I listen as Ava greets him, her voice steady despite the fear I know she's feeling. The pleasantries, the small talk, all designed to put him at ease. Then they're moving into his office, the door closing behind them.
"Audio is clear," Agent Monroe confirms. "We're recording everything."
Ava starts with the prepared questions, asking about his business success, his philanthropic efforts. Vance responds smoothly, confident and charming, exactly the kind of man who's gotten away with monstrous crimes by hiding behind respectability.
"I wanted to ask about your connection to Apex International Holdings," Ava says, and I hear the slight tremor in her voice that no one else would catch. "Records show you're the majority shareholder."
"I am. Apex is one of several holding companies I use to manage investments." Vance's tone doesn't change, it’s still smooth and unconcerned. "Why do you ask?"
"Because Apex owns several shell companies that were connected to Victor Castellano's trafficking operation."
Silence. Long enough that my hand moves toward my weapon.
Then Vance laughs. "Ms. Langley, I think you've been misinformed. I had business dealings with Victor Castellano years ago, yes. Real estate development, perfectly legitimate, but I had no knowledge of his criminal activities."
"Your shell companies paid the Reapers MC for transportation services. That’s the same transportation that moved trafficked women."
"If that's true, and I'm not saying it is, then I was defrauded along with everyone else. Victor clearly used my legitimate business interests as cover for his crimes." Vance's voice takes on an edge. "But I'm curious, Ms. Langley. Why are you really here? The FBI's already investigated my connection to Castellano. They found nothing."
"Because they were looking at the wrong shell companies. But I've traced the money further." Ava's voice is stronger now, confidence building. "And it all leads back to you. The Collector."
Another silence, this one electric with tension.
"That's quite an accusation," Vance says finally. "Do you have proof?"
"I have financial records showing payments from your companies to traffickers. I have testimony from the girls who were sold. And I have Castellano's lawyer's notes indicating he was prepared to name you specifically before his convenient suicide."
"Convenient for whom? I had nothing to do with Victor's death."
"Didn't you? You had the most to lose if he talked."
"I think this interview is over." We hear a chair scraping, and movement. "You can show yourself out."
"One more question," Ava says quickly. "If you're innocent, why did you send people to surveil the Saints Outlaws compound? Why are you tracking me?"
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"The surveillance equipment we found is registered to a company you own. So either you're actively targeting witnesses, or you're incredibly careless with your resources."
"Get out. Now. Before I call security."
"Mason, stand by," Agent Monroe says through the comm. "Ava, wrap it up."
But Ava's not done. "You can throw me out, Mr. Vance. But you can't stop what's coming. The FBI knows everything. The financial trail, the connections, the buyers. It's over."
"You have no idea what you're talking about." Vance's voice drops, dangerous now. "You're a foolish girl playing in a world you don't understand. The people I'm connected to, the resources at my disposal, you can't even comprehend what you're up against."
"Is that a threat?"
"It's a fact. And here's another fact. Victor Castellano was weak. He was going to betray people far more powerful than himself to save his own skin. So yes, his death was convenient. Convenient for a lot of people who'll do whatever's necessary to protect their interests."
"So you admit you're part of it. The trafficking operation."
"I admit nothing. This conversation is over." Sound of a door opening. "Leave. Now."
"Ava, get out of there," Agent Monroe orders. "We've got what we need."
I'm already moving toward the elevators when Ava emerges from Vance's office, her face pale but composed. She sees me and some of the tension leaves her shoulders. We're in the elevator before Vance can follow, descending fast while FBI agents move into position to arrest him.
