Chapter 11 - The Prosecutor's Ace
The morning sun cast long shadows across the federal prosecutor’s office downtown. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vance slid a thick leather-bound dossier across his desk, looking like a man who had just won the lottery.
“We have everything we need for a RICO conviction that will keep Richard Bennett behind bars for the rest of his natural life,” Vance announced, leaning back in his leather chair. “The Cayman accounts, the municipal bid-rigging receipts, and the witness testimony from three former accountants who finally grew a conscience.”
I sat opposite him, holding a cup of black coffee, while Daniel stood beside me with his hands resting casually in his pockets.
“What about my mother and brother?” I asked, keeping my voice steady.
“Eleanor Bennett is facing fifteen years for money laundering and conspiracy,” Vance replied, opening a secondary folder. “She’s currently trying to cut a deal by blaming everything on your father, but since her signature is on half the shell-company wire transfers, the jury won't buy it.”
“And Victor?” Daniel inquired.
“Victor is facing federal extortion, assault resulting in severe bodily injury, and securities fraud,” Vance chuckled dryly. “His public livestream rant alone gave our office enough probable cause to deny bail indefinitely. He’s currently sobbing in solitary confinement because his cellmate doesn't care who his daddy was.”
I felt a profound sense of closure washing over me. The monsters who had haunted my childhood and terrorized my adulthood were finally caged.
“When is the arraignment for the broader conspiracy charges?” I asked.
“Next Tuesday,” Vance said. “And Ms. Bennett... the prosecution would like to call you as our primary witness to establish the pattern of corporate intimidation and familial abuse.”
I looked up at Daniel, then back at the prosecutor. A small, confident smile touched my lips.
“I’ll be there,” I said. “And I’ll bring every single document you need.”
May you like
Leaving the federal building, the cool autumn wind whipped past us as we walked toward our waiting car. For the first time in my life, I didn't look over my shoulder expecting my father to yell my name or Victor to ambush me from the shadows.
We were finally free.
