Page 48 of Sly Like a Fox
He stands abruptly from his desk, knocking over his coffee cup as he reads the email again, apparently unable to believe what he’s seeing.The arrogance and confidence that have characterized his entire persona crumbles as he realizes the scope of his exposure.
Then he hears the sirens outside.I can’t hear them, but it’s obvious he can by his panicked stance.
I watch him rush to his panoramic windows, looking down at the street where federal agents and local police are surrounding his building.The realization that the email’s timing wasn’t coincidental, confirming his own security system is being used to observe his downfall, makes his hands shake with rage.
He returns to his computer, frantically trying to delete files and destroy evidence, but my remote access prevents him from completing any meaningful data destruction.Every attempt to cover his tracks fails as his own systems work against him.
At 2:52 p.m., Maria and her partner, Ryan Murphy, knock on his penthouse door with arrest warrants.I alternate to the living room security cameras to capture every moment of his arrest, savoring the reading of charges, the application of handcuffs, and the walk of shame through his expensive penthouse while federal agents begin cataloging evidence.Caroline is in the background and looks awfully relieved for a woman whose husband was just arrested.I even see a small smile on her lips.
The man who destroyed my family through greed and callousness is finally facing consequences for his actions.Seeing his shock and rage upon reading my message and then watching him realize the sirens outside are for him provides me with the closure I’ve sought for years.
“It’s done,” I tell Jenna as federal agents escort Anklor out of his building in handcuffs.“He knows exactly who destroyed him and why.”
She moves to stand beside me, watching the news coverage that’s already beginning to report on the massive corruption investigation.“How do you think he’ll react?”
“Probably with threats, intimidation, and attempts to plea bargain his way out of life imprisonment, but it won’t matter.We have too much evidence, and it’s too widely distributed for him to suppress.”
She frowns.“What about his associates?People like Porter Kane have personal loyalty to Anklor rather than just financial interest.What do you think they’ll do?”
The question raises concerns I’ve been trying not to think about.While Anklor himself is neutralized, his head of security and other violent associates remain free until they can be located and arrested.These people have nothing left to lose and might seek revenge against those responsible for destroying their organization.
“We’ll need to be watchful for the next few weeks while law enforcement rounds up the remaining members of his network, but the primary threat is eliminated.”I speak confidently, though I have some minor doubts.
As we watch news coverage of the arrests, I enjoy a peace I haven’t known for almost four years.The obsession that’s consumed my life since my parents’ deaths has finally reached its conclusion.Garret Anklor will spend the rest of his life in prison, his criminal network is being dismantled, and my family’s memory has been vindicated.
I’ve also found something more valuable than revenge.Looking at Jenna beside me, watching the end of my mission with satisfaction and relief, it’s clear love and partnership matter more than justice or vengeance.
The news reports continue throughout the afternoon as additional arrests are made and the scope of the corruption investigation becomes clear.Judge Vance is taken into custody at her home.City Councilman Terella is arrested at his office.Business leaders throughout the city find federal agents at their doors with warrants and evidence of their participation in Anklor’s schemes.
“This is bigger than I expected,” Jenna says as we watch the thirteenth arrest of the day.“You’ve dismantled an entire power structure.”
I smile.“We’ve dismantled it.None of this would have been possible without your help.”
She nods.“That’s true.You needed a fox shifter for something like this.So…what happens now?”Her playful grin belies the seriousness in her eyes, revealing she’s worrying about the future.
I want to set her mind at ease.“I guess we need to figure out who we are when we’re not planning elaborate cons against criminal masterminds.”
She comes closer, putting her arm around my waist.“I’d like to build a real life together instead of just surviving from one scheme to the next.”
The future stretches ahead of us, uncertain but full of possibilities that don’t involve deception, danger, or the constant pursuit of seeking justice for the dead.We can finally live for ourselves instead of the past.
First, we need to survive whatever retaliation Anklor’s remaining associates might attempt once they realize their empire has been destroyed by two people who dared to infiltrate their inner circle.I push aside that thought to focus on the celebration with Jenna, needing to indulge in this moment of victory.
Twonightslater,thatthought comes back to haunt me when my building’s security system alerts me to movement in the parking garage.The camera feed shows a large figure moving through the shadows with destructive purpose, heading toward the elevator that leads to my floor.
It’s Porter Kane, and he doesn’t look like he’s here to surrender peacefully.
“Jenna,” I say, rousing her from where she’s sleeping in my arms on the couch, having zonked out during the movie.“We have company.”I sound surprisingly calm considering a bear shifter the size of a locomotive and just as powerful is rushing right toward us on a collision course.
Chapter 15
Jenna
I’mstilldrowsywhenFenton nudges me, but my fox shifter hearing picks up footsteps in the hallway outside his apartment even before he says, “We have company.”
I sharpen my hearing.The heavy, deliberate steps don’t match the building’s usual nighttime quiet.“Who is it?”
He immediately spins his tablet so I can see the building’s security feeds.The monitor shows a large figure approaching our door with angry purpose, and I recognize Porter Kane’s distinctive bulk.“How did he get past building security?”
