"I have the proof," Arthur said softly. "He murdered a young farmer named James Fletcher, dressed him in aristocratic silk, and attempted to use my own crime scene to hide the body. I have the confession of a corrupt deputy who took his bribe."
Liam raised an eyebrow, genuinely impressed. "He overplayed his hand. Arrogance will always be a tyrant's downfall. But even with a confession, arresting him at his fortified estate will be a bloodbath. He has fifty armed guards."
"Which is why I need to invite him here," Arthur said. "I need to send an invitation he cannot refuse, but one that does not arouse his suspicion."
Liam leaned back, tapping his cane thoughtfully against the floor. "Vance respects power, and he fears losing his monopoly. Send your detectives to his trading house with your official calling card. Do not mention the murder. Tell him the new Magistrate wishes to 'discuss the economic future of Southgate' and 'establish a mutually beneficial relationship'. Use the language of corruption. He will think you are inviting him here to negotiate a bribe. He will be too arrogant to resist the chance to buy another Crown official."
Arthur smiled. It was a brilliant, cynical strategy. "A trap baited with his own greed. Thank you, Liam."
"I will remain in the courthouse," Liam offered. "If Vance brings his thugs, you may need a heavy hand to keep order in your courtroom."
Arthur nodded and immediately dispatched Detectives Miller and Hayes to Southgate.
The sun was beginning to set over the sprawling, heavily fortified estate of Zachary Vance. Inside the lavish main dining hall, the Viper was holding court.
Zachary Vance was a man in his late forties, dressed in impeccably tailored crimson silk. He had sharp, angular features, pale skin, and eyes that were entirely devoid of warmth—like a snake watching a mouse. He sat at the head of a massive oak table, sipping imported wine.
To his right sat his chief enforcer, a hulking, silent brute known as 'Iron' Hugh. To his left sat a nervous, weaselly man named Silas, his personal accountant and legal advisor.
"The deed is done, Master Vance," Silas whispered nervously, looking over his ledger. "'Tipsy' Tom confirmed the body was swapped. The Magistrate found the boy in the silk clothes this morning. They are likely tearing the county apart looking for a phantom assassin."
Zachary smiled, a thin, cruel curving of his lips. "Perfect. By the time they realize it isn't my dear nephew Julian, the real Julian will be safely on a ship to the continent, and the farmer boy's ashes will be scattered to the wind. No body, no crime."
The heavy oak doors of the dining hall swung open, and a terrified servant bowed low. "Master Vance! Two men from the Oakendell constabulary are at the gates. They carry an official calling card from Chief Magistrate Pendelton."
Zachary's eyes narrowed slightly, but he did not show fear. "Bring them in."
Detectives Miller and Hayes strode into the dining hall, their postures stiff and formal. Miller stepped forward, presenting a crisp white card embossed with the royal seal.
"Master Vance," Miller said, keeping his voice carefully neutral. "Chief Magistrate Pendelton sends his regards. He formally requests your presence at the Oakendell Courthouse tomorrow at noon. He wishes to discuss the economic administration of Southgate and establish a... cooperative understanding regarding your trading operations."
Zachary took the card, his cruel smile returning. He looked at his accountant, Silas. "A 'cooperative understanding'? It seems the new Magistrate is not the righteous crusader the rumors suggest. He simply wants his cut of the pie."
"It would be wise to attend, Master Vance," Silas advised quietly. "If we have the Magistrate in our pocket, your monopoly will be absolute."
Zachary stood up, smoothing his silk tunic. "Tell the Magistrate I accept his gracious invitation. I shall arrive at noon. Iron Hugh, prepare the carriage. You and Silas will accompany me."
The following day, exactly at noon, a luxurious, black lacquered carriage pulled up to the front steps of the Oakendell Courthouse. Zachary Vance stepped out, looking every bit the untouchable aristocrat. He was flanked by the hulking Iron Hugh and the nervous accountant, Silas.
They walked up the steps and pushed open the heavy wooden doors, expecting to be greeted by a fawning, corrupt official eager for a bribe.
Instead, Zachary walked into a trap.
The grand courtroom was entirely empty of the public. The doors slammed shut behind them, and the heavy iron bolts were thrown into place by the Shire Guard.
Arthur Pendelton sat high above on his elevated mahogany desk, wearing his black robes. He did not look like a man ready to negotiate. He looked like the physical embodiment of a death sentence.
Standing in the shadows to the right of the bench was Liam Thorne, leaning on his cane, his presence alone enough to make Iron Hugh take a nervous step backward.
Zachary Vance stopped in the center of the room, his arrogant smile faltering slightly, but he maintained his aristocratic composure.
"Magistrate Pendelton," Zachary said smoothly, though his eyes darted around the locked room. "This is a rather... dramatic reception for a business meeting. And why is a known vigilante standing in a court of law?"
Arthur stood up. He did not yell. His voice was cold, precise, and echoing with absolute finality.
"There is no business meeting, Zachary," Arthur proclaimed. "You are not here to negotiate. You are here to answer for extortion, kidnapping, and the brutal murder of James Fletcher."
Zachary's pale face finally showed a crack of genuine panic, but he quickly masked it with haughty indignation. "Murder? You are insane! I am the nephew of Lord Vance! You have no proof of these ridiculous peasant lies! I demand to leave this instant!"
"You will leave this room in heavy iron chains, or you will not leave it at all," Arthur countered, stepping down from the bench. "Your corrupt deputy confessed. Your grave robber confessed. I have the body of the boy you butchered, and I have the silk clothes you dressed him in to hide your crime. Your monopoly ends today, Viper."
Arthur pointed a finger at the stunned aristocrat. "Guards! Force him to his knees!"
The illusion of Zachary Vance's untouchable power was about to be shattered against the unyielding stone of the law.
(To be continued...)