“Will he go to jail?” I ask.
“Most likely, yes,” Penny says. “The assault charge alone carries a potential sentence of up to two years, and the restraining order violation adds another year. However, given that he’s a first-time offender with no prior criminal record and his family’s resources…” She chooses her words carefully. “Realistically, we’re probably looking at six to twelve months, with the possibility of early release for good behavior.”
Tessa’s shoulders sag. “That’s it? After everything?—”
“I know it doesn’t feel like enough,” Penny says gently. “But the good news is, he willserve time for what he did to you. But there’s more.”
She pulls out another folder, this one significantly thicker. “While working with the legal team on your case, I did some digging into Preston and his family. And I found something interesting.”
I lean forward. “What?”
“Preston Vale has been running an illegal gambling operation out of New York City for the past three years,” Penny says, her expression turning satisfied. “High-stakes poker games, sports betting, you name it. His clientele included celebrities, professional athletes, hedge fund managers, billionaire businessmen—people with money to burn and a desire for discretion.”
“Jesus,” I mutter.
“The problem,” Penny continues, “is that Preston wasn’t just facilitating the games. He was acting as the house. Taking bets, setting odds, and collecting profits—all illegal under New York State law, which prohibits advancing gambling activity. He was keeping the profits for himself rather than operating through a licensed entity. In addition, he was involved in a massive money laundering scheme.”
Tessa’s eyes widen. “Really?”
“Yeah.” Penny glances at her notes. “Conservative estimates of the data collected so far put it at somewhere north of ten million dollars over the past several years. However, they’re still investigating, so more will come out. All those business trips he took when you were together weren’t to help his father. He was involved in some shady stuff.”
“There’s no surprise there,” I say.
“Indeed.” Penny leans back in her chair. “Now, while this investigation was already underway…here’s where it gets interesting. Newly uncovered information was anonymously leaked to the New York Attorney General’s office last week, giving them enough to finally press charges.”
“Anonymously?” I raise an eyebrow, looking at Penny.
She gives me an innocent smile. “Completely anonymous. I have no idea who might have sent them a very detailed dossier containing financial records, witness statements, and surveillance photos. But I will say that the Crane organization has many friends in high places with great information.”
Despite everything, I feel a smile tugging at my lips. “I bet they do.”
“The New York AG’s office has already filed charges,” Penny continues. “Multiple counts of promoting gambling in the first degree, money laundering in the second degree, and conspiracy to commit fraud. Preston is being extradited to New York to stand trial.”
“When?” Tessa asks.
“I’m not sure, but it’s happening fast. His attorneys are trying to fight the extradition, but they won’t win. The evidence is too substantial.” Penny closes the folder and looks directly at Tessa. “Based on the charges and the evidence, the prosecutors are estimating a sentence of anywhere from three to seven years in a federal facility. And unlike the assault charges, there’s no wiggle room here. His father’s money won’t make this go away.”
Tessa is quiet for a long moment as she processes. “So he’s going to prison. Actually going to prison.”
“Yes,” Penny says. “For a significant amount of time.”
I feel some of the tension leave my body, but not all of it. “What about when he gets out? What’s to stop him from coming after her then?”
“That’s the other thing I wanted to tell you,” Penny says. She pulls out one more document and slides it across the desk. “This is a letter from Preston’s father, Randolph Vale, to our legal team. It was delivered yesterday.”
Tessa picks it up to read, and I lean in to read over her shoulder.
The language is formal, written by an attorney, but the message is clear. Randolph Vale is informing us that his son has been explicitly instructed to never contact, approach, or attempt to communicate with Tessa Marlowe in any capacity, now or in the future. Any violation of this directive will result in the complete severance of financial support and familial ties, and Mr. Vale will personally ensure his son faces the maximum possible legal consequences.
“He’s cutting him off?” Tessa asks, her voice disbelieving.
“If he messes up again, essentially, yes,” Penny says. “Turns out, after you filed the original assault charges in June, a few other women have come forward with charges against him, too. The Vale family is facing significant legal and financial scrutinyright now because of Preston’s activities. The last thing they need is additional criminal charges for stalking or violating restraining orders. Randolph Vale is protecting his business interests and his reputation—and that means keeping Preston as far away from you as possible.”
“Wow,” Tessa says.
Penny continues. “Yeah, Preston has been made very aware that if he goes near Tessa or any of the other women again, his father will make sure he doesn’t get a dime of his family’s money and more prison time. And given that Preston is already looking at seven years in federal custody, I don’t think he’s going to risk adding more time.”
Tessa is quiet, staring at the letter in her hands. I can’t read her expression.
