Chapter 6 - Shadows Over Wall Street
Back in New York, the autumn wind howled through the canyons of Wall Street, rattling the glass windows of the Duca Enterprises headquarters.
Cassidy sat at her desk, surrounded by computer monitors glowing with lines of financial data. The Meridian Logistics scandal had hit the front page of every major newspaper in the country, exposing the international arms-smuggling ring and completely clearing Duca Enterprises of any wrongdoing. Federal authorities had praised the anonymous forensic audit provided by Duca’s internal compliance team—an audit that bore Cassidy’s digital fingerprint.
Yet, despite the victory, an eerie, heavy tension hung over the fortieth floor.
Giovanni walked into her office, his expression uncharacteristically grim. He closed the heavy glass door behind him.
“Cassidy,” Giovanni said quietly.
She looked up, instantly reading the worry lines etched into the older man’s face. “What is it? Did Raskov’s legal team file an injunction?”
“Worse,” Giovanni said, pulling a folded printout from his coat pocket and laying it on her desk. “Viktor Raskov didn't build his syndicate alone. He has a silent partner—a man named Dmitri Volkov who operates out of Zurich and Moscow. Volkov doesn't care about Vane, and he doesn't care about money laundering. He cares about pride.”
Cassidy’s breath hitched. “You mean…”
“Volkov’s personal security detail arrived in JFK airport four hours ago,” Giovanni confirmed, his voice grave. “They aren't hiding behind shell companies or fake contracts anymore. They’re coming directly for the source.”
Before Cassidy could answer, the secure internal communications console on her desk flashed a bright, blinding red.
Warning: Main elevator override activated. Unauthorized access detected on floor forty.
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Giovanni’s hand instantly flew to the concealed firearm beneath his suit jacket. “Stay behind the desk, Cassidy. Do not move.”
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