Chapter 56
The darkness hit Senator Thorne’s estate like a massive physical blow. The brilliant crystal chandeliers in the ballroom violently short-circuited in a shower of blue sparks before dying completely, plunging three hundred screaming billionaires and politicians into absolute pitch black. A second later, the deafening shriek of the fire alarms tore through the air, and the ceiling sprinklers engaged, raining freezing water down upon the panicked crowd.
Outside, the driveway erupted into a cacophony of sound as fifty luxury car alarms triggered simultaneously, their horns blaring and headlights flashing wildly in the night. The carefully orchestrated security perimeter collapsed entirely as Thorne’s guards rushed to manage the screaming, terrified guests stampeding toward the exits.
"Go, go, go!" Michael shouted, kicking out the metal vent cover above the loading dock. He dropped heavily to the pavement, catching Claire as she slid out behind him.
They sprinted through the pouring rain and flashing lights toward their catering van. The security guard assigned to watch the vehicles was currently running toward the front of the house, completely overwhelmed by the chaotic alarms.
Michael jumped into the driver's seat, hot-wiring the ignition with a practiced twist of exposed wires beneath the steering column. The heavy engine roared to life. Claire slammed the passenger door shut.
"Nathan, we are in the van," Claire yelled over the radio, drenched and breathing heavily. "We are moving to the main gates."
On the balcony, Nathan and Sarah used the chaos to their advantage. They slipped over the stone railing, dropping ten feet into the soft, muddy flowerbeds below. They sprinted across the dark lawn, using the chaotic flashing of the car headlights as cover, running parallel to the driveway.
The catering van smashed through the wooden security arm of the front gate, sending splinters flying into the night. Michael slammed on the brakes, the heavy tires skidding on the wet asphalt just outside the perimeter. The side door slid open.
Nathan and Sarah dove into the back of the van. Michael slammed his foot on the gas, the tires screaming for traction before the van tore off down the dark Virginia highway, leaving Senator Thorne’s ruined empire in the rearview mirror.
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"Did we get it?" Nathan gasped, pulling himself up from the floor of the van.
Michael reached into his jacket, pulling out the small decryption drive. He held it up, a fierce, triumphant smile breaking across his face. "We got the Genesis Ledger."
