Chapter 142: Hijacking

A team of intelligence agents, led by Special Agent Derek Hawkins, swarmed into the room. Their weapons were drawn, faces set in grim determination.   "Edward Ricardo," Hawkins called out, his voice ringing with authority, "you are under arrest for racketeering, conspiracy, and a host of other federal crimes. Stand up slowly and put your hands where we can see them."   For a moment, Ricardo considered resistance. His hand inched towards the hidden compartment on his desk where he kept a pistol. But as he looked into the hard eyes of the agents surrounding him, he knew it was useless. With a heavy sigh, he raised his hands.   "I suppose asking for my phone call would be too much to hope for?" Ricardo asked, a hint of his old arrogance creeping into his voice.   Hawkins stepped forward, roughly pulling Ricardo's arms behind his back and securing them with handcuffs. "You'll get your phone call, Mr. Ricardo. But right now, you're coming with us."   As the agents led the former P