Chapter 144

**Hadassah POV**

A clandestine council convened—no court of law but an underground proceeding.

Chief leaders of British intelligence, alongside titans of global security—the directors of the CIA, FBI, and other unnamed figures veiled in anonymity—convened in a private trial far removed from public scrutiny. No records, no headlines, no history. Just judgment in its purest, most brutal form.

Emilia Acheson, a decorated agent with powerful allies, now faces her most formidable enemies. The CIA has demanded her extradition without inquiry, a move staved off only by this tribunal, a fragile shield against the wrath of America’s intelligence apparatus.

The CIA director’s voice cut through the tense atmosphere. “Are we seriously supposed to believe you had no involvement in this criminal conspiracy? You disobeyed direct orders, went rogue, and murdered two of our operatives.”

“To protect two of my own,” Emilia retorts, her voice steely. “We both know that at the time, Hadassah Moor was believed to be a traitor—a threat to national security colluding with criminal syndicates. When Calum Taylor, unlawfully detained in one of your black sites, found her, they were both marked for elimination. I didn’t want to kill your agents. I tried to subdue them, but they retaliated, leaving me no choice.”

Emilia’s defense hangs in the air for a moment before I speak up, my voice even but resolute. “We did what was necessary. Do you honestly think I spent a lifetime dismantling criminal networks only to join them? My record is public; it speaks for itself. I’ve taken down trafficking rings and organizations your agencies failed to touch because I did what I do best. I infiltrated and dismantled them from within. I was captured in the beginning, yes, but the endgame remained the same.”

The deputy director of the FBI leaned forward, his tone clipped. “And what about Calum Taylor’s cybercrimes? Breaching CIA intelligence networks, siphoning millions from forex accounts—these aren’t survival tactics. These are felonies.”

Calum interjects quickly, his words a torrent of justification. “I can restore every dollar. That wasn’t theft—it was survival. With criminal syndicates on our heels, we needed resources to move unseen. As for the breach—that was under duress, ordered by the late Torin Moon. The real mastermind you’re looking for was his brother, Orian Moon, who was untouchable until Hadassah delivered him to you, practically gift-wrapped.”

“And now Santos wears that crown,” a woman’s voice cut through the air, her identity obscured among the faceless silhouettes. “With Orian captured, even the Yakuza clans are scrambling. Santos has already claimed most of Orian’s territories and networks.”

“That’s not on us,” I say firmly. “We’ve served this country more than anyone in this room will ever acknowledge. Beyond taking down Orian Moon, we seized intelligence that could have destabilized not just this nation but every foreign ally we have. Without us, Magnus Quinque would be in enemy hands.”

At the mention of the name, the director of the FBI leaned forward, his expression unreadable. “Magnus Quinque. We’d heard rumors. We never thought the myth was real. What happened to the books?”

“They were destroyed in the battle between Orian’s and Santos’s forces,” I replied, my voice unwavering. “I couldn’t save them, but I ensured they didn’t fall into enemy hands.”

The silence that follows is palpable, broken only by the voice of a man whose authority seems absolute. “I’ve heard enough,” he says, his words heavy with finality. The room stills, all other voices yielding to his. “Hadassah Moor. We acknowledge your service, as well as yours, Commander Acheson. However, we have conferred with your superiors regarding your violations. Commander Acheson, you are stripped of your title and your position. Miss Moor, your PI license is revoked. Due to your commendable service, none of you will face criminal charges. You both walk away free—but freedom is all you will have.”

“And my mother?” I plead.

“She will be released.”

***

For the first time ever, the grill in my backyard is being used. Perched on the outdoor deck, Calum barbecues an array of meat. I carry two uncapped bottles of beer, walking through my home that is lined with moving boxes. All I could think about was returning and seeing my ma and now that I’m finally home—I’m leaving. Just because we are pardoned doesn’t mean we’re safe. Enemies still linger in the shadows.I can easily face retaliation from the Yakuza, not to mention the Albanians and a long slew of criminals I’ve pissed off along the way. Which is why I sent my mother away as soon as she was released. I can’t be with her yet. It’s going to take time for the heat to die down.

I come out to the outside table to plop down next to Emilia. I give her one of the bottles before we clink the heads, then we take a swig in unison.

“This better taste as good as it smells.”

Calum takes a tray to transport the roasted slabs of meat from the grill to deposit it on the table. His eyes flick up and he freezes. Emilia launches to her feet and whips out her gun to aim it at the doorway. Two heavily tattooed enforcers of the Blood and Bone cartel march out to flank the open door protectively. I watch with a smile as Santos emerges in a linen suit with his iconic cane in his hand.

“Easy,” I say to Emilia, motioning for her to put the gun away. “I called him.”

I get up to greet him personally as I allow him to rope me to his side so he can leave a lingering kiss on my temple.

“Don’t try to soften me up,” I say teasingly. “We both know why you’re here.”

I glance over his shoulder to his men so I can guide their attention as I point at the particular flower arrangement with blue blooms. “You’ll find the first book buried under there.”

His two men break away to begin digging to unearth my lie.

“This was your deal with the devil?” Emilia says, to place down the beer and tuck away the gun. “Should the infamous criminal be trusted with the power that could cause international chaos?”

“That book is my birthright,” Santos proclaims. “Given to me by my father and his father before him. If I wanted to wreak havoc, I would’ve sought all five books a long time ago. I understand that a balance must be maintained—with a favorable tilt to my interests, perhaps. But this is kept away from men who don't have my restraint or ethics—however dim.”

Emilia snorts scornfully. “A lesser evil then?”

“Something like that,” he says with a charming smile. “Magnus will only be safe in my possession. Your government would exploit its power only for it to turn against them. And the world will pay a price for their greed and power-hungry nature. I’m not the right choice. I’m the best choice.”

“He’s not our enemy,” I say, to reassure them both.

“No, but there are plenty who want you dead. Each of you are under my protection, but there is no saying that someone won’t try something stupid. Another reason why I am here. My limitless resources are at your disposal. I have safe houses—villas all around the world.” He turns to me give me a hopeful smile. “You can stay with me—under guard, then no one will dare touch you.”

Emilia liberates a disagreeing sound. “We were absolved because they believed we weren’t in alliance with any criminal organization. How would it look to them if we took refuge with the most powerful cartel boss?”

“Why would you care what they think?” Santos argues. “Your government, your agency, has not only abandoned but taken everything from you. And left you with even less. They have taken your means to provide and protect yourselves. I offer you both and you won’t be a prisoner. You can do as you please where you wish, just under guard.”

Calum nods solemnly, then breaks into a sly smile. “I hear Costa Rica is beautiful this time of year.”

The two men return with the nameless, leather-bound and metal-edged book in one of their hands.

Emilia looks back at me, hoping I’d side with her.

“Well…I’ve always wanted to see the Fortuna waterfall.”

“This is our life now?” Emilia asks bluntly, a little outraged, a little resentful. “From taking down criminals to vacationing with them?”

I glance back at Santos and he mirrors my smile. “At least my mom will be happy. She hated my job anyway.”