Chapter 14 - THE AMBUSH ON 5TH AVENUE
At 5:45 AM, the predawn streets of Manhattan were slick with light autumn rain.
Outside the grand limestone entrance of the Carlyle Hotel on Madison Avenue, Christian Dupond walked briskly toward a waiting black luxury sedan, carrying a heavy leather briefcase containing his prepared press dossiers.
As his driver reached for the rear door, two unmarked black tactical SUVs screeched to a halt, boxing the sedan against the curb with military precision.
Four armed federal marshals and two detectives from the NYPD Major Case Squad swept out of the vehicles, tactical carbines raised at low-ready.
"Christian Dupond! Federal agents! Step away from the vehicle and place your hands on your head!" Special Agent Raymond Cole roared across the pavement.
Dupond dropped his briefcase onto the wet sidewalk, his face draining of every drop of color as the papers spilled into the puddles. "I am a Swiss citizen! I have international diplomatic immunity through the consular trade commission!"
"Your diplomatic waiver was revoked by the Swiss Federal Council at midnight, Mr. Dupond," Detective Marcus Brody replied coldly, stepping forward with heavy steel handcuffs.
Brody grabbed Dupond’s wrists, twisting them behind his tailored cashmere overcoat.
Click. Click.
The sharp metallic snap of the cuffs echoed across the quiet Upper East Side street.
"You're being charged under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, interstate extortion, and conspiracy to conceal aggravated child trafficking," Agent Cole announced, picking up the wet briefcase. "You will be arraigned at the Foley Square Federal Courthouse at nine o'clock."
Dupond thrashing against the restraint, shouting in French as he was shoved into the rear of the federal transport van.
From across the street, sitting in the passenger seat of an unmarked town car, Viktor watched the transport van pull away into the morning traffic.
He keyed his radio:
"Boss. The package is secured. The press conference is canceled permanently."
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At Oyster Bay, Matteo heard the confirmation through his earpiece.
He stood at the edge of his rose garden, turned his face toward the rising sun, and smiled.
