Chapter 14 - The Architect
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The front double doors of the Whitmore estate were thrown open. Six federal agents clad in dark suits and tactical vests strode into the grand foyer, led by Special Agent Marcus Vance—no relation to us, though the coincidence always made me smile.
"Richard Whitmore?" Agent Marcus called out, his voice booming through the empty, cavernous ballroom.
Richard emerged from the side hallway, looking fifteen years older than he had three hours ago. His shoulders were slumped, his eyes hollow. Eleanor followed behind him, clutching his arm, her eyes wild with panic.
"Richard Whitmore, you are under arrest for conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and grand larceny," Agent Marcus announced, reading from a laminated card as two agents moved forward with handcuffs.
"Wait! You can't do this!" Eleanor screamed, trying to push the agents away. "Do you know who my husband is? Call Governor Vance immediately! Call Senator Sterling!"
"Senator Sterling was the one who tipped off our field office an hour ago to protect his own skin, Mrs. Whitmore," Agent Marcus replied coldly, clicking the steel cuffs around Richard’s wrists. "And as for you, Eleanor Whitmore... you are also under arrest as a named co-conspirator."
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Eleanor gasped, stepping back. "Me? I didn't sign anything! I'm just a philanthropist!"
"Your name is on the secondary offshore accounts in Zurich, ma'am," the agent said calmly, stepping forward to cuff her as well. "Hands behind your back."
