Chapter 19 - The Executioner's Choice
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Dawn was breaking over the Long Island coast, painting the sky in pale shades of gold and pink.
Police cruisers, private ambulances, and black security SUVs filled the driveway of the Cain estate. The fire department had cleared the smoke, and Marco’s surviving men were securing the perimeter.
In the sunlit living room, Dr. Sterling finished re-checking Norah’s vitals.
“She’s going to be fine,” the doctor announced with a faint smile. “She needs rest, quiet, and good food. But her heart is completely stable now.”
Norah sat on the sofa wrapped in a warm wool blanket, sipping hot tea that Ruth had made for her.
Wesley stood by the large French doors, looking out over the harbor. His shoulder was freshly stitched and bandaged. He turned as Ruth walked into the room carrying a tray of clean glasses.
He walked over to her, taking the heavy tray from her hands and setting it on the side table.
“The police have Celeste’s full confession,” Wesley said softly. “The thumb drive cleared up three years of syndicate corruption. The city is clean.”
Ruth looked at him, her eyes soft. “And what about you, Wesley?”
Wesley took her hand, holding it gently in both of his.
“I’m stepping down from the harbor operations,” Wesley revealed quietly. “Marco will take over the legal transport business. I’m moving Norah to our estate in Vermont—far away from crime, far away from this city.”
May you like
He looked into Ruth’s eyes, a rare, vulnerable smile touching his lips.
“I want you to come with us, Ruth,” Wesley whispered. “Not as a caretaker. Not as a maid. But as part of this family. As the woman I want by my side.”
