Page 77 of Close Protection

Vincent Knox stepped from the shadows, a matte-black handgun held with surprising competence for a man who preferred to delegate his violence.

"Detective Scott," he said, voice measuredas if they were meeting in a boardroom. "I've been expecting you."

Julia maintained her position, weapon trained on him, her body angled to shield Ivy. "Vincent Knox, you're under arrest for kidnapping, assault on a law enforcement officer, and conspiracy to obstruct justice."

A thin smile touched his lips. "Are you making an official arrest, Detective? I was under the impression this was a rather…unofficial visit."

"Put down your weapon," Julia directed, ignoring his attempt to unbalance her.

Knox made no move to comply. "I've always respected the Scott family legacy. Your grandmother had quite the reputation for integrity. Shame to see it end with you throwing away your career for a witness."

Julia felt Ivy shift slightly behind her, a pressure against her lower back, Ivy's hand finding the tactical knife secured there.

"Last warning. Put down your weapon."

Knox sighed. "You know that's not going to happen. Not when I'm so close to containing this unfortunate situation."

His eyes shifted toward Ivy. "Dr. Monroe has been quite the worthy adversary. Fewhave caused my organization such significant disruption."

"Your organization is finished," Ivy replied, voice steady despite the tension. "The evidence has already been transmitted to federal authorities. The SEC has your financial records. The Treasury has your offshore accounts."

Something flickered across Knox's features, the first crack in his composed veneer. "A contingency plan. Clever."

"I specialize in patterns, Mr. Knox," Ivy continued. "Including patterns of criminal behavior. Federal agencies operate outside your sphere of influence."

While Ivy spoke, drawing Knox's focus, Julia made infinitesimal adjustments to her stance, preparing for the confrontation she could feel building.

"An impressive final act," Knox acknowledged. "But ultimately futile. Organizations can be rebuilt. Evidence discredited. Witnesses...silenced."

His weapon shifted almost imperceptibly, the movement so subtle only years of tactical training allowed Julia to register his intent.

Julia moved before conscious thoughtcould process the danger, launching herself laterally to draw his fire while maintaining her weapon's alignment. Knox fired as she moved, the round missing her by inches to impact the concrete pillar.

She returned fire with precision. The first round struck Knox's hand, shattering his grip on the weapon. The second caught his shoulder, spinning him partially as he staggered back.

Julia advanced immediately, maintaining discipline despite the adrenaline coursing through her system. Knox clutched his bleeding hand to his chest, shock and fury warring across his features.

"You've just assaulted a prominent businessman without cause or warrant," he managed, voice tight with pain. "Your career is over."

"My career stopped mattering the moment your men entered my home," Julia replied, securing his weapon before applying restraints. The irony wasn't lost on her—using department-issued restraints for an arrest that violated nearly every protocol in the manual.

Only when Knox was secured did sheturn to Ivy, who stood with the tactical knife still gripped in her hand, expression caught between relief and lingering fear.

"It's over," Julia said quietly. "He can't hurt you anymore."

"No, it's not over," Ivy replied, the analytical brilliance that had dismantled Knox's empire visible through layers of exhaustion. "But it's a beginning."

Julia nodded, understanding flowing between them without words. The corruption Knox had seeded throughout Phoenix Ridge would require systematic uprooting. Lieutenant Harper was just the first thread in a web that extended through multiple institutions.

"Morgan's waiting," Julia said, holstering her weapon and reaching for Ivy with her free hand. "Let's go home."

Outside, daylight had begun to fade, casting the abandoned shipyard in deepening shadows. Morgan was waiting with the vehicle, engine running. Her expression registered relief when she saw them both, then shifted to professional assessment as she noted their injuries.

"Took you long enough," she said, voice deliberately casual.

"Got delayed," Julia replied, helping Ivy into the vehicle. "Knox is secured. Two guards down at the perimeter, two more inside."

Morgan nodded, already reaching for her secure phone. "I'll notify Chief Marten. Tactical team can secure the scene officially."

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