Chapter 12 - THE ULTIMATUM
Sirens wailed outside the warehouse.
Federal agents and local police swarmed the pier, arresting Vance’s remaining men.
Marcus was hauled out of the estate holding cells in federal handcuffs an hour later.
The syndicate war that had threatened to tear Detroit apart was finally over.
Back at the Voss estate, the morning sun broke through the gray clouds, casting a golden glow over Lake Michigan.
Belle was playing in the parlor, her laughter ringing through the grand hallways.
Elena was sitting in an armchair, drinking tea with Dr. Vance’s approval.
In the private study, Harland sat behind his massive mahogany desk.
Ru stood by the window, looking out over the water.
“The prosecutor called,” Harland said, stacking a bundle of legal documents.
“Vance and Marcus are facing life without parole.”
“And your family?” Ru asked.
“Safe,” Harland replied.
“Thanks to you.”
He stood up and walked over to the window, stopping right behind her.
“You haven't mentioned your rent or your board exam fees today,” Harland noted quietly.
Ru smiled faintly.
“I guess I got distracted.”
Harland reached into his pocket and placed a heavy brown envelope on the windowsill.
Ru opened it.
Inside was a receipt confirming payment for her complete nursing board examination fees.
And a cashier's check covering her rent for the next five years.
“What is this?” Ru asked, her breath catching.
“An investment,” Harland said softly, resting his hands gently on her shoulders.
“In the best nurse in Detroit.”
“I can't accept this, Harland,” Ru protested, though her heart was hammering against her ribs.
May you like
“You didn't accept it,” Harland corrected her with a rare, genuine smile.
“You earned it.”
