Chapter 11 - THE PRICE OF SAVING TESSA BROOKS
The fire was ruled arson.
Investigators found evidence linking it to associates of Mercer.
Two suspects were arrested.
A third fled.
The case expanded.
Federal investigators joined the inquiry.
Financial records connected Mercer's network to multiple states.
Several victims were located.
Others remained missing.
Gideon's cooperation became public.
So did his company's involvement.
Reporters surrounded Shore Enterprises.
Investors withdrew.
Contracts collapsed.
Gideon lost millions.
He faced scrutiny over his own past business practices.
But he continued cooperating.
Tessa watched the news from a temporary apartment.
She felt guilty.
She called him.
He answered immediately.
“Tessa?”
Her voice trembled.
“I'm sorry.”
Silence.
Then Gideon asked, “For what?”
“Everything.”
He sighed.
“Tessa.”
She began crying.
“Your company—”
“Was mine to take responsibility for.”
She swallowed.
“But I brought this to you.”
Gideon's voice softened.
“No.”
He paused.
“Mercer brought this into my company. You exposed it.”
May you like
Tessa closed her eyes.
For the first time, she understood the difference.
