Chapter 8 - SOFIA'S LAST NIGHT
Thomas began talking.
At first, he insisted Sofia's death had been an accident.
Then he accused her of betrayal.
Then he claimed she had threatened to take Leo away.
Every new explanation contradicted the last.
Clara kept him speaking while federal negotiators listened.
Finally, Thomas admitted he had placed an explosive device beneath Sofia's car to destroy evidence after recovering her files.
He claimed he had not intended her to be inside when it detonated.
Leo began crying.
“Mom said run.”
Thomas turned angrily.
“Be quiet.”
Dominic stepped forward.
“Don't speak to him.”
Thomas raised his weapon.
For one terrible moment, Clara thought Dominic would attack him.
Instead, Dominic stopped.
He remembered Sofia's recording.
Find Leo first.
Clara guided Leo toward the hallway.
Federal agents entered when Thomas became distracted.
The gun fell.
Thomas was arrested alive.
Outside, Leo stood beside an ambulance.
Dominic approached slowly.
“Leo?”
The boy looked at him.
“Uncle Dom.”
Dominic's face crumpled.
“Can I hug you?”
Leo shook his head.
“No.”
Dominic nodded.
“Okay.”
After a moment, Leo extended one finger.
Dominic offered his own.
Their fingers hooked together.
Clara turned away, tears filling her eyes.
May you like
The child was alive.
And for the first time since the cathedral, she believed there might be an ending that did not require another death.
