Page 217 of Titus

Jonathan smiled. “Among other things.”

“Meaning?”

“The government told the judge that a CEO of your stature couldn’t possibly be unaware,” Jonathan said. “We showed the court fifteen years of evidence showing what happens every time you become aware of hidden structures.” He tapped the file. “You dismantle them. Every time, without exception.”

I sat back, finally beginning to understand.

Jonathan continued. “We told the court that your corporate history contradicts the government’s theory.”

Evelyn nodded. “The judge agreed.”

I looked up. “Not that you’re innocent or that the investigation is over…” Jonathan paused. “But the court agreed there is now substantial evidence suggesting you may not have known these structures existed, which brings us to the part I think you’ll enjoy most.”

I raised an eyebrow. For the first time all morning, the attorney smiled like a man who knew something I didn’t.

“The release order was signed forty-three minutes ago,” he said.

Evelyn leaned back in her chair. “Congratulations, Mr. Hawk.”

Jonathan continued smiling. “You’re going home.”

“Jesus Christ,” I responded, absolutely shocked at hearing those words.

Leave it to Mark to disappear for years and somehow reappear exactly when he was needed. Jesus Christ. Mark, of all the people I knew, was the one who somehow found this.

I leaned back, and I knew the look on my face wasn’t one of relief but of shock at hearing this news. I’d spent the last ten days preparing myself for something very different, spending years, not days, in prison.

Jonathan watched me closely. “Even though you’re being released, you understand this isn’t over.”

I looked at him. “Of course it isn’t.”

“The investigation remains active, and the government will continue to dig,” Evelyn said. “But the case is strong, and you won’t be sitting here while they do it.”

“Understood,” I answered, still quite shocked that I was about to get out of here.

“We’ve contacted your driver, and your security is with him here, waiting for the administration to process you.”

I stood. “Thank you.”

The property room felt surreal as the correctional officer slid a gray plastic tray across the counter. I never imagined the day when I would feel like I would miss my stupid phone, or even my watch and wallet.

Jesus, I felt like I was halfway to being a whole man again. When you spend enough time having every decision made for you, the smallest freedoms become surprisingly significant.

Finally, the last security door buzzed open, and I was cleared to leave. The warmth of the sun on my face and the simple fact that I was standing there in my own clothes felt better than I could describe.

“Mr. Hawk.”

I looked up and saw Marcus standing beside a black SUV parked behind my Rolls, where my driver waited.

He walked toward me. “Welcome back, sir.”

“It’s good to see you, Marcus. How is Catalina?” I asked.

Marcus’s mouth twitched. “I have Andrew and Warner watching her at her office on Melrose,” he confirmed.

“Very good,” I said, nodding toward my driver, who stood by the open door of my car. “I plan to visit her this morning, but I’m in desperate need of a shower.”

“Of course, sir.”