Reese nced over the evidence spread out on the table, her voice steady and unyielding. “I just want you to understand that if you do something wrong, you have to face the consequences."


    "My mom never got the justice she deserved. I''m going to make sure every single person who took part in that dirty deal pays for it. That''s the only way I can give my mom some peace."


    She didn''t wait for Bailey to respond. Without another look in his direction, Reese turned and walked out of the interrogation room. The door mmed shut behind her, cutting them off from each otherpletely.


    Bailey sat there, Reese''s words echoing in his mind, making it almost impossible to breathe. He felt the urge to confess welling up inside him, but before he could say anything, the phone in the corner started ringing, sharp and urgent.


    One of the officers picked up. After a few tense seconds, his face changed and he turned quickly to Roman.


    "Mr. Sanchez, we got news. They caught Nathaniel on the rooftop. He fought back, even tried to grab an officer''s gun. He got shot. He''s in the hospital now. The doctors say his condition is serious, but he came to and asked to see Bailey by name."


    Bailey felt like he''d been struck by lightning at the mention of Nathaniel. A mix of emotions flickered across his face.


    Hatred for Nathaniel, for dragging him into this nightmare all those years ago and for the years of ckmail that followed.


    Fear that Nathaniel would turn everything on him, letting Bailey take the fall for it all.


    And somewhere deep down, a hint of relief. Maybe, just maybe, Nathaniel''s capture would finally bring this twenty-year mess to an end.


    Bailey knew Nathaniel was the linchpin, the only one who could truly expose everything. Whatever Nathaniel said next would decide Bailey''s fate.


    Hiswyer jumped at the opportunity.


    "Mr. Sanchez, I''d like to request that we hold off on questioning my client any further until Nathaniel''s condition improves and he''s able to give a statement. His testimony is crucial to the whole case."


    Roman paused, looking over at Bailey and picking up on the turmoil in his eyes. Then he nodded.


    "All right. But let me be clear about something. We already have aplete chain of evidence.


    Nathaniel''s testimony isn''t


    necessary to convier your cl


    His


    Cooperation will only affect the final sentence."


    sto


    Thewyer nodded quickly, then leaned in close to Bailey, trying to keep his voice calm.


    "Mr. Meyer, you see where things stand. The evidence against you is overwhelming. We''re out of options."


    There was an urgency in his words now.


    "Come clean, If you cooperate,


    there''s still a chance at a lighter


    sentence Tell them about the others


    involved, how the dearwent down, and anything else Nathaniel did. It''s better to get some mercy than face the worst."


    Bailey didn''t answer. He bowed his head, letting his hair fall forward, hiding his face from view. Only the slight tremor in his shoulders gave away how hard he was struggling.


    Inside, it felt like he was being torn apart.


    If he confessed, everything he''d built would crumble. The Meyer Group, his life''s work, would be gone. He''d go from a powerful businessman to a criminal everyone despised.


    If he kept his mouth shut, the evidence would still bury him. He''d get an even harsher sentence, and he''d spend the rest of his life haunted by guilt and regret over what had happened to Marie.


    He couldn''t stop thinking about


    Marie''sst moments, about the fear and hopelessness she must have. felt He thought of Reese, growing up without her mother of all the innocent people he''d hurt, and of the years Nathaniel had held him captive with threats and ckmail.