Chapter 16 - The Gathering Storm
Grant stood at the glass window, looking down at Ethan and Leah laughing near the reception desk downstairs. The peaceful life they had just managed to build was once again threatened by the lingering shadows of Richard Vance’s sins.
"Does the FBI know about Ruiz?" Grant asked, turning back to Clara.
"The DEA has an active Red Notice on him, but Ruiz operates off the grid," Clara explained. "He uses former paramilitary contractors. If he strikes, he won't use lawyers or subpoenas like my father did. He uses violence."
Grant walked over to his desk and picked up his phone. "Marcus, get in here."
Within seconds, Marcus stepped inside. Grant laid out the situation plainly. "I want round-the-clock protection on Leah and Ethan starting immediately. Move them to the secondary safehouse in Vermont."
"No," a voice spoke up from the doorway.
Leah was standing there, having walked up the stairs to bring Grant a mug of fresh coffee. Her face was set in a line of quiet, stubborn determination.
"We’re not running away again, Grant," Leah said, her voice firm. "We spent two years hiding in dark rooms, shaking every time a car pulled up outside. Scott didn't stand up to these monsters just so we could spend the rest of our lives fleeing in terror."
"Leah, this is different," Grant urged gently, stepping toward her. "Ruiz is a cartel enforcer. He doesn't have rules."
"Neither do we when it comes to protecting our family," Leah replied, looking Grant dead in the eye. "You saved us, Grant. Now let us stand with you. We fight this together."
Grant looked at her, seeing for the first time not the exhausted, terrified woman from the Grand Meridian lobby, but the resilient wife of Scott Reed—a woman who possessed the exact same unbroken spirit as the man who had raised him.
"Alright," Grant said softly, a slow, determined smile spreading across his face. "We stand and fight. Marcus, contact our security team. We’re turning this garage into a trap."
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Clara Vance stood up, her green eyes shining with admiration. "If you’re taking down Ruiz, count me in. I still have contacts in federal intelligence. Let’s finish what Scott started once and for all."
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