Chapter 6 - The Lion’s Den
The Oakridge Founders' Gala was a sickening display of wealth and false virtue. Black-tie elites mingled under crystal chandeliers, sipping champagne while discussing philanthropy, entirely oblivious—or willfully blind—to the blood money funding the caviar.
Jenkins and Cho had cleaned up, using high-end formal wear Elias had sourced from a contact. Jenkins wore a stunning, emerald-green evening gown that hid the Sig Sauer strapped to her thigh. Cho wore a tailored tuxedo, a micro-transmitter disguised as a cufflink.
Elias remained outside in a heavily modified surveillance van, monitoring the estate’s security feeds. Lucas was safe with a trusted priest at a remote parish three towns over, guarded by men loyal to Elias.
“Radio check,” Elias’s voice crackled in Jenkins’s earpiece.
“Loud and clear,” she whispered, taking a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. “I have eyes on Arthur Vance. He’s holding court near the ice sculpture.”
Arthur looked infuriatingly relaxed, laughing with Judge Hayes. He had no idea the trap was closing.
“The server room is in the sub-basement,” Elias guided. “Cho, you need to create a distraction on the second floor to pull the primary security detail away from the stairs.”
Cho nodded, peeling away from the crowd. He made his way to the second-floor balcony overlooking the ballroom. He found the master fire-suppression control panel. With a quick, practiced motion, he short-circuited the panel.
Alarms blared instantly. Sirens wailed, and the massive emergency sprinkler system over the outdoor patio activated, drenching a dozen wealthy guests. Chaos erupted. Security guards flooded the stairs, rushing past Jenkins, totally ignoring her.
Jenkins slipped through a restricted access door and descended into the dark, climate-controlled sub-basement.
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The server room was massive, humming with the sound of cooling fans. But it wasn't empty. Standing in the center of the room, waiting for her, was Harrison Sterling, Arthur’s lawyer, flanked by two armed men.
“Deputy Jenkins,” Sterling smiled smoothly. “Did you really think Arthur wouldn’t recognize the cops who arrested him, even in a dress? We’ve been waiting for you.”
