Chapter 10 - The New Beginning
The digital timer on the screen began counting down rapidly from sixty seconds.
Victor ignored the excruciating pain in his shoulder and kicked the jammed cabin door open.
He grabbed Sadi firmly by the hand, and they sprinted desperately across the dark rooftop.
They dove behind a massive concrete air conditioning unit just as the timer hit zero.
The cartel helicopter exploded into a brilliant, deafening fireball that illuminated the entire city skyline.
The concussive shockwave washed over them, but the thick concrete safely absorbed the deadly shrapnel.
They lay together on the cold, wet roof, gasping for air and clinging to each other.
The massive data transfer had completely finished before the explosion destroyed the computer.
Within hours, heavily armed federal agents raided the underground casino and arrested Victor's father.
The corrupt politicians, police chiefs, and cartel members were systematically hunted down and imprisoned.
The terrifying criminal empire that had strangled the city for decades was finally destroyed.
Victor willingly surrendered all his remaining illegal assets to the authorities in exchange for total immunity.
He completely walked away from the violent underworld that had stolen his humanity.
Six beautiful, peaceful months eventually passed since that explosive night in the city.
Victor and Sadi were standing together on the sun-drenched balcony of their private villa in Italy.
Victor's shoulder had fully healed, and the dark shadows had finally disappeared from his eyes.
Sadi looked absolutely radiant, her terrifying bruises completely replaced by a warm, happy glow.
Victor pulled her gently into his strong arms and kissed her with profound, unconditional love.
They had finally found true peace and happiness in their beautiful new life together.
Later that afternoon, a courier delivered an unmarked, heavy cardboard package to the villa's front gate.
Sadi carefully opened the box on the kitchen island, expecting art supplies for her new studio.
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Inside the box lay a recent photograph of her brother Arthur, very much alive and holding today's morning newspaper.
A handwritten note clipped to the photo simply read: "You left me behind, sister, and now I am coming to collect my share."
