Chapter 10 - THE TRAP THAT FAILED
Calder's downfall began with a mistake.
He believed Dominic would respond the way he always had.
With anger.
With violence.
With a private confrontation.
Instead, Dominic cooperated with investigators.
The threats were documented.
Financial records were examined.
Witnesses were protected.
Russo's testimony helped identify Calder's associates.
The diner footage established part of the attack's timeline.
Brielle provided a detailed witness statement.
Weeks later, investigators located Calder at a warehouse outside Chicago.
He attempted to flee.
But was arrested.
The case involved multiple alleged crimes, including conspiracy, intimidation, and attempted violence.
When Brielle learned he'd been taken into custody, she sat silently for a long time.
Dominic found her in Evelyn's kitchen.
“You okay?”
She nodded.
Then shook her head.
“I don't know.”
He sat beside her.
“It's normal to feel that way.”
Brielle looked at him.
“Will he go to prison?”
Dominic hesitated.
“That's for the courts to decide.”
She nodded.
Then asked:
“What happens to you?”
Dominic looked surprised.
“What do you mean?”
“You've spent years in the same world as men like him.”
Dominic looked down.
Brielle continued.
“Are you going to keep living that way?”
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Then:
“I don't know how to leave everything behind.”
Brielle nodded.
“Then start with one choice.”
He looked at her.
She smiled sadly.
“You already did.”
Dominic thought of Russo.
Of the evidence.
Of the decision to involve authorities rather than retaliate.
And for the first time, he believed change might be possible.
Not easy.
May you like
Not immediate.
But possible.
