"Keep watching from the shadows all you like," I whisper. "We're coming for you."
I return to work, my resolve now hardened into steel. Gerald has no idea who he's up against. I will see this through, no matter the cost.
For the voiceless victims, I will bring Gerald down or die trying.
I head to Lynfield's office, the envelope in hand. I know I have to inform my boss about Gerald's thinly-veiled threat.
Lynfield's face is grave as I explain the photo's significance.
"This changes things," he says. "Gerald's making it personal now. And it sounds like we should be on extra high alert for a leak."
I nod. "He's rattled. Which means we're getting close."
Lynfield sighs, leaning back in his chair. "Be careful, Morello. Cornered men get reckless." His concern is evident in the crease of his brow. "I don't want you taking unnecessary risks."
"I know how high the stakes are," I assure him. "But we can't let Gerald intimidate us into backing down. Too much is riding on this."
Lynfield regards me for a moment before nodding. "You're right. We proceed, but watch your back. Gerald won't go quietly."
I leave the office, Lynfield's warning echoing in my mind.
I stop by my desk, picking up another photo of Anastasia and Bodahna. Despite attempts to get them off my mind, they've taken up permanent residence. I know they won't leave my thoughts until justice is done. Their innocent smiles fortify my resolve.
I will see this through, for them and all of Gerald's other victims. The man is slippery, but not untouchable.
Justice will find him, no matter how long it takes.
"I'm coming for you," I whisper to the photo. A promise to Gerald, wherever he lurks. A promise to the families of those whose innocence he's stolen to satisfy his depravity and greed.
Fear and doubt try to creep in, but I shove them down. With care, I return the photo to the file on my desk. Back to work, one step at a time. Gerald's empire will crumble.
It's only a matter of time.
Chapter 24
Alina
The shrill ring of the phone pierces the silence. I freeze, my pulse quickening. I already know who it is before I even glance at the caller ID.
I steel myself and answer.
"Privet, Alina," Luchenko growls, his gravelly voice dripping with false warmth. "I hope you're finding your new life to your liking."
My stomach twists. He's toying with me.
"What do you want?" I ask sharply. Don't show weakness.
I don't even bother to ask how he got this number. His access to resources is insane.
Luchenko chuckles. "No need for hostility, meelaya."
I shudder at this term of endearment that he insists on using despite my protests.
"I'm simply calling to remind you that I am Yara's father. I have every legal right to see her, as I'm sure you remember. The fact you got her out of the country is… displeasing."
The threat beneath his words makes my blood run cold. He has connections across the globe. If he wanted to take Yara, he could. There wouldn't be anything I could do to stop him. And he knows I know.
I clench the phone tightly, my knuckles white. "You will never lay a hand on her," I spit out through gritted teeth. "I'll die before I let you near her again."