Chapter 12 - The Federal Trap
Ryan frowned. “What does that mean?”
“You spent ten years in pharmaceutical logistics, Ryan,” I said, leaning over the table. “You know state regulations inside and out. You knew Judge Sims could squash any county warrant. You knew County General couldn't touch you once you crossed jurisdictional lines into Saint Jude’s private foundation.”
I popped the latches on the briefcase.
I didn't pull out papers.
I pulled out a small, black, high-gain transmission transponder with a blinking green LED light.
“What is that?” Laura Sims asked, setting her water glass down with a sudden clatter.
“When you diverted API-9942 from Oakridge Labs,” I said, “you didn't steal it from a private supplier. Oakridge Labs is a primary contractor for the Department of Veterans Affairs. That Warfarin was federal property.”
Laura’s face turned the color of chalk.
“And when you forged Emily’s name on a life insurance policy issued by Northwestern Mutual,” I continued, looking directly at Ryan, “you used an interstate wire transfer to process the first premium payment from an account registered in Delaware.”
Ryan stood up, his chair screeching against the floor. “You’re bluffing!”
“Wire fraud across state lines. Theft of federal medical supplies. Conspiracy to commit interstate murder-for-hire.” I picked up the transponder. “Those aren't state charges, Ryan. Judge Sims has no jurisdiction over the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District.”
The heavy conference room door rattled.
*BANG. BANG. BANG.*
“Federal Bureau of Investigation!” a booming voice echoed from the hallway. “Open the door immediately!”
Laura Sims lunged for the lock, her hands trembling violently, but Ryan grabbed her by the shoulder and threw her backward.
“You idiot!” Ryan screamed at her, his face turning purple with feral rage. “You told me the transport paperwork was clean!”
“It was clean!” Laura shrieked, scrambling on the carpet. “She went to the feds!”
The door frame gave way with a deafening crash as three tactical FBI agents in full body armor and carbines breached the room, followed immediately by Frank Henderson.
“On the ground! Both of you! Hands behind your heads! Now!”
Laura Sims immediately dropped to her stomach, burying her face in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably.
Ryan didn't drop.
May you like
He lunged across the conference table, grabbing the heavy glass water pitcher, and swung it directly at my skull.
***
