The Billionaire's Mistake

MISTAKE 142

Chapter 142: Hijacking

A team of intelligence agents, led by Special Agent Derek Hawkins, swarmed into the room. Their weapons were drawn, faces set in grim determination.

"Edward Ricardo," Hawkins called out, his voice ringing with authority, "you are under arrest for racketeering, conspiracy, and a host of other federal crimes. Stand up slowly and put your hands where we can see them."

For a moment, Ricardo considered resistance. His hand inched towards the hidden compartment on his desk where he kept a pistol. But as he looked into the hard eyes of the agents surrounding him, he knew it was useless. With a heavy sigh, he raised his hands. "I suppose asking for my phone call would be too much to hope for?" Ricardo asked, a hint of his old arrogance creeping into his voice.

Hawkins stepped forward, roughly pulling Ricardo's arms behind his back and securing them with handcuffs. "You'll get your phone call, Mr. Ricardo. But right now, you're coming with us.

H

As the agents led the former President out of the office, out of the White House he had occupied for years, Ricardo's mind spun. How had it all gone so wrong? Who had betrayed him? And more importantly, what moves did he have left to play?

The news of Ricardo's arrest spread like wildfire through the capital, and beyond, Social media exploded with reactions, with hashtags trending worldwide as people struggled to come to terms with the unprecedented scandal.

#PresidentArrested #RicardoGuilty

#TwelveGuns Takedown

In the halls of Parliament, the initial shock of the impeachment was giving way to frantic activity. Senator Claire Donovan, her face grave, addressed her colleagues.

"While we have taken the necessary step of removing Edward Ricardo from office, we should consider farther than the president," she declared. "From the evidence at hand, we must investigate how this corruption was allowed to take root and flourish at the highest levels of our government."

through the chamber. Marcus Reeves, the

to investigate not just the former President's activities but also any

quickly seconded and put to a vote. It passed unanimously. The newly formed. Committee for Government Integrity would have broad powers to

nation struggled to process the shocking turn of

country was buzzing with news. It

stared at the television in disbelief. The news of Ricardo's arrest played on repeat. The entire country knew. Of all the things he thought that the Shaw family would do with the information,. They find it; this was not it. With shaking hands, Mercy began to throw clothes into a suitcase. The fall of Ricardo meant the Twelve Guns would be scrambling to cover their tracks and eliminate loose ends. And as someone who knew far too

Mercy freeze. Footsteps approached, and then Justin

his eyes taking

Th

Guns will be tying up loose ends. I know too much. I'm not safe

presence calm and steady in contrast to Mercy's panic." You're already in hiding, Mercy. No one knows

shaking her head. "I can't stay in one place. I need

her for a moment, his expression thoughtful. Then he asked quietly, "Are

shirt half-folded in her grip. "Daniel can protect Anya," she

to you," Justin pressed gently. "You've been taking care of her for so long; she's like a sister to you. Can you really

the suitcase. She sank down onto the bed, the fight draining out of her. "I... I don't know," she admitted, her

Mercy.

face. "You think I am running from

but

to see her. You are more afraid of seeing Anya than getting caught by those 22 guns," he said. Mercy looked away. She

president, he was, at this moment,

seats on the opposite bench. The doors slammed shut so loudly that it made

to move, Edward closed his eyes