Chapter 5 - The Falling of Crowns
The clock hit 18:45:00.
Three minutes exactly since I had whispered into my phone.
The restaurant’s main doors groaned as they were unlocked from the outside.
But it wasn't the police who entered.
It was a group of high-ranking officials,
men and women Victor usually groveled to at gala events.
There was the District Attorney,
the Chief of Police,
and the CEO of the bank Victor worked for.
They walked in,
but they didn't look at Victor with friendship.
They looked at him with disgust.
“Victor Vance,”
the CEO said,
his voice booming in the quiet room.
“As of three minutes ago,
your employment is terminated for cause.”
“The board has reviewed the documents regarding your embezzlement and sexual harassment suits.”
The District Attorney stepped forward,
unfolding a sheaf of papers.
“And I have warrants for your arrest,
along with your mother,
for money laundering,
racketeering,
and tax evasion.”
Victor looked around,
hoping for one friendly face,
one person he could bribe or bully.
But they all looked at me.
The Chief of Police approached my chair and removed his hat.
“Everything is in order,
Ma'am,”
he said,
his tone one of profound respect.
“We have the transport waiting out back.”
Victor finally broke.
The reality of his total destruction crashed down on him like a tidal wave.
He looked at the men in suits,
the officials,
the locked doors,
and finally,
me.
He realized that his entire life had been a house of cards,
and I had just breathed on it.
“Please,”
he sobbed,
sliding out of his chair.
“I’ll do anything,
I’ll leave her alone,
I’ll give her a divorce,
just don't take me to jail.”
I looked down at him as he collapsed to the floor.
“It’s too late for deals,
Victor.”
“You had five years to be a decent human being.”
“You chose to be a predator.”
“Now,
you get to learn what it’s like to be the prey.”
He crawled toward Emily,
reaching for the hem of her dress.
“Emily,
save me,
tell her to stop!”
Emily stood up,
pulling her dress away from his trembling hands.
She looked down at him,
and for the first time in years,
there was no fear in her eyes.
Only pity.
“I can't save you,
Victor,”
May you like
she said softly.
“I don't even know you.”
