Chapter 7 - The Chief of Staff-7
The air inside the police interrogation observation room was stifling. Rowan stood beside Detective Miller, watching through the one-way glass mirror as three federal agents questioned Victor Vance in the room next door.
Across the hallway, Delaney was receiving medical treatment for her bruised wrists and dehydration while being guarded by two uniformed officers.
"Harold Sterling," Rowan muttered, reading the name off the dossier Miller had handed him. "The current Deputy Mayor of Nashville?"
"Thirty years ago, Harold Sterling was the head financial auditor for the Tennessee Department of Corrections," Miller explained, leaning his arms against the counter. "He was the man who oversaw the budget for Brushy Mountain Penitentiary. He’s the one who authorized Victor Vance’s suspicious transfer to the low-security medical facility three weeks ago."
"Sterling arranged Victor's release..." Rowan pieced together, his voice dropping into cold fury. "Sterling knew Arthur Vance was dead, and he knew the four million dollars was still sitting in that old courthouse vault. But he needed Victor to track down Arthur's key without pulling his own name into the light!"
"Exactly," Miller nodded. "Sterling used Victor as a blunt instrument. If Victor retrieved the money, Sterling would take his cut and let Victor take the fall for kidnapping Delaney. If Victor failed or got caught... Sterling remained completely clean."
Rowan straightened his spine, his jaw clenching like iron. "Where is Sterling right now?"
"He’s currently attending an executive charity gala at the Grand Hyatt downtown," Miller said, pulling out his vehicle keys. "And we just obtained a federal arrest warrant based on the handwriting analysis from Arthur Vance’s logbook."
"I'm coming with you," Rowan declared firmly.
Miller hesitated, looking at Rowan’s bruised face and torn clothes. "Mr. Mercer, this is a high-profile federal operation. You need to stay with your family."
"My children almost died in an empty house because of Harold Sterling's greed!" Rowan said, his voice quiet, cold, and utterly unyielding. "I am going to stand in that room when you put the handcuffs on him."
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Miller looked into Rowan’s eyes for three long seconds, seeing the fierce, unbreakable resolve of a father who had reached his absolute limit.
"Get in the car," Miller said.
