated assault against a federally protected researcher."
Colonel Miller signaled two operators behind him. "Cuff him. Zip-tie his son. If either of them resists, treat them as hostile combatants."
