Page 53 of King's Reckoning
"Which is exactly why they're being released to qualified academic authorities and legal experts," Rowan replied. "Not suppressed by corporate interests with billions to lose."
On her phone, Barbara's countdown showed fifteen seconds until authentication was complete. Rowan needed to reach the communications console before then to initiate distribution.
"We have a court order," Blackwood said, gesturing to one of his attorneys who produced legal documents. "Temporarily blocking distribution of any purported historical evidence until proper verification can be completed."
"Interesting timing," King noted. "Considering you've spent decades ensuring these records remained buried."
"The documents have already been authenticated," Rowan added. "By multiple independent experts working from Elena's comprehensive verification system."
Abby's expression changed as understanding dawned. "The coded references in her journal—they weren't just personal notes..."
"They were authentication protocols," Rowan confirmed. "Designed to create an unbreakable verification chain. One that would stand up to any legal challenge."
She stepped forward, moving past Blackwood toward the communications center. His security personnel moved to block her, but King's steady presence made them hesitate.
"You can't stop this," Rowan said quietly. "These historical records are being released to over thirty independent authorities simultaneously. Academic institutions, tribal governments, historical societies, judicial review committees. Even if you block some channels, the truth will still emerge."
"You have no idea what you're doing," Blackwood warned. "The economic destabilization, the legal chaos—"
"Justice is sometimes inconvenient," Rowan replied. "Especially when it's been delayed for generations."
Barbara's countdown reached zero, and Rowan's phone signaled that authentication was complete. All she needed now was to reach the communications console and initiate the final distribution.
"It's over," King said firmly, addressing Blackwood and his team. "Everything has been fully authenticated. All that remains is distribution."
"Which can still be prevented," Abby insisted, a hint of desperation in her voice. "There are other options, compromises—"
The sound of multiple people approaching cut her off. Cole appeared at the end of the corridor, accompanied by representatives from several MC chapters. They moved with quiet confidence, forming a barrier between Rowan and Blackwood's team.
"Ms. Matthews has an appointment at the communications center," Cole said politely but firmly. "I suggest you take your legal concerns through proper channels."
Blackwood assessed the situation, clearly recognizing he was outmaneuvered. "This isn't over," he said quietly. "Thecourts—"
"Will have complete, authenticated historical evidence to review," Rowan finished. "Exactly as they should have had generations ago."
She moved past them into the communications center, King and Cole ensuring no one interfered. At the main console, she initiated the distribution protocols her mother had designed years before, sending the fully authenticated historical records to dozens of independent authorities simultaneously.
The effect was silent but profound. On the monitors, confirmation receipts began appearing from universities, legal authorities, tribal governments, and historical societies across the country. Decades of suppressed evidence finally reaching those with the expertise and integrity to ensure it received proper consideration.
"It's done," she said quietly as the final confirmations appeared. "What Mom died protecting is finally where it belongs—in the hands of those who will use it properly."
King's hand found her shoulder, squeezing gently. "She'd be proud," he said simply.
Outside the communications center, they could hear Blackwood and his team retreating, already on their phones coordinating legal responses. But Rowan knew it was too late. The distribution had been too widespread, the authentication too thorough. The historical truth her mother had protected was finally beyond their reach.
"What happens now?" Cole asked as they secured the communications center.
Rowan looked at the assembled MC members—Devils, Kings, Iron Fists, and others, all who had come together to protect historical evidence that connected to their shared heritage.
"Now we do what we were always meant to do," she said firmly. "What the founding families intended. We support the proper legal process as these records are evaluated. We provide testimony about how they were preserved. We work together to ensure the truth is finally acknowledged."
Cole nodded, respect evident in his expression. "Your mother would be pleased to see rivals standing together."
"She planned for it," King said quietly. "Knew this day would come. Prepared for all of us to find common ground in our shared heritage."
As the others began coordinating their next steps, Rowan's thoughts returned to Reed. To the promise in his eyes when they'd parted, to the future they might build together now that this chapter was closing.
"Go to him," King said, noticing her distraction. "We've got this covered."
