Chapter 10 - The Unpaid Debt
The fiercely loyal men dragged a violently screaming Sterling away into the dark shadows of the concrete garage.
Everett turned slowly back to Willa, graciously offering his large, scarred hand to help her step safely out of the ambulance.
His gentle touch was wonderfully warm, incredibly solid, and beautifully alive.
Within forty-eight frantic hours, the vast criminal and corporate empire of Chicago was violently and decisively reclaimed.
Dr. Whitfield was dramatically arrested by federal agents successfully tipped off by an anonymous source containing irrefutable proof of medical malpractice.
Sterling Kane was absolutely never seen or heard from again by anyone.
More importantly, Willa’s fragile mother was safely transferred to a luxury private care home, all medical expenses permanently paid in full by the Kane estate.
Willa finally had her entire life back, completely free from the crushing, suffocating weight of debt and fear.
She stood peacefully on the wide balcony of the downtown penthouse, watching the bright city lights sparkle beautifully against the dark water of Lake Michigan.
She was gently holding her old canvas bag, completely ready to quietly leave and start over somewhere entirely new.
"You really don't have to go."
Willa turned quickly to see Everett standing perfectly in the doorway, dressed impeccably in a sharp black suit that completely hid the lingering medical scars.
He looked absolutely every bit the feared, untouchable king of Chicago, but his eyes were surprisingly soft as he looked deeply at her.
"Our business deal is officially done," Willa said gently, though her beating heart ached terribly at the agonizing thought of leaving.
Everett walked slowly over, smoothly taking the cheap canvas bag from her trembling hands and setting it firmly on the floor.
"I made a sacred vow at the altar," he murmured deeply, stepping close enough for her to distinctly smell his clean, expensive soap.
"And I heard the beautiful promise you boldly whispered to me in the dark."
He gently brushed a stray, soft lock of hair behind her ear, his warm thumb lingering affectionately on her cheek.
"Stay with me forever, Willa."
Willa looked up shyly into his stormy gray eyes and, for the first time in incredibly long years, she felt entirely, wonderfully safe.
She smiled brightly, leaning her tired face happily into his warm, comforting palm.
Suddenly, the sleek black phone resting on the glass patio table began to vibrate aggressively.
Everett picked it up casually, glancing at the completely unknown caller ID before pressing it cautiously to his ear.
Willa watched the healthy color instantly drain completely from his face as he listened in total silence.
He slowly lowered the phone and handed it to her, his strong jaw locked in grim, terrifying tension.
May you like
A distorted, highly metallic voice echoed chillingly through the speaker.
"You didn't really think Harold Fisk died by accident, did you, Willa?"
