Drink the tea, Julian, you look exhausted after the campaign rally, my father-in-law, Senator Arthur Montgomery, said softly as he patted my shoulder.
The sterile walls of the federal holding facility pressed in, a stark contrast to the grand halls of the Capitol. Clara sat beside me, pale but resolute, as we prepared our formal depositions for the Department of Justice. Lily was safely with Aunt Genevieve, but the relief was fragile, temporary. We knew Montgomery’s reach.
The door to the small interview room opened, and Agent Danforth entered. His usual methodical demeanor was replaced by a grim tension. He closed the door behind him, his eyes heavy.
“I have news,” Danforth began, his voice low. “It’s… not good.”
My stomach clenched. Clara’s hand found mine, her grip tight.
“A high-level political judge,” Danforth explained, “Judge Eleanor Vance. She was appointed by Montgomery’s allies years ago. She’s just signed an emergency bail order. Citing procedural errors in the initial arrest warrant.”
My blood ran cold. Procedural errors?
“Five million dollars,” Danforth continued, his jaw tight. “That’s the bond she set. And it’s already been posted. Senator Montgomery has been released from federal holding.”
The words hit like a physical blow. Released? After everything? The televised confession, the evidence, the public humiliation? It was impossible. Yet, Danforth’s face confirmed it.
Clara gasped, a small, choked sound. The hope that had begun to bloom in her eyes withered.
“He’s out,” I whispered, the reality crashing down on me.
Danforth nodded, his gaze distant. “He’s out. And he’s vanished. We’ve had surveillance on him since his release, but he slipped our perimeter an hour ago. He has friends in high places, Julian. Assets we haven’t even begun to uncover.”
The net had seemed so perfect, so airtight. But there was a flaw, a powerful, corrupt flaw embedded deep within the system, protecting its own. Montgomery was a free man, more dangerous than ever, his vengeance now focused, acute.
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