Chapter 9 - A Desperate Move
Inside the county lockup, Isabella Vance was allowed a single phone call. She didn't call a lawyer. She called a burner number she had memorized years ago.
"It all fell apart," Isabella whispered frantically into the receiver, looking over her shoulder at the prison guards. "Julian found her. He knows about Vanguard."
A deep, mechanical voice answered on the other end. "You were sloppy, Isabella. You were told to dispose of the wife once the asset transfer was complete."
"I needed her for the rolling biometric updates!" Isabella hissed. "Listen to me, you have to get me out of here. If I go down, I'm taking you all with me. I'll tell the Feds who really funded Vanguard!"
The line went silent for a terrifying moment.
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"We understand," the voice finally replied. "A cleaner will be sent tonight to handle the loose ends. Do not speak to the authorities."
The line went dead. Isabella smiled, a vicious, triumphant smirk returning to her face. Julian thought he had won. He thought the walls of his fortress could protect his fragile little bird. But Isabella had made deals with the devil, and the devil was coming to collect.
