Chapter 3 - The Calm Before the Storm
The stinging red mark bloomed instantly across the stranger's left cheek. Several salesmen near the front desk stopped mid-sentence. A receptionist dropped a clipboard onto the floor, the plastic scattering across the tile.
Vanessa stood panting, her chest heaving, her fingers still curled from the strike. She looked around the room, expecting her staff to nod in agreement, to validate her dominance over the trespasser. Instead, she saw only stark, pale terror on their faces.
"There," Vanessa hissed, rubbing her hand, trying to reclaim her composure. "That is what happens when you disrespect a Harrington. Now walk out of here before I call the police and have you charged with trespassing and harassment."
The stranger slowly turned her head back. She didn’t cry. She didn’t scream or lunge back in a fit of rage. She raised her hand, lightly touching her reddened cheek, and then calmly reached into her coat pocket.
Instead of a weapon, she pulled out a federal badge and a laminated identification card, holding it up so Vanessa could read every single word.
Elena Vance — Senior Investigator, Federal Trade Commission.
"Assault of a federal officer during the execution of an official inquiry," Elena said, her voice terrifyingly quiet. "That’s a felony, Miss Harrington. And it’s going to look wonderful on the intake report."
Vanessa’s breath caught in her throat. The color drained from her face so fast she looked like a ghost. "A... a federal officer? You're from the FTC? But my father said the inquiry was closed!"
"Your father’s office was notified of our expanded mandate this morning," Elena replied, slipping the badge back into her coat. "We aren't just looking at consumer complaints anymore, Miss Harrington. We are looking at where twenty-four million dollars in missing corporate subsidies went over the last three years."
Before Vanessa could formulate a response, the private elevator at the back of the showroom chimed.
May you like
The doors slid open, and Arthur Harrington stepped out, accompanied by the dealership's chief financial officer. Arthur looked up, seeing the frozen staff, the federal badge in Elena’s hand, and his daughter standing there like a deer caught in the headlights.
"Vanessa," Arthur barked, his face darkening. "What in God’s name is happening out here?"
