Chapter 23 - The Federal Seizure
Arthur's face flickered with surprise for the very first time. "What did you say?"
"Your daughter signed the estate deed over to the state land trust twenty minutes ago, Mr. Vance," Davis explained, holding up the land transfer document.
"This property is officially federal land, and you are currently trespassing on an active crime scene."
The troopers moved in quickly, forcing Arthur's arms behind his back and snapping heavy steel cuffs over his wrists.
Arthur looked back over his shoulder at Clara, his eyes burning with a dark, vengeful light.
"You betrayed your own blood, Clara!" Arthur shouted as he was led toward the police cruiser.
"I protected my daughter," Clara answered loudly, her voice echoing across the misty driveway. "Something you never did for me."
Mark watched the black sedans drive away, the red and blue emergency lights fading into the thick morning fog.
He turned to look at Clara, seeing the overwhelming exhaustion etched into every line of her face.
"Is it finally over?" Mark asked softly, taking a cautious step toward her.
Clara looked at him, her eyes clear, determined, and entirely focused on the future.
May you like
"It's over for them, Mark," Clara said gently. "Now we have to fix what's left."
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