Chương 84 - Dinner in the Capital
The private Gulfstream touched down at Dulles International Airport under a blanket of early winter stars. Washington, D.C. was lit up in magnificent splendor, historic monuments gleaming against the night sky as their convoy of black sedans navigated the stately boulevards toward an exclusive private club near Capitol Hill.
The private dining room reserved by Agent Miller was an intimate, wood-paneled space filled with veteran law enforcement officials, federal prosecutors, and intelligence handlers who had spent decades managing the delicate balance between the legal system and the underworld.
When Damian, Marcus, and Viktor stepped through the double doors, a hush fell over the room for a split second before Agent Miller—a distinguished man in his late fifties with silver hair and kind, weary eyes—stepped forward with a broad smile.
"Damian Vance," Miller said warmly, extending his hand. "I wasn't actually sure you’d show up. I figured a retired king of Chicago would be too busy managing global charities."
"I never miss an opportunity to celebrate a worthy adversary's retirement, Miller," Damian replied, shaking his hand firmly. "Congratulations on hanging up the badge."
Miller then turned his gaze toward Marcus, offering an appreciative nod. "And you must be the brilliant young mind who completely revolutionized our cyber-threat databases and took down Rostov’s entire financial network from a laptop in California. It’s an honor to finally meet you in person, son."
"Thank you, Agent Miller," Marcus smiled, shaking his hand as well. "Though I prefer coding over dodging federal indictments any day."
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As dinner was served, the room filled with surprising warmth, shared stories, and mutual respect. For years, they had operated on opposite sides of the law, but sitting together in the capital, it became clear that true character transcends titles and badges. They were all simply men who had fought to protect what mattered most.
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