Just then, the sound of sirens cuts the air, and I finally see flashes of red and blue reflecting behind the Surf Shack. I moan out my relief, knowing that the sheriff has arrived.
Shawn takes over holding Ellis, and I cross to Jamie, tugging on the jacket of his suit to pull him back. There is an entire crowd of the Collective in front of us. Toward the back, I see Creed and Mike watching on and looking angry. It’s clear that some will never believe us. It doesn’t matter the proof.
At the same time, the people who helped us fight the fire at the Surf Shack move closer to our side, glaring at Mancini. Judging him. Distancing themselves from him. I’m stunned by this, but also grateful.
“Clear a path,” Sheriff Castillo announces as he walks over from the parking lot. Tech is at his side, wide-eyed and worried. As they round the remains of the Surf Shack with several officers, the sheriff stops to look sideways at the destruction. When he turns to us, he’s gutted. His mouth downturned, his eyes weak.
I nod, letting him know that I see him. That I’m glad he’s here.
The sheriff swallows hard, then turns to approach the group on the beach.
As he does, Tech comes running over to hug me, murmuring how sorry he is for being late. Ellis limps forward with Shawn to stand with us, also seeming relieved to the see the sheriff.
“Earlier today,” the sheriff announces to the gathered crowd, “my department and I met with the DA and a judge. In the morning, we will hold a press conference to announce an investigation into Alessandro Mancini for the suspected murders of Florence Marsten, Gina Tamayo, and Felix Mancini.”
It’s like my chest breaks open with relief. The shock of being heard. Of the wheels of justice turning, even if I know they’ll be slow. But it worked. The truth is finally coming into the light.
“There’s more,” Jamie adds. He pulls the USB out of his pocket to hold it up for the sheriff. “I’m sure there’s some great reading material on here.”
“What is that?” Mancini asks, squinting as he looks at Jamie. He waves away the concern. “This kid has been causing all kinds of trouble at the resort,” he tells the sheriff. “You can’t trust him.”
But Jamie’s dad seems to know exactly what his son has done. He takes out his phone, and turns away as he calls someone.
“I can testify,” Matteo says as he walks slowly toward the sheriff. His voice cracks, and I know he’s scared. I know he’s breaking his life apart right now. “My father hired people from the Sunset Docks to help him, had a hit out on Ellison Acosta. I saw the papers.” He looks at his father, his jaw flexing. “I know his business,” Matteo adds.
In response, Alessandro tightens his jaw, fists curled tightly at his sides.
“These are the guys who burned down the Surf Shack,” Matteo points out. “They also work for my dad.”
The sheriff notices the two men laid out on the deck, and as one of them starts to get up, his eyes widen. The sheriff quickly pulls his gun, leveling it on the men.
“Don’t move,” the sheriff yells. He touches his radio. “This is Sheriff Castillo,” he says. “We’ve located the detainees. Send backup units immediately to Paradise Beach.” He glances over at the Surf Shack. “And find out where the hell our fire units are.”
When he turns to me again, his face is filled with loss, and I know he’s thinking about my mother. Her dream—at least part of it—is gone.
“This is an outrage,” Mancini shouts as officers start to surroundhim. He can see he’s in serious trouble. “I had nothing to do with any of this. Any of these false and slanderous accusations. You all need to—”
“Enough, Alessandro,” Cecelia Miles calls out.
I’m surprised to see her, not realizing she had been here all along. She steps out from the crowd, her dress stained with ash. She must have attempted to put out the fire.
“I’ve heard enough,” she says, shaking her head. “I’ve stood by and watched you saunter through the halls, watched you make deals you tell us nothing about, and now…” She motions to the Surf Shack. “You just destroyed a symbol of Cape Hope. I am done with your bullshit,” she says, sounding exhausted. “The board and I will see to it that you’re out. You will no longer be associated with the Augustus Resort. Or our lawyers,” she adds.
“You will do no such thing,” he shouts. “You can’t just push me out!”
It’s then that Jamie’s dad reaches to touch Mancini’s shoulder, whispering something private. Mancini’s face falls, and he turns back to Cecelia. They stare at each other, and then Mancini begins to quickly hustle his way back toward the resort.
Sheriff Castillo presses his radio again. “Units be advised that Alessandro Mancini is returning to the Augustus. You can go ahead and arrest him there.” When the sheriff turns to Brent Matthews, Jamie’s dad puts up his hands.
“My lawyer is on his way,” he says easily.
“Great,” the sheriff replies. “He can meet you down at the station.”
More sirens and lights, and then it’s a flurry of firefighters and medics rushing toward us. The two fake detectives are taken back into custody, and I assume Mancini is arrested at the resort when I see lights flashing along the building. Jamie’s dad leaves willingly with the sheriff, never once looking back at his son.
As the rich folks head up to the resort, a few offer their condolencesand their apologies. I’m grateful. And I’m grateful that they got to see what greed accomplishes—destruction.
After offering her own apologies, Jordan says goodbye to Shawn and starts back up toward the resort. She is comforting Hailey, who by now must know her own father and his Sunset Docks are part of a crime syndicate.
