Chapter 4 - The Corruption Network
Derek’s arrogant smirk flickered for a fraction of a second, but he quickly straightened his shoulders, placing his hand heavy on his service weapon.
"Ashford," Derek spat, trying to sound authoritative despite the overwhelming number of armed guards surrounding him. "Your maid stole five thousand dollars from my apartment. I came to collect what's mine. Hand her over, or I'll have the district attorney execute a warrant on this estate by morning."
Gabriel walked forward with slow, deliberate steps, stopping just two feet from the corrupt officer. He didn't flinch at Derek’s hand resting on his gun.
"You didn't come for five thousand dollars, Derek," Gabriel said softly, his voice dropping into a register that made the hair on the back of Derek’s neck stand up. "You came because Clara discovered the offshore bank ledger you hid inside your old married home."
Derek’s face drained of every drop of color, his fingers freezing over his leather holster.
"What... what are you talking about?" Derek stammered, his confident posture visibly cracking under the torrential downpour.
Gabriel pulled a waterproof leather folder from inside his coat, opening it just enough for Derek to see the high-resolution prints inside.
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"For three years, you've been protecting the illegal gambling rings in South Boston," Gabriel revealed, his voice steady as iron. "Every month, forty thousand dollars was deposited into an account registered under Clara’s stolen social security number without her knowledge, so if the federal agents ever looked into the ring, she would take the fall while you walked away clean."
👉 Click to continue reading and see how Clara fought back against her abuser.
