Chapter 29 - Dawn Over the Great Lakes
Julian Vance turned slowly and walked out of the beach house, his footsteps echoing heavily down the wooden porch steps. He climbed back into his polished black sedan, reversed down the sandy driveway, and disappeared into the gray morning mist heading toward the interstate.
We watched the taillights fade into the dunes. The house settled back into a profound, heavy silence.
“Well,” Ethan said, scratching the back of his neck as he looked around the room. “That’s one way to turn down a corporate buyout.”
My father let out a long, shaky breath, sinking back down into his chair with a faint, genuine smile touching his lips for the first time in months. He looked older, tired, but lighter—as if a massive, crushing weight had finally been lifted from his shoulders.
“Are we actually safe now, Em?” my father asked quietly, looking up at me.
May you like
“We’re safe, Dad,” I answered, walking over and placing my hand gently on his arm. “The international tribunal has the evidence, the DOJ has the assets, and Julian Vance has nowhere left to run.”
Judge Harrison closed his briefcase, snapping the brass latches shut with a satisfying click. “My work here is done. I have to catch a private flight back to Washington to formally open the tribunal docket. Arthur, I suggest you start packing your bags for home. Maple Grove is waiting for you.”
