Chapter 17
Three weeks passed, bringing the bright colors of late autumn to the California coast.
Maya's home had been fully repaired, the broken front doors replaced by solid mahogany with reinforced steel locks.
The large flat-screen TV in the living room was turned off, reflecting the clean, peaceful space.
On the shelf nearby, the framed US flag rested neatly beside a photograph of Maya and her late grandfather.
Marcus walked into the kitchen, carrying two bags of fresh groceries from the local market.
"The federal court in Washington denied Victor's bail request again this morning," Marcus announced cheerfully.
"He's going to spend the rest of his life in a maximum-security facility."
Maya smiled as she chopped fresh vegetables at the island counter, wearing her comfortable olive green hoodie.
"Good," Maya said softly. "He deserves every single year."
"And Veronica?" Marcus inquired, taking an apple from the bag.
"She pled guilty to grand larceny and conspiracy," Maya replied. "She's serving seven years in state prison."
It seemed as though every single loose end had been neatly tied up by the federal justice system.
May you like
The nightmare that began in this very living room was finally, completely over.
Or so they both genuinely believed.
