Chapter 10 - The Federal Freeze
"Mark Miller?" the lead federal marshal called out, flashing a shiny golden badge as he reached the threshold of the kitchen pass.
Mark turned around, his face turning the color of wet chalk. He shrank back against the dry storage racks, trembling violently.
"We have a federal bench warrant for your immediate transfer to the federal district holding facility," the marshal announced loudly, pulling a pair of cold steel cuffs from his tactical belt. "You are formally charged with bank fraud, wire embezzlement, and conspiracy to obstruct a federal financial audit."
"No! Wait! You can't do this, my father is in the hospital!" Mark shrieked, thrashing wildly as the marshal grabbed him by both shoulders and slammed his wrists against the stainless-steel prep table with a sharp, echoing clack.
The entire restaurant watched in stunned, breathless silence as the once-untouchable golden boy of Austin’s high-society finance scene was dragged backward out the front doors of Aura, his heels scraping helplessly against the concrete floor.
The heavy glass doors swung shut behind them, the brass bell ringing one final, crisp note.
Silence blanketed the restaurant.
Elena stood by the pass, watching through the front windows as Mark was shoved into the back of an unmarked federal SUV that sped off down Sixth Street into the gathering twilight.
She took a slow, deep breath, feeling the crisp, clean air fill her lungs for the first time in years. No more debt. No more leeches. No more secrets.
David walked over slowly, placing a fresh apron down on the counter beside her. "Well, Chef... what’s our next order?"
May you like
Elena picked up the apron, tied it securely around her waist, and smiled a genuine, brilliant smile that reached all the way to her eyes.
"Full house for dinner service, David," Elena said, her voice ringing out with absolute power and freedom. "Let’s cook."
