Chapter 6 - Cleansing the Past
Outside, the siren blares of state police cruisers echoed through the coastal rainstorm, accompanied by two more armored vehicles belonging to Damian’s elite security force.
Dominic and six heavily armed tactical guards stormed the diner, securing the remaining mercenaries and forcing them to their knees in handcuffs.
Damian disarmed Arthur, tossing his nickel-plated revolver into the sink, before handing Arthur over to the state police captains who entered moments later.
"Mr. Vale," the lead state trooper said, looking at the destruction inside the diner. "Federal agents are already at your cousin's estate in Boston. The warrants have been served."
"Thank you, Officer," Damian said calmly, wiping a smear of blood from his jaw with the back of his hand. "Make sure Mr. Arthur Vale is placed in solitary confinement until the trial."
Arthur was dragged out into the pouring rain, cursing and screaming as the police doors slammed shut on him.
The diner fell into a quiet, heavy stillness.
The storm outside was finally beginning to weaken, leaving behind the gentle sound of rain dripping off the ruined neon sign.
Damian turned back toward the kitchen.
Elena stood near the pass-through window, holding Maya tightly in her arms. The skillet lay on the floor near her feet. Her hair was messy, her apron stained with grease and soot, but her gray-blue eyes were fixed on Damian with an intensity that burned brighter than any neon light.
Damian walked toward them slowly, stepping over broken glass and overturned chairs.
He stopped two feet away, looking at Elena with a depth of respect and awe he had never felt before.
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"You hit him with a skillet," Damian whispered, a small, genuine laugh escaping his lips.
"He was pointing a gun at my daughter's father," Elena said quietly, her voice trembling as tears ran down her cheeks again. "I didn't have many options."
