Outside my window, the skyline fades to black. But I barely notice as I delve back in, following this new lead. The night stretches long ahead, but I'm more motivated than ever.
For his victims, I won't stop.
Not until I take Gerald down.
Hours later, I'm still poring over the files, looking for any thread I can pull to unravel Gerald's network. My eyes burn from staring at pages until the words blur together. But I can't stop. Not when lives hang in the balance.
Rubbing my temples, I glance up at the board. At Anastasia and Bodahna's faces gazing back at me. They look so young, so full of hope. Hope shattered. We won't fail the others like we did them.
"We're closing in," I tell them, as if they're proxies for any of the other victims who might stand a chance. "Just stay strong," I add, more to myself than anyone.
A soft knock at my door makes me turn. My partner, Nina, steps in bearing two steaming mugs.
"Thought you could use a recharge," she says, offering me coffee.
I manage a weary smile as I take it. "You're a mind reader."
She surveys the organized chaos of my office. "Late night?"
"Yeah. I think I've found a real shot here, Nina. It's looking like Gerald Cranshaw recently brought over a woman who he's treating differently than the others. Word on the street is he's taking her as his wife and wants to get her hooked up in his trafficking operations given her connections to… certain countries with ample supply."
Nina nods, understanding my determination is personal. "You'll get him, Morello. But you have to take care of yourself, too. Otherwise, you'll burn out."
Her words resonate through the fog of fatigue and frustration enveloping me. She's right. I'm no good to anyone if I work myself to death over this.
I take a long sip of coffee, feeling its warmth flow through me.
"Thanks for looking out for me," I tell her. "And for the coffee. I'll try to get some rest soon."
Nina squeezes my shoulder, then heads out to begin her shift.
I stare after her, grateful. With people like her on my side, I can keep fighting.
For justice. For people like Anastasia and Bodahna.
Turning back to the board, I steel myself. The nights ahead will be long and hard. But I'll gather the evidence to take Gerald down while keeping whoever I can safe. I'll find a way. I just have to believe that hope can defeat fear.
Chapter 23
Morello
My eyes burn as I stare at the screen, the glow casting dark shadows across my furrowed brow. I click through file after file, searching for the one thread that could unravel Gerald's web. The office is silent except for the soft shuffle of papers and the rhythmic tapping of keys.
"Every piece of evidence gets me closer," I murmur, rubbing my temple. This case consumes my thoughts, even my dreams. I have to be meticulous, strategic—one misstep could destroy lives. No pressure. And today I just happen to have one very compelling lead.
The bell on the diner door announces my arrival. I slide into the cracked vinyl booth where the witness sits hunched over, his shoulders tense.
The man's eyes dart around the diner's dingy interior.
"Talk to me," I say, my voice low.
The witness leans in. "Gerald's like smoke, man. Just when you think you've cornered him, he slips away. Got eyes and ears everywhere."
I nod, my brow furrowed in thought. This snake of a man has eluded justice for too long, putting profits over people. Destroying lives. But I'm patient—I will trap Gerald in his web of lies.
For Anastasia. For Bodahna. For the voiceless victims who deserve protection.
Failure isn't an option.