Page 68 of Saving Her Heart
I turn to Kendall, who's been standing beside me the whole time. "Do you believe her?"
"About not knowing the full plan? Maybe. About being sorry? Yeah, I do."
"It doesn't change what she did."
"No. But it explains it. William played everyone—Morrison, Valerie, Brad. Used their weaknesses against them."
I sent Kendall back to work knowing she’s got a lot to get done, but I made sure she was okay after hearing Valerie’s apology and confession.
Back at the station, Captain Ramirez is coordinating with federal agents. The safe deposit box and the storage units require warrants, but within two hours, we have them.
The box contains everything—financial records, correspondence, plans for dozens of properties across Florida. William Thornfield wasn't just corrupt; he was building a real estate empire on the ashes of affordable housing.
"This is huge," Special Agent Cross says, reviewing the documents. "This connects to cases in Miami, Orlando, and Jacksonville. We're talking about RICO charges now."
"What about the locals who helped him?" I ask.
"We'll get them all. But it'll take time, though."
My phone buzzes. It's Kendall.
Kendall: The insurance company is being difficult. Says the fire was arson, so they might not pay out. I could lose my livelihood.
I'm out the door before anyone can stop me.
I find her at the remains of Building 3, standing with an insurance adjuster who looks like he enjoys denying claims. The building is a blackened skeleton, still smoking in places.
"—policy clearly states that criminal acts void coverage," the adjuster is saying.
"Criminal acts by the owner, not by terrorists attacking the building," Kendall argues, but she sounds exhausted.
"Ma'am, I don't make the rules?—"
"Then get me someone who does," I interrupt, walking up. "Because if your company doesn't pay out for terrorism victims, that'll make interesting news coverage."
The adjuster recognizes me from the news coverage. "Officer Masterson. This is an insurance matter?—"
"This is a crime scene where Ms. Greene was targeted by a domestic terrorist. Your company can either do the right thing or explain to the media why you're victimizing her twice."
He pales. "I'll need to make some calls."
After he scurries away, Kendall slumps against me. "You didn't have to do that."
"Yes, I did." I wrap my arms around her. "How long have you been here?"
"Since dawn. The residents keep calling, asking when they can come home. What do I tell them? That their home doesn't exist anymore?"
"You tell them the truth. That you're going to rebuild. Better than before."
"With what money? If the insurance doesn't pay?—"
"They'll pay. And if they don't, we'll figure it out. The whole town will help."
She pulls back to look at me. "You can't fix this with a bake sale and good intentions, Jax."
"Watch us try. Besides, there’s nothing a good brownie can’t fix."
Before she can argue, a convoy of trucks pulls up. Construction vehicles, dozens of them. Kane gets out of the lead truck, followed by Sawyer Gallo and what looks like his entire construction crew.
