Chapter 35 - After the Storm
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Twenty-four hours later.
The morning sun broke over the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps, bathing Lake Geneva in brilliant, golden light. The snowstorm had passed, leaving behind a crisp, clear blue sky.
At a small private airstrip on the edge of the lake, a US Air Force C-20 transport plane stood waiting, its twin jet engines idling softly.
Director Vance sat in a wheelchair near the boarding ramp, his leg heavily wrapped in white bandages, sipping a hot cup of tea.
"The Department of Defense confirmed the complete destruction of the server bank," Vance said as Madison walked up to him. "Victor Sterling and six of his senior commanders are currently being processed at a black site in Germany. The syndicate is dismantled."
Madison looked out across the shimmering water of the lake, her hands buried deep in her coat pockets.
"And my grandfather?" she asked softly.
Vance pointed toward the edge of the tarmac, where Arthur was standing beside a wooden bench, teaching Ethan how to clean the optical lens of his drone camera.
"Arthur refused federal witness protection," Vance said with a slight smile. "He said he spent twelve years hiding in the dark, and he intends to spend the rest of his years teaching his grandson how to fly drones."
Madison walked over to her family. Ethan looked up, his face bright and full of energy.
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"Maddie! Grandpa said we can go to Paris next week!" Ethan said excitedly. "He said there's a museum there with old military aircraft!"
Madison smiled, reaching down to ruffle her brother's hair. "We'll see about Paris, kiddo. First, we're going home to San Diego."
