"Breaking news! Chiavo Police confirmed two arrests this morning. Jane Montgomery, an American-born attorney suspected of working for the Crogiolo Syndicate, was arrested for extortion, money laundering and interfering with police investigation. A restaurant owner known as 'Uccian Kuso' was also taken into custody around the same time, with speculative charges of, get this, cannibalism!"
The news footage first shows surveillance camera recording. Jane is there, outside of an unknown Syndicate member's residence (the details have been censored), sneaking about and sifting through someone's personal belongings. Then, police officers pour into the scene, from seemingly nowhere. The footage cut to Jane being taken into custody in the early morning. Finally, there is a brief clip of Jumbo Meatstick behind cordons.
"Shocking! Well, in other news," the news anchor continues, "contact has been lost with the Antarctic station known as STAB..."
Six syndicate members are at a private flying club on the outskirt of the city. It is almost noon. They are called there by Giulio Cespuglio, the former tourism minister and an ally of Federica. Everyone is at first skeptical of this meeting, but Mr. Cespuglio manages to convince them with another headline; himself coming under investigation.
Giulio Cespuglio is a lanky and self-assured man in his forties, being one of the youngest ministers in Chiavan history (attained through numerous illegal dealings). Today, standing inside the cramped hangar, his graying and receding hair makes him look a decade older. Instead of his typical designer suit, he is wearing hoodie and jeans. Cespuglio's hair is also uncombed; he must have rushed out here.
"Oh boy, glad I went vegetarian." Cespuglio snickers. "I knew something was off with that Kuso guy, and now I know where you Crogiolo folks dispose the bodies."
"You should go through with it too, Koundouros." He adds, nodding to Lucia. "Meat here is poison."
While Cespuglio is watching TV with the syndicate members, his personal guards stand watch just out of earshot, but well within sight. These guards are armed, and responsible for searching every syndicate member when they arrived earlier, making sure none of them are hiding recording devices. One of them approaches when Cespuglio switches the TV off, and they exchange a gesture. Outside, on the runway, a plane is being powered up.
"I have to go now, so here's the deal." Cespuglio goes to a nearby cabinet, digs out a bottle of vodka and pours himself a generous shot. "I talked to Federica yesterday, they're moving her to house arrest before the trial. She wants me to tell you that the traitor's one of you, actually, probably two of you, in this room."
Cespuglio downs the vodka in one gulp; he shakes his head. "Strong stuff, maybe I should go with tea in the morning. I think you figured that one out better than me, Ms. Saigyo."
"You know," something beeps and Cespuglio checks his phone, "my daughter follows you on Instagram, Alice; good thing I moved her out of country."
"Anyway, I'm leaving too. That new police chief's starting a witch hunt. Don't even think about going after me; I still have enough resources to take you down with me."
"Thanks for the saving on my taxes, Leo. And thanks for getting me that painting, Vinnie. I can't take it with me, so I've sent it back to you." Cespuglio leaves the vodka aside. He zips hoodie up. "Oh, and Hayford, I donated to the medical college last month; you may want to mention me in your application, or not."
"I hope you people can sort this out." Cespuglio signals his guards for departure. "And whoever sold your friends out, I hope you get a kick out of playing hero."