I retrieve my daughter from the cellar, holding her close as we walk outside.
My heart swells as I watch the police cars disappear down the driveway, carrying Luchenko away for good.
He may have been able to avoid justice up until now, but with an ironclad international case against him, this is going to be a near-impossible situation for him to squirm out of.
Morello wraps his arm around both of us. "It's a new beginning," he murmurs.
I lean into him, feeling Yara do the same on my other side. A new beginning for the three of us. Together.
Chapter 42
Alina
The quiet crackle of the fire is the only sound in the dim living room.
I sit, near-motionless, Yara's head resting in my lap as I gently stroke my daughter's hair.
The past few weeks have been a blur of fear and uncertainty, but now a fragile sense of peace settles over us.
Morello stands silhouetted against the window, his phone pressed to his ear.
His shoulders tense as he listens intently to the voice on the other end.
When he finally turns around, the firelight dances across his face, highlighting the hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
"Good news?" I ask hopefully.
Morello nods his smile growing. "That was the lead agent on Luchenko's case. They formally charged him this morning."
Yara sits up, suddenly alert. "They did?!"
"Yes, and the case is definitely moving forward," Morello confirms. "Interpol coordinated with FBI and local police. Luchenko's locked up and awaiting extradition. It's over."
I let out a shuddering breath, the fear and tension that has gripped me for so long finally releasing.
I sink back into the couch, my hands trembling.
Yara throws her arms around my neck. "We are home here now, right Mama? With Mr. Agent Morello in America? We don't need to go back?"
"Home," I repeat in a whisper.
I look up at Morello with glistening eyes.
"I didn't think we'd see the day."
Morello kneels beside me, his strong hand grasping mine.
"You and Yara never have to look over your shoulders again. It's a new start."
I cling to his hand like a lifeline, overwhelmed by the promise of freedom.
For the first time in forever, hope blooms in my heart.
I sit there for a moment, letting the reality sink in.
After years of fear and running, it's finally over.
Luchenko and Gerald are gone, one dead and the other locked away where they can never hurt me or Yara again.