Chapter 13 - The Trial of the Vane Syndicate
The reckoning for those who had tried to exploit Gideon’s temporary vulnerability was swift and absolute.
By midnight, the clandestine operations of the Vane syndicate—the rival faction that had funded Julian Vance's betrayal—had been systematically dismantled. Their warehouses on the east docks were raided by federal and private security forces simultaneously; their financial accounts were frozen through a web of offshore shell companies; and their leadership was rounded up before they even realized their mole had been captured.
Arthur Finch stood on the floodlit roof of the Wolf estate, watching the distant flashing lights of police cruisers down by the east harbor.
Gideon walked out onto the stone terrace, holding a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon. He leaned against the stone balustrade, looking out over the city he owned.
"The Vane syndicate is finished," Arthur reported without turning around. "Their assets have been absorbed into our logistics grid. Graybridge is completely ours."
"Good," Gideon said quietly. He took a sip of water, then turned his gaze toward Arthur. "And Julian?"
"Sent to work the salt mines down in the southern quarries. He'll have plenty of time to think about his career choices."
Gideon nodded, satisfied. He looked back toward the interior of the mansion, where Norah Blake was currently reviewing a fresh batch of imported pharmaceutical manifests on her secure terminal.
"She saved my life, Arthur," Gideon murmured, his voice carrying a rare note of genuine reflection. "Not with a gun, not with a blade, but with attention to detail. That's something money can't buy."
May you like
"She's sharper than half our capos," Arthur agreed. "What's the plan for her long-term?"
"Let her run the internal security and supply auditing for all our holdings," Gideon replied. "And make sure her penthouse is permanently endowed under the Wolf Foundation. People who save empires deserve to rule a piece of them."
