Paragon

Chapter 33

"Woman sure knew some criminals... With one confession, she incriminated over seven people- with evidence," Eric whistles, handing me the newspaper settled on top of the pile of mail on my kitchen counter.

Only one day after Constantine's confession, they got warrants to search Vance's businesses and home- found enough evidence to incriminate him for life. Also, it turns out, Stellan's life wasn't the only one he terrorized. They became in possession of a video, recorded from a security camera outside of the restaurant Stellan was jumped outside of. The video shows the faces of retired bodyguards Vance had employed a couple years ago- clear as day.

I lift the paper, setting down my coffee, seeing Marcus's face on the front page, being taken from Vance's building with Vance himself, both in handcuffs.

It's over. 

Stellan's free... We're free.

"You sure you guys are alright here? I could stay," Eric assures, looking rather worried to go.

"No, go out with your family. We'll be fine."

"Alright, well Patrick is on call. Call him if you need to go out. It's a madhouse outside that gate."

I nod, smiling softly. "Okay."

"Alright," he answers, turning from the island. I straighten and set the paper down. "Eric."

"Yeah?" he asks, turning.

"Thank you... I'm sorry I doubted you."

Taken aback, he shrugs. "You were scared. It was understandable."

"Still, it means a lot to me to know I have people- I can trust."

He nods, warmly and turns for the door. "Remember, call Pat if you need him."

"I will," I call out, shuffling through the mail as I hear the front door shut. I lay down an invitation to a gala, shaking my head. I don't know when I'll want to go out again. I can't even imagine what it would be like not to look over our shoulders. After a year and a half of suspicion, I don't know what it will be like to live normally with Stellan.

But I can't wait.

My hands still on a blank, white envelope. Hesitantly, I turn it over, inspecting it, frowning when I find it unsealed. And then suddenly, in a moment of clarity, my hands begin to shake as the light paper weighs considerably. No.

I reach inside and feel a single piece of paper. I don't want to pull it out, afraid at what I'll find but I do so anyway. If it's what I think, I have to.

Unfolding it slowly, scalding tears spring to my eyes upon seeing Viktor's handwriting. Jesus Christ.

Iris,

I don't even really know what I'm writing right now. I'm not- never mind. I'm writing this for a reason. I miss you. I miss you so much. You think I've turned by back on you... you can't trust me. But I haven't! I'm your most loyal supporter, baby!

You have to know that. I am, not him. We were so close. We did everything together. We loved each other more than anybody. I loved you! I loved you and I hated it! I hated that I was the only one who didn't need more. I had what I needed.

And then you left me- you left me for him and I'm lost. I don't know what to do. He's not right for you and you can't see it. I just spent an entire dinner with him and I could see- he doesn't love you as much as I do. He doesn't!