Page 86 of Silent Vendetta (Vendetta Duet)

“In all my years of podcasting, I’ve reported on countless crimes but never actually solved one. I’m just a glorified reporter, and that was never my goal. My goal was to make a difference…and this is my chance to do it.” He jabbed his finger toward the ground. “I can stop the Windy City Vigilante before he hurts anyone else—including you.”

I wondered if he could hear my veins thickening with guilt and fear.

Lying to him made me feel like a traitor.

The secret threatened to crush me. It wasn’t just mine anymore; it was a living, breathing entity, wedged between Sean and me.

“The only person I’m in danger from is whoever threatened me and my dad, trying to stop this hearing.”

Sean’s chest puffed out in an almost-paternal manner. “If you’re lying to me, Luna…” Sean glowered at Hunter, then back at me. “I won’t let that go.”

CHAPTER38

Luna

In a heartbeat, our world could shatter or shine.

My father approached my table, wearing the same suit as he had at the last hearing.

“You look great, Dad,” I whispered, holding back tears. My stomach churned, and I forced a smile, swallowing the rising bile from my nerves.

“Did push-ups every day.” The corners of Dad’s eyes crinkled as a weary smile spread across his face.

“I’m sorry you spent the last few days in solitary.”

Nine days, to be exact, but I was beyond grateful the judge scheduled the hearing fortoday. Normally, it could have been weeks or months. Thankfully, Mayor Kepler, despite his suspicions about Hunter, hadn’t interfered with the original favor he’d called in to have the judge hear our case so soon.

“Spending your birthday outside prison walls would be a dream come true,” I said, my voice choked with emotion.

Dad’s fingers fiddled with the cuffs of his suit, avoiding my gaze.

“Luna, I love your optimism, but let’s just take this one step at a time.”

“I’ve been daydreaming about your birthday all week.”

I could imagine this Saturday in my mind’s eye. Dad opening up a menu and getting to pick whatever he wanted to eat for the first time in two decades. He could pick the restaurant. He could pick the time of day. He could pick the meal. He could pick out what he wore.

“I don’t know that I can get my hopes up that high,” Dad said, his lips curling down. “It’s been so long.”

“Get your hopes up, Dad. This terrible chapter in your life is about to be over. You have the next thirty years ahead of you to be a free man and do whatever you want.”

And there it was, that glistening in his eyes that told me he was allowing the hope to break through.

“All rise,” a voice echoed through the vast courtroom, making the high ceilings and cold marble walls seem even more imposing.

Throughout the beginning of the proceedings, my throat got drier, and my hands began to tremble.

Especially when the hearing rested on my shoulders. I had talked a good game with my dad, but truthfully, I was terrified that this might not go our way. Countless nights spent meditating and manifesting this moment played in my head, but nothing truly prepared me for the weight of it.

Barry had secured the additional autopsy findings and lab results, just as he promised. And they all said the same thing.

But there was no guarantee. Judges didn’t take too kindly to releasing convicted murderers. And now, the time was upon me to say my part—the moment in my life I’d been preparing for since I was that little girl, being ripped out of my father’s embrace.

The judge was perched high on his bench, looking down at us, my client—my dad—and me.

My fingers traced the frayed edges and dog-eared corners of the case file, each mark a testament to the fight I had waged for two long decades.

“Your Honor,” I began, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach, “I stand before you today to present new evidence, evidence that will illuminate the truth that has been hiding for two long decades.”

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