Chapter 6 - The Crumbling Dynasty
The news of Connor's arrest by federal agents sent shockwaves through the state.
The local media could no longer ignore the scandal.
The Kensington family name, once synonymous with power and prestige, was now toxic.
Arthur Kensington was in the middle of a massive fundraising dinner for his upcoming senate campaign.
He was standing at a podium, smiling for the cameras, pretending his family was perfectly fine.
Suddenly, every cell phone in the banquet hall began buzzing simultaneously.
The news alert had just dropped.
"Senate Candidate's Brother Arrested by Federal Agents for Armed Assault."
The wealthy donors in the room began murmuring, exchanging nervous glances.
Arthur's smile completely collapsed as he checked his own phone.
He tried to salvage the speech, but the damage was already done.
Donors began quietly standing up and walking out of the ballroom.
Nobody wanted to be associated with a sinking ship.
Arthur rushed off the stage, furiously dialing his mother's number.
"Mom, what is going on?!" Arthur shouted into the phone.
"They took Connor," Beatrice replied, her voice shaking for the very first time.
"My contacts in the police department won't return my calls."
"Because your contacts are currently being investigated by the FBI," Arthur snapped.
"I told you this military woman was dangerous, but you wouldn't listen!"
"Do not raise your voice to me, Arthur," Beatrice demanded.
"I am trying to fix this!"
"You can't fix this!" Arthur screamed.
"My campaign is dead, and Connor is going to prison."
"I am hiring my own legal team, and I am cutting ties with both of you."
Arthur hung up the phone, severing the family's united front.
Survival of the fittest was the only rule the Kensingtons truly respected.
And Arthur was ready to throw his mother to the wolves to save his own skin.
Back at the base, I monitored their phone calls through a secure wiretap authorized by the DOJ.
I listened to their empire fracture from the inside out.
Maya sat beside me, listening to the recording of Arthur abandoning his mother.
"They are turning on each other," Maya whispered in disbelief.
May you like
"Cowards always do," I replied, closing the laptop.
"Now, we deliver the final blow."
