Dad’s voice cracked. “For taking some bonds from her sister?”
“For removing half a million dollars in protected federal securities,” Agent Martinez said. “Sir, the Treasury Department cannot treat this as a private family dispute. It would compromise financial security protocols.”
They took Vanessa out to one of the black SUVs parked in the driveway. Through the front window, I watched her sit in the back seat, still crying and protesting.
The dining room fell silent. Only Mom’s quiet weeping remained.
Finally, Uncle Mike spoke. “Sarah,” he said, “what exactly do you do for the government?”
“I investigate international securities fraud, money-laundering schemes, and criminal networks that try to manipulate financial markets,” I said. “I work with sensitive information and handle federal instruments as part of those investigations.”
He looked at the front door. “And Vanessa just took half a million dollars in Treasury bonds that are actively tracked by federal databases?”
“Yes.”
Derek sank back into his chair. “The adviser,” he said suddenly. “Oh, God. When he tries to process them—”
“He will be questioned,” I said. “Treasury will investigate whether he knew they were stolen. If they determine he was involved in any way, he could face consequences too.”
“We didn’t know,” Derek said, his voice hollow. “I swear we had no idea she had stolen them. She told me she found old bonds in your apartment and that you had said she could have them.”
“That is not what happened. She entered my home, opened my locked office, compromised my safe, and removed federal property. The security footage shows everything.”
Mom looked up at me, tears streaking her face. “Security footage?”
“I maintain surveillance systems in my residence,” I said. “It’s required for my clearance level. The footage has been turned over to the Inspector General’s office. It shows the entire incident, including timestamps and the methods she used to access the locks.”
“You were watching?” Mom asked slowly. “When she went in? You were watching it happen?”
“I was in Washington for a briefing. I got the security alert on my phone and pulled up the camera feed.”
“And you just watched her take them? You didn’t call her? You didn’t try to stop her?”
“I called the Treasury Inspector General’s office and followed protocol for reporting theft of federal securities. That is what I am required to do.”
Dad’s hands were shaking. “She’s your sister, Sarah. Your own sister. How could you let this happen over money?”
“Over federal property,” I said. “This is not about money between siblings. If I had failed to report it, I could have been investigated too. I could have lost my clearance, my career, and everything I have worked for.”