Chapter 9 - The Raid
The next forty-eight hours were a blur of federal activity.
I sat safely in a secured hotel room provided by the FBI, watching the news coverage on a flat-screen television.
The master ledger had provided the exact coordinates, account numbers, and communication logs the authorities needed.
Just before noon, the breaking news banner flashed across the screen.
Federal tactical teams had raided Garrett’s sprawling estate.
The aerial footage showed Arthur being dragged out the front doors in handcuffs, screaming at the cameras.
Victoria was arrested trying to board a private jet at a local airstrip.
The corrupt county deputies and the bank manager were all swept up in the massive federal indictment.
The cartel’s entire North American financial network was completely shattered in a single morning.
An exhausted senior agent knocked on my hotel door and walked in.
“It's entirely over, Eleanor,” the agent said with a warm, genuine smile.
“Arthur and Victoria are facing multiple life sentences for money laundering and attempted murder.”
“Agent Thomas was recovered from the bleachers and is currently in federal custody.”
He handed me a thick stack of legal documents tied with a blue ribbon.
“Furthermore, since Garrett’s will is entirely valid and his children are felons, the state has unfrozen the legitimate assets.”
“The mansion, the clean business accounts, and the properties are legally yours.”
I looked down at the documents, feeling a profound sense of closure.
I had started the week as a homeless widow kicked to the curb in a stained dress.
I was ending the week as a multimillionaire who had single-handedly brought down a criminal empire.
I thanked the agent, who promised to leave a security detail in the hallway just in case.
I finally felt safe for the first time since my husband supposedly died.
I walked into the luxurious hotel bathroom and turned on the hot water.
I washed the dirt, the fear, and the betrayal off my skin.
I put on the plush white robe provided by the hotel and walked back into the main bedroom.
I poured myself a glass of expensive wine from the minibar, ready to finally sleep.
May you like
I turned off the main overhead light, leaving only the dim glow of the city coming through the window.
I took a sip of the wine and sighed in total relief.
