Chapter 8 - Dawn Over the Sound
The first rays of golden morning light broke across the jagged peaks of the Cascade Mountains, casting a brilliant, warm glow over the calm waters of the Puget Sound.
The airport terminal was quiet now. The federal marshals had taken Arthur and Gregory into custody, transferring them to the federal holding facility downtown to await arraignment. The media trucks were already gathering outside the precinct gates, but inside the private terminal, there was only peace.
I stood by the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, looking out over the runway where the private jets sat gleaming in the morning sun.
Vance walked up beside me, handing me a fresh cup of black coffee in a paper cup.
""Cleanup is complete, Captain,"" Vance reported quietly. ""All encrypted drives secured, local law enforcement briefed, and the DOJ task force has officially taken custody of the Sterling accounts. Your brother's pension fund is being restored as we speak.""
I took the coffee, letting the steam warm my face. ""Thank you, Gunny. Pass along my respect to the team. They executed the op with absolute precision.""
""Just like old times,"" Vance smiled faintly. ""So... what's next? You just dismantled a multi-million-dollar criminal enterprise on your wedding night. Most people would take a honeymoon.""
I looked down at my left hand. The simple silver band I had placed on my finger yesterday—chosen because it felt sturdy, unpretentious, and real—caught the morning light.
""I don't need a honeymoon, Gunny,"" I said, taking a sip of the hot coffee. ""I just needed justice.""
""And what about the house? The estate?""
""Sterling Maritime is going into government receivership, and the board is being restructured under an independent trusteeship,"" I replied calmly. ""The foundation will be renamed in honor of Eleanor Vance and every other person your old friend tried to bury.""
Vance nodded approvingly. ""And you?""
May you like
""I'm going home,"" I said, setting the coffee down and turning toward the exit. ""There's a quiet little cabin by the lake with my name on the deed, a fishing rod waiting on the porch, and a whole lot of peace and quiet.""
""Sounds like a plan, Captain,"" Vance saluted crisply. ""Lead the way.""
