Chapter 8 - The Vanguard Web Expands
Dawn was breaking over the university spires by the time I slipped back into my car and dialed Major Bishop through the encrypted satellite channel.
“Commander,” Bishop answered instantly. “You look like you've been busy.”
“Preston Caldwell is a manufactured asset,” I said, starting the engine. “An orphan bought or stolen seventeen years ago to replace the Caldwells' real dead son, keeping their corporate trusts intact. And according to Preston, Chad Kensington ordered the hit because Nora uncovered a municipal zoning fraud tied to Kensington Construction.”
A heavy pause settled over the line.
“That explains why the Department of Justice’s internal affairs division just flagged my data queries,” Bishop said grimly. “Commander, it goes deeper than we thought. Arthur Caldwell isn't just a defense contractor. He’s a key member of The Meridian Group—an elite shadow syndicate of wealthy industrialists that handles black-budget state operations. They don't just buy judges; they buy federal oversight.”
“Then we don't fight them in court,” I replied coldly. “We strike their financial lifeline.”
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“What do you need?”
“Activate the Vanguard financial nodes,” I ordered. “Initiate a simultaneous, coordinated short-sell and asset-freeze across every offshore account tied to Kensington, Sterling, Holbrook, and Caldwell. Let’s see how long their political immunity lasts when their bank accounts go to zero.”
