Chapter 13 - The Cavalry
Ten minutes later, the flashing red and blue lights of county sheriff vehicles and a massive, treaded snowcat illuminated the freezing blizzard outside the gates.
Heavily armed tactical units stormed the estate, sweeping the property with flashlights and rifles drawn. But there was no fight left to be had.
They found Dr. Elias Thorne sitting on the ruins of his expensive leather sofa, holding a shotgun across his lap. He was bleeding from a stab wound to the shoulder, his ribs were taped tightly, and his face was smeared with soot and blood.
At his feet, hogtied with heavy electrical wire and zip-ties, lay Julian Vance, regaining consciousness only to find three police rifles aimed at his head. The surviving mercenaries had already been dragged out into the snow by the deputies.
A paramedic rushed forward, shining a light in Elias's eyes. "Doctor, you're losing a lot of blood. We need to get you onto a stretcher."
"I'm fine," Elias said, pushing the light away. He reached into his blood-soaked vest and pulled out the waterproof pouch. He handed it to the Sheriff standing nearby.
"This is a confession, a life insurance fraud scheme, and evidence of Clara Vance's murder," Elias said clearly. "Julian Vance orchestrated the entire thing. The evidence is airtight."
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The Sheriff took the pouch, looking at the destruction of the house. "You did one hell of a job holding them off, Doc. Where are the kids?"
Elias slowly stood up, wincing as his ribs flared in agony. "They’re safe. I need to go see my niece."
