ECHOES OF US | 18+ ✔️

CHAPTER 32

DANTÉ

A cold knot tightens low in my stomach as I skim through Xavier's files, piecing together each damning detail about Sal. Xavier didn't miss a thing. He was meticulous, gathering evidence layer by layer. Each photo, every video clip, adds a disturbing angle to the narrative—a twisted mockery waiting to unravel Sal's pride. In one specific scene, the visuals and footage are brutally vivid, displaying Sal strapped to a St. Andrew's cross. He's stripped and exposed, another man's mouth on his dick while his boyfriend, Dave, pushes in from behind. It's all there in gut-wrenching clarity, enough to make him the target of every cruel joke in the mafia.

Sal's reign is over and so is detective Dave Harris' career.

After hours of analyzing the evidence, I find myself across from the assistant district attorney, presenting the full scope of the evidence against Sal. There's a steely look in her eyes as she scans through the files and images, the weight of it all sinking in. The room is thick with tension, both of us acutely aware of the risk this evidence poses—not only to Sal but to everyone who's touched it. Her lips press into a firm line as she looks back at me.

"This is serious ammunition," she says quietly, more to herself than to me. Her fingers drum on the table as she considers her options. "But if Sal and his crew get wind of this, they'll come down on Xavier hard. I can't promise safety beyond WITSEC."

"Xavier's ready for this," I respond, the words sounding more like a mantra than a statement. I'm not quite sure if I'm trying to reassure her or myself. "He understands what's at stake. He wants out, and he wants his family safe."

She holds my gaze, her eyes sharp and searching, as if she can see through the cracks in my resolve. "If you're sure... just remember—once this is in play, there's no going back."

I nod, feeling the hair on my neck stand up. Talking about taking Sal down is one thing, but the finality of this decision feels different. The assistant district attorney gives a measured nod, finally confirming what I already know—the case against Sal is airtight. She dives into outlining the terms: leniency, immunity, and WITSEC for Xavier and his family, the clean break they need to escape this life. And in exchange, he is required to surrender the original records, the evidence that seals Sal's fate.

*

As the last light fades, casting long shadows across the city, a warm, honeyed glow settles over the skyline, blending with the first twinkles of city lights. The familiar hum of life outside seems distant and surreal, almost muted, like I'm watching it from behind glass. Leaning against the railing, I nurse a glass of whisky, its warmth biting through the chill in my chest. Each sip barely eases the tension knotted inside me. I take a slow breath, feeling the smoky burn settle, but it does little to dull the weight of what's about to happen.

Footsteps approach, soft and familiar. Mia slips beside me, her presence like a steady anchor, but I can feel her worry radiating. She rests a hand on my shoulder, her fingers brushing gently.

"Is it done, my love?" she asks, her voice a low murmur that cuts through my thoughts.

I nod, the words coming out more tired than I mean them to. "Yeah. The ADA's moving forward with the case. Xavier's agreed to testify, and he and his family will be in WITSEC by next week."

She nods, but there's a flicker of unease in her eyes, a silent reflection of the same dread brewing in me. "This won't sit well with Sal's people, don't you think? They're gonna want blood when he's arrested."

"Are you worried?" I ask, turning to face her fully, searching her eyes.

Her gaze meets mine, intense and steady, her piercing blue eyes filled with a fierce protectiveness. "For you, always," she admits, her voice a quiet murmur. "I know what the mafia are capable of. They'll find any weakness, any opening they can exploit. If they can't reach Xavier or his family... they'll come for you—us."