“Because the fortune you made wasn’t enough?” Stringer quips. “You felt the need to cheat hard-working citizens?”
“My husband deserved his start! After we made our fortune, it was no longer about the money. We didn’t need those piddly amounts; the money was trivial, fun to manipulate. You men think women have no smarts, no skills, nodrivewhen in fact wearethe driving force. Without us you’d flounder.” Her tone is derisive as she gives Stringer a scathing look.
“Enough, Rachel. It’s over,” Dad concedes, defeat written all over him.
Mom whirls on her husband, evading his grasp. “No! It is not over!”
“Yes it is, Rachel,” Stringer says. “These officers will be escorting you and Michael to the nearest precinct where you’ll face a slew of charges; embezzlement being but one of many.” When he nods at the officers, they approach my parents, only to have my mom begin shrieking again. And when they both try to subdue her, my father yells.
“Get the hell away from her!” Dad puts his arms around my mother, cooing in her ear. Whatever he whispered manages to calm her enough so that her cries dwindle and he can guide her toward the entrance, the officers right behind them. Once they’ve disappeared from the room, Stringer turns to me and Lynne.
“Obviously there’s a lot to say andI’m sorryseems sorely inadequate.”
I nod while Lynne rummages through her bag still slung across her body. She pulls out the box of flash drives. “My father gave me these earlier. Copies of all the incriminating evidence; the statements, the transactions, and communications. I also have emails from Michael Hamilton I can either forward to you or you can have someone retrieve from my account.”
Stringer takes the box. “We’ll get it all coordinated. I’ve already heard from Hollis LaCroix and his partner, Addison, and seems this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.”
“Will they be booked tonight?” I ask.
“They will. The officers are taking them to the 17thPrecinct at 3rdand 51st. Between my division and the FBI, we have a long road ahead of us sorting through the data and ferreting out all involved.”
“I’d certainly love to help with that,” Lynne states. “Starting with Vince Carmichael and a certain Jimmy from DOF.”
“Although your skills would be much appreciated, Lynne, you’re too close to this, what with your father’s involvement. He and your mother have already been taken in for questioning.” He gives her a sympathetic look as she makes a strangled sound. “I know you two have been through the wringer today, but you’ll need to come down and give initial statements. Then we’ll organize a task force, working in conjunction with the FBI, to begin the investigation. I’ll personally be choosing the individuals from city government to assist, and I’ll keep you informed as best I can.”
“Thanks, Larry,” I manage while Lynne nods.
He nods as well before leaving. I turn Lynne in my arms. “It may be lame to say, but you can do this.” I smile at her and she sputters with a light laugh.
“We both can.” She leans in to give me a quick kiss. “Let’s get this done.”
I clasp her hand and lead her out of my parents’ home.
The next several hours pass in a blur as we gave our statements, got an update on our parents, and escorted Lynne’s mom back to her home. After Rachel assured us she’d be fine alone, Lynne promised we’d return in the morning for breakfast and to discuss strategy.
Once again we make our way to Lynne’s. While she changes, I call Tristen to inform him I’d be out the following day. I take care of a few more calls before tossing my phone aside, not caring to touch it for at least twelve hours. When Lynne doesn’t emerge from the bedroom, I seek her out, finding her on the bed asleep. I smile down at her while undressing and once naked, I join her. She stirs while I cover us, curling into me.
“I’m so lucky to have you,” she murmurs.
“I’m the lucky one, Princess.” I kiss the top of her head.
She chuckles while snuggling closer, and within seconds she’s breathing lightly, asleep again.
“Yeah, I’m the lucky Guy,” I whisper into the silence.
