Chapter 9 - The Dawn of Justice
Three days later, the city was completely different. The news was filled with the details of the largest political corruption and human trafficking bust in the state’s history. Councilman Vance had signed a full confession in exchange for a protective custody agreement, and Police Commissioner Higgins had resigned in disgrace.
Victor Halden was processed into a high-security federal penitentiary, his assets seized, his names erased from every shell company, and his legacy permanently dismantled.
At the secure riverfront apartment, the morning sun poured through the large glass windows, illuminating a scene of quiet peace. Elena Moretti sat at the dining table, helping Lucy construct a massive tower out of colored wooden blocks. Lucy was laughing, her bare feet kicking happily against the chair legs. She wore a new pair of bright red sneakers that Dominic had bought for her.
Grace Bennett stood by the kitchen counter, watching her daughter with a peaceful expression she hadn't worn in years. The weight of the world had finally been lifted from her shoulders.
The door opened quietly, and Dominic stepped inside. He had discarded his formal overcoat, wearing just a simple dark sweater. He looked rested, the sharp, defensive edge of his posture softened by the environment.
“Mr. Moretti,” Grace said, walking over to meet him.
“Dominic, please,” he corrected gently.
“Dominic,” she smiled, her eyes shining. “The federal investigators came by yesterday. They said our apartment building is entirely secure now, but… they also said a real estate company called Moretti Enterprises bought the entire block.”
Dominic nodded, taking a cup of coffee that Elena handed him as she walked past. “The building needed a lot of upgrades. New security systems, a better courtyard for the children, and a proper management team. Your rent is locked in for the next ten years at half the original rate, Grace. Consider it a community investment.”
Grace shook her head, overwhelmed by his generosity. “I don’t know how I can ever repay you for this.”
“You don’t have to,” Dominic said, looking over at Lucy, who was now proudly showing Elena her completed tower. “Lucy already paid the debt. She brought a monster out into the light so he could never hurt anyone else. She saved more lives than she’ll ever know.”
Lucy noticed Dominic and ran over, sliding to a stop in her new red sneakers. She looked up at him, her green eyes bright and completely free of fear.
“Look, Dominic!” she said, pointing to her feet. “They’re fast. I can run really fast in these.”
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Dominic knelt down, just as he had done on the rain-soaked floor of his restaurant three nights ago. “They look perfect, Lucy. But from now on, you only have to run when you’re playing a game. You never have to run from anyone ever again.”
Lucy threw her small arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. Dominic held her for a long moment, a profound sense of peace finally settling behind his ribs. The twenty-year war was over.
