Gareth, due to his cooperation and his secondary role in the financial schemes, was sentenced to eight years.

As the courtroom cleared, I stood by the window, watching the rain beat against the glass.

Nora walked up beside me, handing me a paper cup of hot tea.

“It’s officially over,” she said. “The asset forfeiture division just approved the seizure of the Thorne estate and all domestic accounts.”

“How much is left after the restitution to the state?” I asked.

“Twelve million dollars,” Nora said. “And because of the whistle-blower statute, a significant portion of the recovered funds belongs to you and Clara.”

I looked over at Clara, who was sitting on the wooden bench, talking quietly with one of the victim advocates.

She was smiling, a genuine, easy smile I hadn’t seen in five years.

“We aren’t keeping that money, Nora,” I said.

Nora raised an eyebrow. “What do you want to do with it?”

“We’re going to build something,” I said.

***

Six months later, the iron gates of the Thorne estate were dismantled.