Chapter 11 - THE ASHES OF AN EMPIRE
Federal marshals swarmed the boathouse, slapping steel cuffs onto a screaming, bleeding Vanessa Reed.
Medics rushed in to secure the scene.
Marcus walked over, extending a hand to help me up from the wooden floor.
I stood up, brushing dirt and sawdust from my coat.
Vincent remained kneeling on the floor, staring at his empty hands as if he didn't recognize them anymore.
“Take him into custody for questioning regarding Moretti Holdings' financial corruption,” Marcus instructed two federal agents, nodding toward Vincent.
The agents stepped forward, grabbing Vincent by the arms and hauling him to his feet.
He didn't resist.
He didn't order them to let go.
His eyes remained locked on me the entire time he was led out into the cold night air.
“Claire,” he whispered as he passed me.
“I am so sorry.”
I didn't answer.
I watched him walk away into the flashing red lights of the police cruisers.
The empire was gone.
The mistress was arrested.
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The husband was facing a decade in federal prison.
And I was standing on the shore of Lake Michigan, breathing the cold, unburdened air of absolute freedom.
