Chapter 71: Careful, Bella. I'm Closer Than You Think

Dawson remained calm and did not look away, saying that the reason for that specific document having his signature was that the port was part of his jurisdiction and would need the judge's signature. Johnny looked at Taylor, who shrugged and replied that he didn't know much about that type of law and therefore couldn't give an opinion, but if he still had any doubts, he would ask a lawyer to come and take a look. The judge started to sweat because he knew that any lawyer who knew at least a little about the law would identify his fraud, but Johnny was in a good mood and a little drunk, finishing signing the document and handing it to Dawson, who chatted for a while longer until he felt he could leave without raising suspicion.

When he got home, Dawson picked up his cell phone and, even though it was 2:30 in the morning, sent an urgent message to Bella:

"Tomorrow morning, send copies of the document to you and Johnny. But I'll only do that when I'm away from Miami. If anything goes wrong, make sure my family is safe. Don't leave them within his reach."

The answer came quickly, but not from Bella. It was Susan, the one in charge of the operation:

“Understood. We’re ready.”

The next morning, true to his word, Dawson expedited the sending of the document by all possible means, including email. The transaction was complete: Bella was legally no longer Johnny’s wife.

When she received the confirmation, Bella could not contain her happiness. She almost jumped for joy, believing that she was finally free. But her celebration was abruptly interrupted when her disposable cell phone rang. Recognizing Dawson’s number, she answered without hesitation:

“Judge Dawson, you did an excellent job. I have already ordered the release of your family.”

But the answer did not come in the judge’s familiar voice. It was Johnny.

“I’m glad you’re happy, my dear. After all, your divorce came at a price: the life of the nothing honorable Judge Karl Dawson. Now, how about telling Mrs. Janeth and his children in person that, through your fault and selfishness, they lost their husband and their father?”

Bella’s breath caught for a moment. She could barely process what she had heard.

“Johnny, you’re a psychopath!”

At the other end of the line, she heard the cold, bitter laugh of the man who, even though he was defeated on paper, continued to prove that he wasn’t defeated yet.

**The night before:**

Johnny leaned back on the living room couch, his brow furrowed as he swirled a glass of whiskey in his hand. Something was bothering him.

“Didn’t you find that document signed by the judge strange? I’ve bought ports, airports, and other high-value businesses before, and I’ve never needed a judge’s signature for that.”

Taylor, standing next to him, responded with a tone of controlled irony:

“If you were suspicious, why didn’t you let me call a lawyer, like I suggested?”

Johnny smirked, his gaze cold and calculating.

“Because I wanted to see how far he would go with that lie. Have Kevin and two others keep an eye on Dawson. Something tells me he’s planning something... unusual.”

That same morning, while Dawson sent Bella confirmation that Johnny had signed the divorce papers, he was packing an emergency bag. He knew that if Johnny discovered the ruse, his life would be in danger. However, he had no idea that Kevin and a few other subordinates were already watching him.

Just as Dawson deactivated the car alarm, trying to sneak out, Johnny's men appeared from the shadows.

“Are you going somewhere, Judge?” Kevin asked, his voice loaded with cynicism.

“Yes, it emerged on an emergency trip. If you'll excuse me.” Dawson tried to maintain his composure, but the tension in his voice was evident.

Kevin smiled darkly.

“Unfortunately, I can't. The boss wants a word with you.”

Dawson tried to run away, but Kevin was faster. A well-aimed blow knocked him down, and soon the judge was dragged and thrown at Johnny's feet.

Johnny stared at him with a look that mixed contempt and triumph.

“Did you trick me, Karl Dawson? Made me sign the divorce against my will? How stupid.”

Dawson, desperate, clasped his hands together in supplication and knelt down.

“It wasn't my idea! It was Bella! She forced me!, Kidnapped my wife and children. I had no choice, Mr. Iverson. Please forgive me!” Johnny tilted his head, assessing the confession with a wicked smile.

“A smart move on her part... But can she handle having the weight of the death of a loving husband and a devoted father on her account? I think we should find out.” Without hesitation, Johnny drew his gun and fired three cold, precise shots. Dawson’s body fell to the ground, motionless, while Johnny’s cruel smile remained. “Clean up this mess,” he ordered the men, as he returned to the couch with the calmness of someone who had just finished another “deal.” 

After narrating in detail the tragic fate of Judge Dawson, Johnny gave a message directly  Bella, full of threats:

“I hope you understand, my dear, that this is not over yet. I want to see you and your lover DK begging for your lives... or rather, for the life of your son.” Bella responded firmly, even as she held back her anger:

“Your threat is so weak, Johnny. Everything you’ve tried against me so far has backfired on you. Don’t you realize that?”

Johnny gave a dry laugh before snapping back:

“Be careful, my beautiful ex-wife. I’m closer than you think.”

He hung up abruptly, leaving Bella alone with her frustration. Furious, she slammed her fist on the table, letting out a scream of pure rage.

“How could I not have foreseen this situation? This time, I underestimated you!” she muttered, almost to herself.

Susan, who had just entered the office, noticed the tension and approached.

“What’s going on, Miss Bella?”

“Johnny killed Judge Dawson, Susan.”

Susan crossed her arms, watching her female boss warily.

“May I remind you that Dawson chose this fate the moment he joined the mafia? He sold himself for status and money, he knew what he was getting into. I don’t think you should feel guilty.”

Bella sighed, trying to absorb the counselor's words.

“Still, Susan, two children will grow up without their father. And you know better than anyone how devastating that can be. We need to get them out of Johnny's sights, at least for now, until I can end this war.”

“What do you want me to do?” Susan asked, ready to act.

“Let's go to the warehouse. I need to talk to the judge's wife and—”

Susan interrupted firmly:

“With all due respect, Miss Bella, I don't think you should expose yourself like this. Let me handle this.”

Bella hesitated, but eventually agreed.

“You're right. Explain the situation, give Mrs. Dawson a sum of money, and send them to a safe place.”

Susan nodded and quickly left. In the warehouse, Charles, Debby, and Hunter were waiting for instructions.

“Miss Hahn got what she needed. You can release the woman and the children,” Susan announced.

Debby, satisfied, releases Janeth and the children. Susan approached the woman, who was still in shock.

“Miss Hahn is sorry about what happened. Here’s $3 million to help her start over. We’ll take you to a safe place until things calm down. Debby will drive you to the airport, and from there you can choose where you want to go.” Janeth held the backpack with the money, but her voice shook as she answered:

“I always knew that getting involved in the Mafia world was dangerous, but I… I’m guilty too. I always wanted the luxury it offered. What now? How am I going to tell the children? How am I going to move on without him?” Susan tried to comfort her: “You’ll find a way. Start by thinking about your children.” As they prepared to leave, Janeth took Susan’s arm and added: 

“Tell Miss Hahn that my husband kept compromising documents on Johnny Iverson. Maybe that will be useful to her.” When Susan returned to Bella’s apartment, she repeated the widow’s words. She listened attentively, her lips forming a slight smile.

“Interesting,” Bella said, renewed determination in her voice. “But in the Mafia, documents aren’t always enough. Sometimes evil has to be nipped in the bud. And that’s Johnny Iverson’s fate.”