Chapter 6 - The Unraveling
"Harper Miller," Agent Miller said, stepping through the steam and flashing strobe lights, her tactical badge gleaming against her chest. "It's good to finally meet you in person."
"Agent Miller," I said, offering a tired smile. "The evidence files are on this drive. Everything connecting Damian Vale, Franklin Ashford, and the illicit offshore land transfers."
My father lay on the floor, weeping as federal agents snapped steel handcuffs around his wrists.
"Elena! Wait!" Franklin begged as they pulled him to his feet. "Tell them I was forced! Tell them Damian threatened me! I'm your father!"
I walked over to him, standing inches away from the man who had tormented my life.
"You weren't forced, Franklin," I said, my voice cold and completely free of anger. "You sold my mother's peace, you tried to sell my sisters' future, and you sold me. You aren't my father. You're just a criminal who ran out of time."
Agent Miller signaled her officers, and they dragged Franklin and Damian away into the night, their shouts drowned out by the heavy rain and blaring sirens.
Luca stepped up beside me, handing me a warm bottle of water. "That was impressive, Harper."
I looked at him, feeling the heavy weight of twenty-one years finally lifting off my shoulders. "Harper. It feels good to hear that name again."
"So what happens now?" Luca asked, looking out at the flashing police cruisers filling the yard. "Your father is going to federal prison for twenty years. Damian's empire is being dismantled as we speak. Ethan Grant's estate will be fully restored to you and your sisters by morning."
"Now I go home," I said, turning to look into his dark, intelligent eyes. "I go home and make sure Maya and Chloe grow up knowing they are safe, loved, and free."
Luca smiled faintly, a soft warmth touching his eyes that very few people in this city were ever allowed to see. "And what about us, Harper? I spent a lot of gas money picking up a runaway bride tonight."
I let out a soft laugh—the first real, genuine laugh I had uttered in years.
May you like
"I think we have a lot of lost time to make up for, Luca," I said, reaching out to take his hand. "And I think my sisters need an uncle who knows how to keep promises."
He squeezed my hand tightly. "That's a deal I'll gladly sign."
