Chapter 9 - Dawn at Federal Plaza
Instead of syndicate enforcers, heavy tactical vests emblazoned with FBI came rushing into the dim streetlamps.
"Drop the weapon, Maroney! Federal agents!" a familiar voice shouted over a bullhorn.
Vittorio slowly lowered his gun, holding it by the barrel and resting it on the dashboard before opening his door with his hands clearly visible in the air. "Agent Miller! I have the ledger, and I have my daughter. We are unarmed and cooperating."
Agent Miller rushed forward, followed by half a dozen agents who immediately secured the perimeter, checking the backseat and gently pulling open the door to assist Sophia.
"Get him a medic, now!" Miller shouted, noticing the dark blood soaking through Vittorio's coat. He then turned his attention to Emma, who was sitting frozen behind the steering wheel. "Miss Richardson? Are you alright?"
Emma nodded mutely as paramedics rushed over with a stretcher for Vittorio.
Before they loaded him into the ambulance, Vittorio caught Emma's eye. He reached into his coat pocket—not for a weapon, but for a small, heavy gold signet ring bearing the Maroney family crest—and tossed it gently onto the passenger seat through the open window.
May you like
"A reminder," Vittorio called out over the commotion of sirens and flashing lights. "That you always have a friend in this city, no matter what."
Emma looked down at the ring as the ambulance doors slammed shut and sped away toward Newark General Hospital.
