Chapter 20 - The Final Shadow
The police station was in absolute chaos as federal agents swarmed the building, placing Detective Miller and the police chief in handcuffs.
Out on the ruins of the Sterling Manor, fire trucks sprayed water over the smoking ash.
Emily stood at the edge of the property, wearing a warm coat provided by federal investigators.
Julian walked up beside her, his arm bound in a crisp white sling.
"The federal prosecutor just confirmed it," Julian said quietly.
"The entire corruption ring has been dismantled."
"Every asset has been returned to your control."
Emily looked down at the charred remains of the basement entrance, her heart heavy with grief.
"What about Maria?" Emily asked softly, a tear escaping her eye.
"The search team swept the entire forest," Julian replied, looking away solemnly.
"They found no body, Emily."
"Only her iron wrench lying near the riverbank."
Emily closed her eyes, praying silently for the brave woman who had saved her life twice.
Suddenly, a young federal agent ran up to them, holding a satellite phone.
"Mrs. Sterling, you need to see this," the agent said anxiously.
"Our team just cut open the deep vault inside the basement fallout shelter."
Emily’s heart skipped a beat as a chill ran down her spine.
"Did you find the impostor?" Emily asked, her voice dropping to a sharp whisper.
"The vault was locked from the inside, ma'am," the agent stammered, his face pale as chalk.
"When we cut through the steel doors..."
"The vault was completely empty."
"Except for a message carved into the wall with a knife."
Emily grabbed the satellite phone, staring at the photo sent by the recovery team.
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Scratched deep into the iron wall of the empty vault were four chilling words:
SEE YOU SOON, EMILY.
