Chapter 14 - The Aftermath|
By noon, the estate was flooded with state troopers, federal agents, and medical personnel.
Dominic Marconi and three surviving Moretti enforcers were led away in heavy steel handcuffs, facing federal charges of corporate espionage, attempted murder, and conspiracy.
In Chicago, federal marshals were simultaneously raiding the Marconi family estate and Victor Moretti’s southern dock yards, seizing millions of dollars in illegal assets based on the evidence contained in Elena’s journal.
Inside the quiet sanctuary of the lakehouse kitchen, a paramedic finished placing a small butterfly bandage over the cut on my cheek.
“You’re good to go, Miss Brooks,” the paramedic said kindly, packing his bag. “Just keep ice on that cheek for the next twenty-four hours.”
“Thank you,” I murmured softly.
I sat at the wide wooden island, holding a warm mug of chamomile tea. Sophie sat beside me, fast asleep with her head resting in my lap, her small hand firmly gripping my sweater pocket.
Gabriel walked into the kitchen. He had changed into a clean dark sweater and jeans, his cut brow covered by a neat bandage.
He walked over to the island, leaning his hip against the counter, looking down at us with an intense, quiet warmth.
“Marconi sang like a bird to the federal prosecutors,” Gabriel said quietly. “Victor Moretti was arrested at the Gary airport an hour ago. It’s over, Hannah.”
I let out a long, ragged breath I felt like I’d been holding for eight months. “It’s really over?”
“It’s over,” Gabriel confirmed. “My wife’s name is cleared. My family’s business is secure. And the people who tried to hurt my daughter will spend the rest of their lives behind iron bars.”
He reached out, his large, calloused fingers gently touching the clean skin near my bandage.
“You fought for her today, Hannah,” Gabriel whispered, his dark eyes locking onto mine with terrifying sincerity. “You took a blow meant for my child.”
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“I’d do it again,” I said simply, meeting his gaze without flinching. “I love her, Gabriel.”
Gabriel stared at me for three long seconds. “And what about me, Hannah?”
