Page 66 of Silent Past
Sheila watched her father absorb this, seeing decades of guilt and fear begin to lift from his shoulders. "Mom would be proud," she said softly. "Of both of us."
Gabriel's eyes filled with tears he didn't try to hide. "She always believed the truth would come out eventually. That justice was worth any price." He squeezed her hand. "Looks like she was right."
"Justice is coming," Sheila agreed. "For Mom, for Thompson, for everyone they've hurt." She looked at Finn. "How soon can we take Tommy's full statement?"
"As soon as you're ready. He's asking for you specifically—says he wants to tell you everything face to face."
She stood, checking her weapon out of habit. "Then let's not keep him waiting. Dad, you rest. Let the doctors do their job."
"Be careful," Gabriel said. "Even with Tommy's testimony, these people are still dangerous."
"I know." She bent to kiss his forehead. "But they're not as dangerous as the truth. And that's all coming out now."
She left her father's room with Finn beside her, their steps carrying new purpose. Outside, afternoon sunlight painted Salt Lake City in shades of gold and promise. Somewhere in a secure hospital room, a man waited to tell the truth that would bring down decades of corruption.
It wasn't over yet. But for the first time since losing her mother, Sheila felt the balance shifting. Justice wasn't just possible now—it was inevitable.
Time to hear Tommy's story. Time to gather the final pieces of evidence.
Time to bring it all into the light.
EPILOGUE
Spring sunlight spilled across Sheila's backyard like honey, catching the frost that sparkled on fallen leaves. The mountains rose behind her house, their peaks still dusted with winter's snow. But that snow would be gone soon. Winter was fading, and spring was here, full of promise and new life.
A fire pit crackled nearby, pushing back the March chill as voices and laughter filled the crisp air. Gabriel stood at the grill, arguing good-naturedly with Deputy Baxter about the proper way to cook steaks. Gabriel's limp was barely noticeable now as he gestured with his tongs, though he still used a cane for longer walks. Six months of physical therapy had worked wonders, as had the lifting of decades of guilt and secrets.
Star sat cross-legged on the deck, working on an art project with Sarah Neville's help. The girl had bloomed in the past months, her initial wariness replaced by quiet confidence. She'd made honor roll last semester, joined the debate team, started taking kickboxing classes at Gabriel's gym. The change in her was remarkable.
"You're hovering," Finn said, appearing at Sheila's side with two cups of hot chocolate. Steam rose from the mugs like spirits in the autumn air.
"Just taking it all in." She accepted the hot chocolate, breathing in its warmth. "Sometimes I still can't believe how much has changed."
And it had changed—dramatically. Tommy's testimony had blown the corruption case wide open. He'd provided documentation going back twenty years, naming names, detailing bribes and coverups. Three judges had been indicted. A dozen officers faced charges. The FBI's anti-corruption task force had set up a permanent office in Salt Lake City to handle the ongoing investigations.
Carlton Vance—still insisting his name was Toby Fitzgerald—sat in federal custody, facing multiple murder charges. Tommy's testimony had given prosecutors everything they needed. Detective Thompson's murder. Henrietta Stone's death. Decades of orchestrating a system of corruption that had undermined justice across three counties.
"Dad seems happy," Sheila said, watching Gabriel demonstrate proper grilling technique to an amused Baxter. "More relaxed than I've seen him in years."
"Having the truth out helps," Finn replied. "Not having to carry those secrets anymore."
He was right. Gabriel had provided his own testimony about his years in Internal Affairs, about the slow corruption of a system he'd once believed in. His cooperation, combined with his efforts to protect evidence after Henrietta's death, had earned him immunity. More importantly, it had earned him peace.
Star's laughter drifted across the yard as Sarah said something that made them both grin. The girl had grown close to the deputy over the past months, finding in her a mentor and friend. She'd even started talking about studying criminal justice in college—though she was quick to add that she planned to focus on reforming the system, not just enforcing it.
"You know," Finn said casually, "there's still room for one more bedroom. If we wanted to add on to the house."
Sheila turned to study his face. "Are you asking what I think you're asking?"
"Maybe." He shrugged, but his eyes held hers. "We're practically parents already. What's one more kid in the house?"
"A lot of responsibility, that's what it is."
"And fun. Don't forget that part." His smile carried equal parts confidence and vulnerability. "Would it help if we made things between us more… official?"
Before she could respond, Gabriel called out: "If you two are done making eyes at each other, these steaks aren't going to eat themselves!"
They gathered around the patio table—family by blood and by choice. Sarah had brought her famous potato salad. Star set out the plates and silverware with dutiful attention. Gabriel said grace, his voice carrying gratitude that had nothing to do with food.
