Chapter 14 - A New Horizon
Two months later, the Mercer Island estate had undergone a miraculous transformation. The imposing concrete perimeter walls had been torn down, replaced by low, open stone pillars lined with blooming white hydrangeas and English ivy. The heavy iron security gates were gone, replaced by a wide, welcoming driveway that remained permanently open to the street.
Inside, the house was filled with natural light, warm oak flooring, and the gentle scent of fresh coastal air instead of lemon polish and copper.
Declan stood on the back patio, sipping a cup of black coffee as he watched a flock of seagulls glide gracefully across Lake Washington. He was dressed in a simple cotton sweater and dark jeans—no tailored suits, no hidden shoulder holsters, no burner phones buzzing in his pocket.
His phone buzzed on the patio table. He glanced down at the screen. It wasn't Viktor Vance, and it wasn't a syndicate boss.
It was a text message from Tessa:
“Mr. Walsh! Just finished my midterm exams at UW with straight A’s. My mom is back home and completely healthy. Hope you’re enjoying the sunshine!”
Declan smiled, typing a quick reply:
May you like
“Proud of you, Tessa. Keep up the great work.”
He locked the phone and set it back down on the table, letting out a long, relaxed breath. The ghosts of his past—Camille’s betrayal, the fake coma, the syndicate wars, the blood-soaked alleys of his old life—were finally buried beneath the quiet dignity of a fresh start.
