He answered.
Listened.
His eyes moved toward Nathan.
Then Linda.
“Understood.”
He ended the call.
Another man entered through the rear door.
Local police.
Then another.
Nathan’s expression tightened.
Alvarez stepped forward.
“Nicholas Bennett, we now have confirmation of an outstanding federal warrant related to identity fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and unlawful financial transactions.”
Nathan backed away.
“This is ridiculous.”
“Turn around, please.”
“I want my lawyer.”
“You’ll have one.”
Linda started crying.
It looked remarkably convincing.
Maybe some habits never die.
Nathan pointed at me.
“She set me up.”
I stared at him.
“No.”
He shook with rage.
“You brought agents here.”
“No.”
“You played recordings.”
“Yes.”
“You ambushed me.”
“No.”
My voice remained calm.
“You called me.”
The words landed harder than shouting could have.
“You left the line open.”
Police moved closer.
“You made the documents.”
Another step.
“You lied about your name.”
