The news of the arrests broke early, dominating the local headlines.

Dr. Owen Vale had been arrested at his home, his medical license revoked immediately.

He had already begun cooperating with prosecutors to avoid a life sentence.

Sheriff Wade was formally indicted on multiple counts of conspiracy, bribery, and obstruction of justice.

The Reed empire was crumbling under the weight of federal investigations.

But none of that mattered to me.

Three days later, I stood in a quiet cemetery in Richmond.

The grass was damp, smelling of fallen leaves and fresh earth.

A small crowd of Emily’s closest friends and family stood around the open grave.

Sophia Reyes stood near the back, keeping a respectful distance.

I held Leo in my arms, his small weight warm against my chest.

He looked up at me with Emily’s clear, bright eyes.

The casket was lowered into the earth.

I walked forward and placed a single white rose on the polished wood.

The stone marker at the head of the grave was made of clean white marble.

It bore her name: Emily Reed.