Chapter 22 - The Washington Broadcast
At 11:15 AM, forty-five minutes before the scheduled deadline, Senator Gregory Sterling stood in the briefing room of the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington D.C. A forest of microphones and television cameras stood before him as national news networks broadcast the live feed to tens of millions of viewers across the globe.
Sterling adjusted his silk tie, projecting the image of a righteous statesman preparing to announce a decisive blow against organized crime.
"My fellow Americans," Sterling began, his baritone voice solemn and commanding. "Within the hour, the federal government will initiate Operation Cleansing Storm, designating the Chicago-based Moretti syndicate as an existential threat to national security—"
Suddenly, the audio feed blared with a high-pitched digital whine.
The television monitors behind Sterling flickered wildly, cutting from the live podium shot to a stark black screen displaying the classified seal of the United States Senate Intelligence Committee, stamped in blood-red text: *DECLASSIFIED: OPERATION VANGUARD.*
Confused murmurs broke out among the dozens of journalists in the press gallery.
"Cut the feed! Cut the feed right now!" Sterling barked off-mic, his face draining of color as panic fractured his polished exterior.
The technicians scrambled, but Dominic’s cyber unit, operating through the high-grade military servers seized at Lake Forest, had locked down the broadcast satellite array completely.
Across the nation, the live television screens broadcast the crystal-clear video of David Carter detailing the multi-billion-dollar shadow syndicate. Audio recordings of Senator Sterling directly authorizing political assassinations, funneling black-budget narcotics money through offshore shell accounts, and ordering the execution of civilians echoed through living rooms, newsrooms, and the halls of Congress.
And then, Dominic Moretti’s voice boomed through the speakers with absolute authority:
*"Senator Gregory Sterling. Your reign in the shadows is over. The evidence has just been delivered to every federal prosecutor and international tribunal on Earth. Run while you still can."*
The press room erupted into utter pandemonium. Reporters shouted questions, flashing cameras blinded the frozen, horrified senator, and Capitol Police officers began moving toward the podium with bewildered expressions.
Miles away in Chicago, watching the broadcast on a secure monitor, Arthur let out a triumphant roar. "We did it! Sterling is finished! The Justice Department is already issuing emergency arrest warrants!"
Dominic stood beside Evelyn, looking at the unfolding chaos in Washington. For the first time in days, the suffocating tension seemed to lift from his broad shoulders. He looked down at Evelyn, admiration shining in his dark gaze.
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"You took down a senator without firing a single bullet," Dominic murmured with genuine wonder.
Evelyn smiled softly, leaning against his side. "David taught me that truth is the only weapon a tyrant cannot survive."