Chapter 9 - THE NIGHT THE EMPIRE CRACKED
The ledger changed everything.
Investigators began examining the records.
Several names matched old corruption allegations.
Others connected to more recent criminal activity.
Arthur agreed to cooperate through counsel.
He knew there would be consequences.
Dominic confronted him in the study.
“Do you understand what you're doing?”
Arthur nodded.
“You're exposing people who will come after us.”
“I know.”
Dominic stared.
“You built this organization.”
Arthur looked at him.
“And look what it built inside me.”
Dominic went silent.
Arthur continued.
“I haven't been able to eat for six weeks.”
He looked toward the empty dining room.
“I've spent decades surrounded by luxury, and the smell of dinner makes me sick.”
Dominic's expression softened.
“Arthur—”
“Maria fed me when I was starving.”
His voice broke.
“And I spent twenty-seven years protecting the evidence that could have given her family answers.”
Dominic looked away.
Arthur continued.
“I'm done.”
The words seemed to echo.
Dominic stared.
“Done with what?”
Arthur looked at him.
“Being the man who thinks fear is the same thing as respect.”
For the first time, Dominic had no answer.
Meanwhile, investigators used information from the ledger and the kidnapping footage to locate a property linked to Rocco's associates.
A search operation was organized.
Nora waited beside her phone.
Hours passed.
Then, just after midnight, it rang.
She answered with shaking hands.
“Miss Callahan?”
“Yes?”
“This is Detective Harris.”
Nora stopped breathing.
“We found your brother.”
She closed her eyes.
“Is he alive?”
A pause.
“Yes.”
May you like
Nora collapsed into the nearest chair.
And cried.
