Chapter 10 - A New Sunrise
Three months later, the dust had finally settled.
Arthur, Brian, and Scott had all pled guilty to federal money-laundering charges to avoid a longer trial. They were facing decades in federal prison, and their entire fortune had been seized by the government. Christine had been given probation in exchange for her testimony, but she had lost custody of Jake.
The air was crisp and clean as I sat on the wooden bleachers of the local community park.
On the field, a group of kids was running after a soccer ball. Jake was in the middle of them, his face fully healed, a bright smile on his face as he chased the ball down the sideline. He looked happy, healthy, and safe.
Marcus sat down on the bench beside me, holding two cups of coffee.
"He looks good, Ethan," Marcus said, handing me a cup.
"He is good," I replied, watching my son score a goal and celebrate with his teammates. "He's safe."
"The federal authorities have finished their investigation into the local police department," Marcus added. "Chief Thomas and several detectives have been dismissed and are facing corruption charges. The town is clean."
"Thank you, Marcus," I said. "For everything."
"You don't owe me anything, brother," Marcus said, standing up and patting my shoulder. "Just promise me one thing."
"What’s that?"
"Keep being a dad. You're good at it."
I smiled as Marcus walked away, blending seamlessly into the crowd of parents.
Jake ran over to the bleachers, his face red from exertion, a giant grin on his face. "Dad! Did you see that goal?"
"I saw it, buddy," I said, wrapping my arm around his shoulders and handing him his water bottle. "You did amazing."
"Are we going to get ice cream after this?"
May you like
"Double scoop," I promised.
He smiled, his hand holding mine tightly. The promise of my past was finally behind me, and the only promise that mattered now was the one I had kept to my son. We were safe, we were together, and we were finally free.
