Chapter 17 - The Flight Risk|
Panic is a uniquely visceral thing. For five years, Lucas had operated under the absolute certainty that he was untouchable. Money, influence, and a carefully crafted image had been his armor.
Standing in the courtroom, watching his lawyers physically back away from him, that armor shattered into a million pieces.
“This is a setup!” Lucas shouted, pointing a shaking finger at Ricardo. “He fabricated those documents! He’s trying to steal my child!”
The judge didn't even look up from the file. “Mr. Sterling, sit down. Given the severity of these federal allegations, I am suspending this custody hearing indefinitely and granting full, permanent guardianship of Bia Silva to Ricardo.”
“No!” Lucas roared, slamming his fists onto the table.
He didn't wait for the gavel to fall. Lucas turned and bolted toward the heavy wooden doors at the back of the courtroom.
The two federal marshals immediately stepped forward, blocking his path.
“Lucas Sterling, you are under arrest for federal wire fraud, conspiracy to commit murder, and racketeering,” one of the marshals stated firmly, reaching for his handcuffs.
Lucas didn't surrender. Desperation fueled a sudden burst of violent adrenaline. He threw a wild punch, catching the first marshal in the jaw, and shoved the second marshal hard against the wooden benches.
The courtroom descended into chaos. The judge banged her gavel furiously.
Lucas shoved his way through the doors and sprinted out into the courthouse corridor.
Ricardo didn't hesitate. He vaulted over the wooden partition and gave chase, his dress shoes slipping on the polished marble floor as he sprinted after the man who had destroyed his family.
“Lucas!” Ricardo yelled, his voice echoing off the vaulted ceilings.
Lucas burst through the emergency fire exit stairwell, the alarm immediately blaring. Ricardo hit the door seconds later, taking the concrete stairs three at a time in a dangerous downward spiral.
They reached the underground parking garage simultaneously.
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Lucas sprinted toward a sleek black sports car parked in the VIP section, fumbling wildly in his pockets for his keys. He dropped them on the concrete, cursing loudly as he scrambled to pick them up.
Before Lucas could unlock the door, Ricardo tackled him from behind. They hit the concrete floor hard, a tangle of limbs and pure, unadulterated rage.
