Chapter Four: The Confession
I watched them handcuff Richard and read him his rights.
He was still smiling—a desperate, manic smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"You think this changes anything?" He demanded. "My father knew senators. My family has more money than you'll ever—"
"Your father died in bankruptcy," I said quietly. "You inherited debt, not power. The entire family empire was built on borrowed money and empty promises."
Richard's face went slack.
"What are you talking about?"
"I've been watching you for two years. Ever since Lily first mentioned the late-night calls and the unexplained bruises. I just didn't have enough proof until today."
"You've been watching me?"
"Every financial transaction. Every threatening phone call to Lily's friends. Every time you used your position to silence someone who might speak up."
I stepped closer.
"You thought you were untouchable because you paid off the Chief of Police and a few local judges. But you never wondered why a retired intelligence operative would settle in a small town like this."
Richard's eyes widened.
"It was never about retirement," I said. "It was about protecting my daughter. And when you hurt her..."
May you like
"You can't—"
"I knew this day would come. I just hoped I'd be wrong."
