Chapter 8 - The Legal Tsunami
With Abigail’s confession secured, the legal tsunami hit everyone who had aided her.
Dr. Christopher Mercer was stripped of his medical license by the state board before the week was out. His private practice was shuttered, his assets were frozen, and he was sentenced to twelve years in prison for his role in the conspiracy to commit unlawful confinement and accepting bribes.
Marcus, Abigail’s accomplice and former boyfriend, was sentenced to fifteen years for bank fraud and forgery. The shady real estate agency he worked for was investigated by the state attorney general, leading to the exposure of a massive mortgage fraud ring in the city, resulting in dozens of arrests.
The news of the scandal hit the local papers, but Samuel and Arthur managed to keep Elena’s name out of the sensationalized headlines, protecting her privacy and allowing her to heal in peace.
On a bright afternoon, Samuel stood in the office of the State Attorney General. He was shaking hands with his former boss, Chief Prosecutor Richard Vance (no relation to Samuel's family).
"You did an incredible piece of investigative work here, Samuel," Richard said, looking over the final case file. "You uncovered a financial fraud syndicate that dates back nearly thirty years. The recovery of the dormant Williams-Vance land assets is going to return millions of dollars to the rightful heirs."
"I just wanted to protect my mother, sir," Samuel said honestly.
"Well, you did more than that. You cleaned up a cancer in this city," Richard smiled, sliding a document across the desk. "Your emergency family leave from the Army is coming to an end soon, Sam. But I spoke to your commanding officer and the Department of Defense. Because of your unique skill set and the ongoing need for financial fraud investigations in military procurement, they are offering you a transfer to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) right here in the city. You can serve your country and stay home with your mother."
May you like
Samuel looked at the transfer document. A deep sense of relief washed over him. He wouldn't have to leave his mother alone ever again. He would be right here, protecting the home they had fought so hard to save.
"I accept, sir," Samuel said, signing the transfer with a proud smile.
