Page 97 of Addicted

“Liam isn’t signing first?” Laurence seemed wary, flicking his eyes between the page and the detective. Liam’s heart leaped into his throat but once again Richardson was a true professional.

“He can if you’d like.” He reached for the pen but Laurence grimaced, not liking having anything taken away from him.

“No, it’s fine.” Laurence read it quickly and then scribbled his signature at the bottom.

Ms. Chauhan reached over, sliding it along the table until it sat in front of Diane. “And we just need your signature,ma’am.”

Diane jolted at the ‘ma’am’, which was supposed to be respectful but was said in such a tone that everyone in the room knew it was a challenge. And a distraction. Gritting her teeth, Diane glared at her, ripped the pen from Laurence’s hand, and signed below him.

And a weight lifted off Liam’s chest. It was done. They’d already had Diane and Laurence’s career was over, but this? This would add to their guilt; it was witnessed proof and icing on the cake.

“What happens now?” Diane slid the form in front of Liam, offering the pen but he didn’t take it. He only smiled as Detective Richardson stood.

“Diane Harris and Laurence Barton,” he declared, reaching into his pocket and pulling out two pairs of handcuffs. “You are both under arrest.”

“You did amazing, Liam!” Ms. Chauhan gave him a bright smile, satisfaction in her eyes.

“I knew he would,” Owen agreed. They were all in a different office, one with solid walls instead of glass, which Liam was thankful for. The last five minutes had been chaotic. Diane hadn’t gone peacefully; in fact, she’d caused such a ruckus that Detective Richardson had to call in the backup he’d had waiting outside, and she was dragged away screaming and hurling insults.

On the other hand, Laurence had been quiet, watching with a smirk that said he wasn’t taking this seriously, that their charges wouldn’t hold. But once Ms. Chauhan whispered to him that this was all at the behest of the district attorney and that he also had an appointment with the president of the bar association, he turned as white as a sheet and left with slumped shoulders as Detective Richardson walked him out in cuffs.

Owen showed up a moment later, quickly scanning for Liam and gathering him into a tight hug, right in front of the bank patrons and employees. Liam didn’t want to be the centerpiece of the show so he was glad when the real branch manager appeared shortly after, ushering them to a room in the back.

Although Liam had been angry, not nervous, his fury drained out of him once it was over, replaced with adrenaline that was way too late to the party. Now he was shaky, so he honed in on the calming feeling of Owen running a hand up and down his arm as they sat close on a small couch in the corner of the office. Owen’s proximity was comforting, and he basked in it as he tried to wrap his brain around the fact that his aunt and Laurence had just been arrested. He’d scored a win for himself and his parents, and he couldn’t have done it without help.

“Thank you, Ms. Chauhan. So much.” His voice was still a little quaky.

She held up a hand. “You’re more than welcome. And I should be thanking you since you brought this to my attention. Your aunt and thatex-lawyer are con artists and nothing would have stopped them from committing more crimes. You and Owen saved future victims by coming forward.”

The door opened and the three of them turned as the true branch manager stepped into the office, a folder in his hand.

“Ah, Mr. Ford.” Ms. Chauhan gestured between him and Liam. “I believe he has some good news.”

“I do.” He passed Liam the folder. “All the funds in your mother’s account are intact.”

Liam swallowed, carefully opening the folder. He had to blink twice when he saw the balance. It was enough for college and then some.

“Wow.” Owen straightened up, his eyes just as wide as Liam’s.

“My aunt was going to takeallof this?“ Liam ran his eyes over the balance again, still in shock at the multiple zeros.

“My guess is that she would have drained most of it and left you with a pittance, as she did with your inheritance. But now it’s all yours and, depending on Harris and Barton’s assets, there may be more coming your way.” Ms. Chauhan smoothed the front of her jacket even though it was crisp and perfect.

“We can add your name to this account or transfer the sum to wherever you’d like. Your choice.” Mr. Ford smiled affably and Liam’s eyes slid back and forth between him and a number that he still couldn’t believe was real. It was a number that stole away his anxiety, replacing it with hope.

“What would you like to do, Angel?” Owen squeezed his shoulders, practically vibrating with happiness. While his insomnia hadn’t been completely eradicated, Owen had resumed therapy and, in just a few sessions, he was already sleeping more and seemed to breathe easier. And, unlike Liam, Owen had sought out a support group for parents who had lost custody. The first meeting had been tough but he’d told Liam that there was promise there, a place for him to heal, and Liam finally felt like Owen was on the right path. They both were.

“I want to go to school,” Liam stated. The other three people in the room chuckled.

“That’s great, Liam but I meant what do you want to do about the bank account.” Owen booped his nose.

“Oh! Um, keep it here, I guess?”

“Good choice! I’ll get the paperwork started and be right back.” Mr. Ford quickly exited the room as Ms. Chauhan’s cell rang. She took a brief look at it and then nodded at Owen and Liam.

“I need to take this.” And finally, they were alone.

Owen hugged him again, just as tightly as he’d done in the lobby and Liam returned the hug, the two of them rocking back and forth.

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