“They’ll want us to hold the press conference,” he warned. “Keep everything quiet while they build their case.”
“They can want whatever they like,” Alicia replied. “But I’m not letting Philip and Daniel control the narrative one more day.”
“We go public tomorrow as planned.”
Her driver took a circuitous route to the federal building, watching for tails. Security was waiting to escort them directly to a conference room where Agent Chen and two prosecutors sat with stacks of files.
“Thank you for coming,” Chen began.
But Alicia raised her hand.
“Before we start,” she said firmly, “understand this.”
“I’m holding a press conference tomorrow morning. I’m releasing everything we have.”
“I’ll cooperate fully with your investigation, but I won’t delay exposing what they’ve done.”
The prosecutors exchanged glances. Chen smiled slightly.
“Actually, Ms. Rhodes, we’re counting on it. Your press conference will smoke out more witnesses.”
“We just needed to ensure your evidence was solid before we moved forward with criminal charges.”
For the next two hours, they reviewed the recordings and documents. The prosecutors took detailed notes, while Chen outlined the scope of potential charges, not just against Philip and Daniel, but against multiple regulators and other executives.
“This is bigger than Elite Jets,” Chen explained. “We’ve suspected corruption in private aviation for years, but could never prove it.”
“You’ve given us the key to unraveling their whole network.”
As they prepared to leave, Chen handed Alicia her card.
“The moment you finish your press conference tomorrow, we’ll execute search warrants. By noon, Mr. Lancaster and Mr. Roark will be in custody.”
In the car heading home, Thomas reviewed his notes.
“They’re serious about prosecution. Multiple federal charges, possible RICO implications.”
“Philip and Daniel won’t just lose their company. They’re looking at prison time.”
Alicia watched the city lights blur past her window. Tomorrow would change everything.
Justice was finally within reach.
The January morning was still dark when Alicia’s car pulled up to the federal building in Lower Manhattan. Frost coated the windows, and her breath made small clouds in the cold air as she and Thomas walked to the entrance.
Security guards checked their IDs twice before escorting them through a maze of corridors.
Agent Chen met them in a windowless conference room, where three other agents and two prosecutors sat reviewing files. The fluorescent lights cast harsh shadows across the serious faces around the table.
“Ms. Rhodes, Mr. Whittaker,” Chen greeted them, gesturing to empty chairs. “Thank you for coming in so early.”
“We wanted to brief you before your press conference.”
Alicia set her briefcase on the table, noting the thick folders labeled Elite Jets Investigation spread before each person.
“I assume you’ve verified everything we provided?”
“Multiple times,” one of the prosecutors, a sharp-featured woman in her 50s, confirmed.
“I’m Amanda Torres, lead prosecutor. The evidence is solid. More than solid. It’s devastating.”
The other prosecutor, James Wilson, opened one of the files.