Chapter 8 - The Shadow of the Docks
Three months later.
Spring had fully arrived in Maryland. The grounds of the Calder estate were blooming with white hydrangeas and dark red roses.
The new house beside the estate was finished. Caleb had his own room filled with sports memorabilia, a new bed, and a shiny metal lockbox for his savings—though he no longer felt the need to hide his coins under his pillow.
In the city, the Calder empire was changing.
Roman had systematically liquidated the illicit dock operations, transitioning his shipping business entirely into legitimate international trade and maritime logistics.
One sunny afternoon, Roman stood on the stone balcony overlooking the estate garden, holding two cups of coffee.
Nora walked out onto the balcony, wearing a light yellow summer dress, her hair tied back in a ribbon. She looked radiant, healthy, and entirely at peace.
She took one of the cups from his hand, smiling as she took a sip. “Black coffee. No sugar. Just the way you like it.”
“I’m learning to like tea, too,” Roman chuckled softly, wrapping his free arm around her waist, pulling her close against his side.
Nora leaned her head against his shoulder, watching Caleb run across the manicured lawn below with a new golden retriever puppy Roman had bought him for his tenth birthday.
“He hasn't asked about the old apartment once,” Nora murmured softly.
“Because this is his home now,” Roman replied, kissing the top of her head. “And yours.”
Suddenly, Silas walked out onto the balcony, holding a tablet. He stopped when he saw them holding each other, offering an awkward, respectful cough.
“Boss,” Silas said. “Sorry to interrupt.”
Roman didn't let go of Nora. “What is it, Silas?”
“Evelyn Sterling’s trial ended an hour ago in federal court,” Silas reported. “No bail. No appeal. She was sentenced to twenty-two years at the Danbury Federal Correctional Institution.”
Roman nodded slowly. “And her father?”
“Living quietly in Florida under federal monitoring. He’ll never set foot in Maryland again.”
Silas took a breath, looking at Nora with genuine respect. “The docks are clean, boss. The city is quiet.”
“Thank you, Silas,” Roman said softly. “You’re off duty for the weekend.”
Silas smiled, gave a crisp nod, and walked back inside.
May you like
Nora looked up at Roman, tracing the faint scar along his jaw with her soft thumb. “Is it really over, Roman?”
“It’s over, Nora,” Roman whispered, covering her hand with his own. “The shadows are gone.”
