possible. I’m at liberty to share that the FBI has been tracking Stefano’s dealings for years. They finally had enough hard evidence compiled to move in. With what they’ve collected, there’s not a chance of Pompetto and his goons disputing the charges.”
I rub at the pressure building in my temples. “How is this possible? That man has always been careful to a fault.”
“Several factors, to be honest. Years in their ranks granted our guys access to intel. When Stefano heard about your early release, he lost his cool and got sloppy. He trusted the wrong people—undercover agents, to be precise. Secrets were spilled faster than blood. It was only a matter of days before authorities swarmed all of his locations and cleaned house.” John reclines in his chair, and the metal protests with a groan.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. His revelation unplugs a drain somewhere deep inside of me. The vengeance that’s been keeping me upright through the darkness swirls down, leaving my stature a shapeless lump. Now what the fuck purpose do I have? I grip the back of my neck. “Well, damn.”
The detective stares at me, his mouth dropping an inch without a sound. “This is good news. Great even. Why aren’t you relieved?”
“I am, trust me. It’s just that…shit.” I bow my head and exhale through clenched teeth. Catching them is what motivated me throughout my entire prison sentence. That goal was in the forefront during my time in the wilderness, too. Seeking justice became my sole purpose, aside from keeping Blakely alive. Now it’s run through my fingers like water, and I’m left holding nothing. “I’m feeling a bit…weird about this turn in events.”
His nod is slow, as if pieces are clicking into place. “Ah, I understand. There were more invasive details revealed in the process. We have reason to believe you were framed. I’m sure that’s been bothering you.”
I whip my head toward Paul. His blown gaze appears to be a reflection of my own. “Is he serious?”
My lawyer just offers a lame shrug. “No clue, man. This is the first I’m hearing about any of this crap. I would’ve shared the updates with you immediately.”
John cuts into our exchange. “These are confidential reports. That’s the truth we’re facing. It’s unfortunate we didn’t discover this sooner.”
Another jolt spikes my blood pressure. The way he relays that information so casually grates at the blistering under my skin. I want to punch a slab of brick until bones disintegrate. How many more surprises can I handle in less than ten minutes? “Great, so you guys are finally figuring out I’m innocent. It only took five years. What happens now?”
“There is still a lot going on behind the scenes. As more testimonies get collected, it seems there are numerous players that had no idea they were in the game. We believe you’re one of them.”
My internal bogus meter begins dinging louder than a fire alarm. This all sounds too good. “And when will those findings be enough for my verdict to be overturned?”
The detective raps his knuckles on the polished wood in front of him. “We’re hoping to get matters handled before the snow flies. Stefano isn’t saying squat, but enough of his members are squawking to prove your involvement was solely legal. We can’t give you five years back. A pardon and clean record are absolute, though.”
That isn’t nearly as gratifying as the revenge plots I’d been planning, but it’s better than getting tossed back into the fray. I stand and prepare to get gone. Being stuck in this office is making my muscles flex. “Am I free to go?”
John holds up a palm. “Just a moment. We still need to deal with your parole.”
“But I’m not guilty of any crimes. You just said so.”
“Right, that’s the report they’re constructing. The red tape is still sticky, though.”
I narrow my eyes, more than ready to be done with this entire ordeal. “Either I’m allowed to leave or not.”
His placating hand remains elevated. “There’s just a brief holding period to ensure everything is handled once and for all.”
“Like sticking near town so I’m available for further questioning? A mandatory quarantine? Or what do you mean exactly?” I’m sure there’s a visible ripple coursing along my taut frame.
He releases a sigh that fans the flames of my brewing storm. “I’m aware this might be frustrating. Just sit tight and the details will follow.”
That sounds so similar to my arrest, I don’t bother concealing a sneer. Paul notices and