Chapter 6 - The Federal Trap
Julian walked slowly into my office, keeping the silver handgun aimed directly at my chest.
He looked absolutely immaculate, wearing a tailored suit as if he were attending a simple business meeting.
"Step away from the computer, Maya," Julian commanded smoothly.
"You really thought you could outsmart me and Chloe?" he laughed, shaking his head.
I stared at the man I had loved for four years, feeling nothing but absolute, freezing contempt.
"You murdered your first wife for insurance money," I stated calmly, refusing to show any fear.
Julian's confident smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but he quickly recovered his arrogant composure.
"She was a necessary stepping stone to get the capital I needed," Julian admitted without a single ounce of remorse.
"And you were the perfect, wealthy target to help me build my ultimate empire."
He gestured with the gun toward the glowing computer monitor.
"Type in your password and authorize the final release of the funds," Julian ordered.
"If you cooperate, I might just let you live long enough to watch me spend it."
I knew he was lying; the hitman at the apartment proved he intended to kill me regardless.
I slowly raised my hands and placed my fingers on the illuminated keyboard.
Julian stepped closer, watching the screen intensely to ensure I did exactly as he demanded.
I took a deep breath, looked him dead in the eyes, and typed my password.
But I did not type my standard corporate authorization password.
I typed a highly classified duress code I had established with the FBI cybersecurity division three years ago.
I hit the enter key with absolute, unwavering confidence.
The computer screen instantly flashed a brilliant, blinding green light.
"Authorization accepted," the automated corporate system announced loudly.
Julian smiled triumphantly, believing he had completely won the ultimate game.
"Thank you, sweetheart," Julian sneered, reaching into his pocket to pull out a heavy pair of zip-ties.
"Now, we are going to take a quiet walk down to the basement."
Before he could even take a single step toward me, the massive glass windows of my office violently shattered inward.
Three heavily armored FBI tactical teams repelled directly from the roof into the room.
"Federal agents, drop the weapon right now!" the lead agent roared, aiming an assault rifle at Julian's head.
Julian completely froze, his weapon dropping from his trembling hand as he realized the funds had not been released at all.
The duress code had triggered a silent alarm and permanently locked the money in a federal honeypot account.
The agents violently tackled Julian to the floor, instantly slapping heavy steel handcuffs onto his wrists.
Special Agent Vance stepped through the shattered window, offering me a respectful nod.
May you like
"We have him, Maya, but we still have a massive problem," Agent Vance warned urgently.
"The thirty million dollars never actually hit the offshore account."
