Chapter 13 - THE TRIAL THAT ENDED AN EMPIRE
The trial began eighteen months after the gala attack.
Warren Crowe faced charges related to the conspiracy.
Mason Rourke faced charges connected to his participation and abuse of authority.
Several accomplices cooperated with prosecutors.
The evidence included financial records, communications, witness testimony, and security footage.
Avery testified.
She described the linen storage room.
The voices.
The warning note.
The blackout.
The men who chased her.
She spoke clearly.
Her hands trembled only once.
When the prosecutor asked why she hadn't simply left the hotel.
Avery looked toward the jury.
“Because there were people inside.”
The courtroom went silent.
She continued.
“People who didn't know what was coming.”
She swallowed.
“I was scared.”
Then she lifted her chin.
“But I couldn't leave them there.”
Elias watched from the gallery.
His expression was unreadable.
But his hands were clenched.
Afterward, he met Avery outside the courtroom.
“You were incredible.”
She smiled faintly.
“I was terrified.”
“I know.”
He took her hand.
“I'm proud of you.”
Her eyes filled.
“Thank you.”
The proceedings concluded with convictions on the charges the prosecution proved.
Crowe's financial schemes were exposed.
Rourke's corruption became public.
The evidence also reopened questions about the North Pier fire.
Some questions remained unresolved.
But Elias finally knew enough to understand that his father had been betrayed by someone he trusted.
And that the man who raised him had built much of his influence on lies.
That evening, Elias stood beside Lake Michigan.
Avery joined him.
“Thinking about your father?”
He nodded.
She took his hand.
“What would he say?”
Elias looked toward the water.
Then smiled sadly.
“He'd tell me to stop wasting time.”
Avery laughed softly.
“Sounds like good advice.”
Elias turned toward her.
“Avery?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
She went still.
He continued.
“I don't expect you to answer immediately.”
Her eyes filled.
“I love you too.”
Elias stared.
Then smiled.
A real smile.
May you like
The kind that reached his eyes.
And for the first time in years, he looked like a man who believed he might deserve happiness.
