Chapter 18 - Shadows in the Rearview
That evening, as Declan drove back across the Mercer Island Bridge, the sun dipped below the Seattle skyline, casting long, golden shadows across the water. His mind was at ease, but decades of survival instinct die hard. In his rearview mirror, a sleek black sedan appeared, maintaining a steady, disciplined distance two cars back.
Declan’s grip tightened slightly on the leather steering wheel. He slowed down, taking a sharp turn toward a quiet residential side street instead of his direct route home.
The black sedan followed, turning when he turned.
Instead of panicking, Declan pulled smoothly to the curb beneath the amber glow of a streetlamp, put the Aston Martin in park, and turned off the engine. He didn't reach for a weapon; he simply waited, watching in the side mirror as the sedan pulled up behind him and stopped.
The driver’s door opened, and a tall man in a tailored charcoal suit stepped out. As the man walked under the streetlamp, Declan recognized the sharp jawline and calm, steady eyes immediately.
It was Agent Miller, the senior federal prosecutor who had spearheaded the crackdown on the Moretti syndicate and the indictment of Camille and Julian Aris.
Declan rolled down his window as Miller approached, resting his arm on the door frame. “Agent Miller. Taking up tailing private citizens in your spare time?”
Miller offered a dry, weary smile, leaning against the car door. “Not quite, Mr. Walsh. I was actually heading out to your place to drop off some final paperwork, and figured I’d catch you before the weekend.”
“Is there a problem with the settlement?” Declan asked, raising an eyebrow.
“ Quite the opposite,” Miller said, pulling a sealed manila envelope from his briefcase and handing it through the window. “The federal judge presiding over the Aris-Vance case officially closed the docket this afternoon. Camille and Julian received consecutive twenty-year sentences with no possibility of parole. Their appeals were summarily dismissed.”
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Declan took the envelope, feeling the weight of finality settle into his hands. “It’s over, then.”
“It’s over,” Miller confirmed, nodding respectfully. “You’re a completely free man, Declan. No shadows, no surveillance, no legacy debts. Enjoy your Sunday.”
