Chapter 10 - THE BROTHER WHO CHOSE REVENGE
Caleb denied everything.
He claimed the payments were legitimate business expenses.
He insisted he knew nothing about the explosives.
He accused Desmond of manipulating the investigation.
For a while, it looked as though he might succeed.
Then Dr. Vale was found.
He had been hiding in a rented house outside Indianapolis.
Investigators recovered records connecting him to the false medical transport arrangements and to Lily's childhood confinement.
Faced with charges, Vale agreed to cooperate.
He admitted helping conceal Lily's identity.
He also admitted facilitating access to Desmond's transport schedule.
But he denied knowing the full bombing plan.
The case remained complicated.
Desmond listened to the updates in silence.
Sadi sat beside him.
Finally, he said:
“I wanted Caleb dead.”
She looked at him.
“Before?”
“After the bombing.”
He nodded toward his wheelchair.
“I wanted to make him suffer.”
Sadi didn't interrupt.
Desmond continued.
“Then Lily came home.”
He swallowed.
“And I realized I don't want to become our father again.”
Sadi smiled softly.
“That's a choice.”
“Yes.”
“A difficult one.”
“The hardest I've made.”
***
Desmond began cooperating with investigators.
Not only about Caleb.
About his own organization.
He disclosed records of financial crimes, intimidation, and illegal dealings.
His attorneys warned him that cooperation could expose him to prosecution.
Desmond understood.
For the first time, he accepted that changing his life would require more than promises.
He had to face what he'd done.
Sadi supported his decision.
But she refused to excuse his past.
One evening, he asked:
“Do you think I'm a good man?”
She considered.
“I think you're trying to become one.”
He looked down.
“That wasn't the answer I wanted.”
“I know.”
He smiled faintly.
“That's why I asked you.”
***
Lily visited regularly.
She and Desmond spent hours talking.
Sometimes they laughed.
Sometimes they argued.
Sometimes Lily cried.
Desmond learned that she hated being called fragile.
She learned that he hated people moving his wheelchair without asking.
They discovered they both loved old mystery novels.
They also discovered that neither could cook.
Sadi watched them attempt pancakes one Sunday morning.
The kitchen filled with smoke.
Frankie appeared carrying a fire extinguisher.
Sadi leaned against the doorway.
“Should I call the fire department or a chef?”
Desmond glared.
Lily laughed so hard she had to sit down.
For the first time, the Gallagher estate sounded like a home.
***
But Sadi's life was changing too.
Her nursing agency offered her a permanent supervisory position.
Better hours.
Better benefits.
A chance to finish her RN degree.
She wanted it.
Desmond noticed her hesitation.
“What's wrong?”
She showed him the offer.
He read it.
Then smiled.
“Congratulations.”
Sadi stared.
“That's it?”
“What else should I say?”
“I thought you'd be angry.”
“Why?”
“Because I'd have to leave this job.”
Desmond looked at her.
“Sadi, I don't want you staying here because you think I can't manage without you.”
Her throat tightened.
He continued.
“I have a care team. I have doctors. I have people who can help.”
She looked down.
“And you?”
He smiled.
“I want you in my life because you choose to be there.”
Sadi's eyes filled.
“That's dangerously romantic.”
Desmond laughed.
“I'm trying.”
***
That evening, Sadi accepted the position.
Then she returned to Desmond's office.
He looked up.
“Everything okay?”
She nodded.
“I said yes.”
His face brightened.
“Good.”
She stepped closer.
“There's something else.”
He waited.
Sadi swallowed.
“I think I'm falling in love with you.”
Desmond went completely still.
For once, he had no clever answer.
No command.
No defense.
Just silence.
Then he whispered:
“I've been trying not to fall in love with you for months.”
Sadi smiled through tears.
“Terrible strategy.”
“The worst.”
She leaned closer.
“Can I kiss you?”
Desmond looked at her.
“Yes.”
Their first kiss was gentle.
May you like
Unhurried.
And for the first time, neither felt the need to hide.
