Chapter 7 - The Clink of Handcuffs
By midnight, the news of the raid had hit every major news network across the country.
“BREAKING NEWS: RENOWNED ONCOLOGIST DR. JULIAN MERCER AND SOCIALITE NORA VANCE ARRESTED IN MULTI-MILLION-DOLLAR CHEMICAL POISONING CONSPIRACY.”
Live television broadcasts showed Nora Vance being led out of the Vance estate in heavy iron handcuffs, her designer dress rumpled, her face covered in tears as dozens of news cameras flashed in her face.
Beside her, federal agents wheeled out boxes of seized evidence, chemical vials, and hard drives containing the complete records of her betrayal.
In the master study of the estate, Ethan sat on the sofa.
The house was quiet now. The security guards had stepped outside, and the forensic teams had finished gathering evidence from the dining room floor.
The door opened, and Dr. Richard Harrison walked in, holding a warm cup of herbal tea—verified and poured by Richard himself.
“It’s over, Ethan,” Richard said gently, setting the cup on the table. “Mercer’s legal team tried to post bail, but the federal judge denied it. He and Nora are being held without bond in federal holding. Given the chemical evidence and Nora’s confession, they’re facing life without parole.”
Ethan looked into the dark amber liquid of his tea, then looked up at the physician.
“And Clara’s medical records?” Ethan asked softly.
“Agent Vance’s team retrieved the original lab files from Mercer’s private server,” Richard replied, his voice thick with sympathy. “It’s confirmed. Mercer altered her trial medications to cause systemic organ failure. Clara didn't lose her battle, Ethan. She was taken. And now, justice has finally caught up with him.”
Ethan let out a long, shuddering breath—a breath he felt he had been holding for two long years. The heavy weight of grief, guilt, and unanswered questions that had haunted his chest since Clara’s passing finally began to lift.
A small, soft patter of footsteps sounded in the hallway.
Ethan turned his head.
Standing at the doorway was little Lily, wearing her pink bunny pajamas, dragging her small blue blanket behind her. She rubbed her sleepy brown eyes with her knuckles, looking around the quiet study.
“Daddy?” she called out softly.
Ethan’s heart swelled with an overwhelming wave of love. He immediately stood up, crossed the room in three long strides, and swooped the little girl into his arms.
“Hey, my brave little girl,” Ethan whispered, kissing her soft cheek over and over again. “Why are you awake?”
“Is Nanny Nora gone?” Lily asked, leaning her head against his neck. “Is the bad tea gone?”
“Nanny Nora is gone forever, baby,” Ethan promised, holding her tight against his chest. “She’s never coming back. Nobody is ever going to hurt us again.”
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Lily looked up at him, her small hands gently patting his cheeks. “Daddy stay with Lily?”
“Daddy is staying right here,” Ethan said, tears shining in his eyes. “Forever and ever.”
