Then the elevator dinged.
The officer turned to them. "And you three…" He picked up one of the fake deeds. His eyes were sharp, tired. "This is very good. Swiss bond forgery, 2024 watermarks. Almost undetectable."
Two men in dark blazers stepped out. Federal Police. Their badges were real. Their faces were grim. As Panteras 171 Na Cidade Maravilhosa
Their plan was perfect. A classic con do café com leite —fake sale, fake documents, a briefcase full of counterfeit serial numbers, and a wire transfer to a dummy Cayman account.
"Dona Helena," he said, kissing Bárbara's hand. "You have the deeds?" Then the elevator dinged
Bárbara laughed, low and dangerous. "So we stay?"
The door clicked shut.
He picked up Stein’s briefcase of cash—the Panthers’ original commission. "This is evidence now."
"Leonardo Stein," the taller one said. "You are under arrest for money laundering and ties to a militia group controlling West Zone construction." His eyes were sharp, tired