Page 70 of Silent Menace
“There’s been an interesting development there.” The agent looked pleased with himself. “Ms. Novak’s missing fiancé was arrested a little over an hour ago. We caught him attempting to flee the country under a fake name. The man appears to be terrified, and not of us. After he was informed that Luque is in custody, he started spilling everything he knows in exchange for our agreement to recommend a slightly reduced sentence and arrangements for him to serve time in a different prison from wherever Luque ends up.”
Hailey exchanged a glance with Peter, who looked as surprised as she felt. That was a development they hadn’t anticipated.
“His cooperation is going to make our investigation much easier. So far, he’s admitted to embezzling funds and claims that Ms. Novak was in on it, mostly in an advisory role. With her knowledge and direction, he was able to better disguise his actions. And as a frequent go-between for Mr. Luque and Pendleton Accounting, he was able to convince Frank Pierce that any anomalies were part of the ‘special projects’ he was being paid to cover up.”
She shook her head. “He had to have known that they’d be discovered in an official audit.”
Sanchez shrugged. “Probably. My guess is he was hoping anaudit wouldn’t happen but figured that between his position in the company and Stefania’s connections with Pendleton Accounting, they’d have enough warning to make a run for it if they had to.” He gave Hailey a pointed look. “But when you took over Eukaria’s accounts, they panicked. Ms. Novak knew it was only a matter of time until you figured out what was going on and would go to Luque. They knew an audit would be the least of their worries if he discovered the truth.”
Hailey winced. So that was why Stefania had been trying so hard to get rid of her. She’d been desperate, apparently for good reason.
Peter squeezed her hand. “It isn’t your fault she’s dead. You only did what was right. Stefania is the one who was willing to risk her life for money.”
“Mr. Lewis is correct,” Sanchez said. “None of this is your fault. Your courage today brought down a murderer and a major money laundering operation, and we’ve yet to see how far the effects will reach. My prediction is that we’ll be able to follow the threads back to their sources and bring down some really dangerous people.”
Hailey nodded. She knew they were right, but it would take some time to process the events of today and the past week.
The agent stood. “Thank you again for your help today, Mrs. Nieland. You two are free to go whenever you’re ready. We’ll be in contact if we need you for anything else.”
“Wait.” Hailey had one more question. “Any news on Mr. Luque’s injury?” With all the talk of him facing charges, she knew her shot hadn’t killed him. She was glad of that. She didn’t regret taking the shot to save Peter, but as much as Alessandro Luque deserved to die, she had no desire to deal with the weight of taking a life.
Sanchez offered her a reassuring smile. “He’s in the hospital now, under guard and getting patched up. He’ll likely make a full recovery, with only a scar to remember you by.”
Hailey shuddered at the thought of the man remembering her at all.
After the agent disappeared out the door, Peter pulled her into a hug. “You did it, Hailey.”
“I think you meanwedid it,” she mumbled against his chest.
He chuckled. “We do make a pretty decent team. I’m going to miss having an excuse to spend time with you.”
She lifted her head and saw the glimmer of truth in his eyes. “You don’t need an excuse, you know. I’ve grown to like having you around.”
“Is that a fact?” He studied her for a long moment, and he must have seen the exhaustion on her face because he stood and offered her a hand up. “How about we continue this conversation on the way to your parents’ house?”
She nodded. She was ready to get back to Jenna. Ready to move back into her own home. But she was also ready to start looking toward the future—because she was beginning to see that it still held promise.
Epilogue
September 25
Rows and rowsof white folding chairs, each decorated with a colorful bow, graced the expansive lawn of the outdoor wedding venue. Bryce hadn’t been exaggerating when he’d teased that most of the town had been invited. There had to be several hundred people here.
Peter sat next to Hailey’s parents in the first row. He wished Hailey were at his side, but she and Corina were sharing the matron of honor role and would soon be taking their places at the front to await Allye’s grand entrance. He’d get his chance to spend time with Hailey during the reception.
Eric stepped out of the picturesque barn that served as backdrop for the ceremony. Somehow, the man looked both incredibly calm and like he was about to burst with anticipation. Peter caught his eye and gave him an encouraging nod.
A modern arrangement of a classical piece began to play, and the crowd grew silent. Dion escorted Allye’s mother to her reserved seat on the other side of Hailey’s parents, then he took his place beside Eric. The teen was all smiles, seeming to glow with his place of honor as best man.
Corina was next. Then Hailey, wearing an emerald gown that complemented her perfectly. Her hair shimmered in soft golden waves over her shoulders.
Peter’s breath caught at the sight of her. He knew this was Allye’s big day, but in his mind, Hailey was hands down the most beautiful woman here. When she turned to face the crowd, her eyes met his, and she offered him a smile full of hope for the future. She was absolutely gorgeous.
Jesse elbowed him, and Peter snapped his mouth shut. His gaze locked with Hailey’s again, and her eyes sparkled with amusement. Her gaze flicked to the aisle, and he forced himself to refocus on the ceremony.
Lucky was making his way to the front now, solemnly fulfilling his role as ring bearer and guide to a very shy-looking Jenna. She was a bit young for flower girl, but Allye had insisted she didn’t care if the petals were strewn properly or not; she just wanted to include her. Good thing, because they were already halfway down the aisle, and it didn’t appear as if any of the petals had left Jenna’s basket.
They almost made it to their destination without incident. But when it came time for them to split to separate sides at the front, Jenna had apparently had enough of following decorum. As soon as Lucky released her hand, she flung her basket away and ran to her mom.
