Chapter 17 - THE FALL OF AN EMPIRE
By noon, the financial district was overflowing with news vans, federal vehicles, and crowds of citizens watching the live televised arrests.
District Attorney Arthur Vance was intercepted at the international airport by federal agents as he tried to board a private jet to South America. Handcuffed and surrounded by reporters, his face was plastered across every television screen in the country alongside Captain Reyes.
Inside the bank lobby, Clara sat on a leather bench wrapped in a warm blanket, holding a warm cup of tea. A female FBI agent stood nearby, gently handing Lily a plush bear while federal medics checked Clara’s bandaged ribs.
Julian walked into the lobby, his arm wrapped in a fresh medical sling. For the first time in eight years, the heavy weight on his shoulders seemed to have vanished. He walked over to Clara, sitting down beside her.
"Reyes and Arthur Vance are being charged with federal racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder, and treason," Julian said softly. "The federal prosecutor just reviewed Daniel's archive. Every single corrupt officer in the department has been named in the indictments. They’re cleaning house."
Clara looked out through the glass doors at the flashing blue lights. "And the media? The Amber Alert?"
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"The Police Department just issued an official public apology," Julian smiled gently. "The Chief of Police read it himself on live television ten minutes ago. You're a hero, Clara. The whole city knows the truth."
Tears trickled down Clara's cheeks, but for the first time in eight years, they were tears of relief.
