“This panel does not have jurisdiction over the judiciary,” Walsh said. “However, we have referred all findings to the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office. Additionally, we have provided all evidence to the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice. Based on the severity of the allegations and the strength of the evidence, Lord Pemberton has been immediately suspended from all judicial duties pending full investigation.”
A ripple went through the courtroom. Pemberton suspended. Actually suspended.
“Furthermore,” Walsh continued, “the National Crime Agency has opened a criminal investigation into Lord Pemberton for corruption in public office, conspiracy to commit murder, and systematic abuse of judicial authority. If the evidence supports prosecution—and we believe it will—Lord Pemberton will face trial for the most serious charges that can be brought against a sitting judge. Upon conviction, he faces life imprisonment.”
She paused. Let that sink in.
“Finally, based on evidence uncovered during this investigation, sixteen additional officials are being referred for investigation. Judges, prosecutors, evidence handlers, court administrators. All suspected of participating in this corruption network. The Metropolitan Police and National Crime Agency will pursue each case thoroughly.”
Walsh looked across the courtroom. At the press. At the officials. At us.
“Let this be clear: systematic corruption will not be tolerated. Those who abuse public trust will be held accountable. Truth matters. Justice matters. And those who corrupt either will face the full consequences of the law.”
She brought the gavel down. Final. Absolute.
“This hearing is concluded.”
I couldn't move. Couldn't process. Just sat there while the room dissolved into chaos around us.
We'd won. Actually won. Not just Harrow but Pemberton. Not just one corrupt prosecutor but the entire network.
Everything we'd fought for. Everything Lily and James had died trying to expose.
All of it validated. Confirmed. Made real.
Cal's grip on my hand was the only thing keeping me grounded. His breathing harsh beside me. I turned to look at him.
Tears streaming down his face. Silent. Overwhelming.
“We did it,” he whispered. “Dom. We actually did it.”
“Yeah.” My own voice was rough. Broken. “We did.”
Adrian appeared beside us. His hand on my shoulder. Steady. “Come. We leave now. Before the press descends.”
I stood. Followed him out through side exit Adrian had secured. Into the corridor that was blessedly empty except for Viktor and Noah.
The moment the door closed behind us, Cal stopped. Just stood there. Breathing hard. Hands white-knuckled on the crutches.
“Cal?” I moved closer. “You all right?”
“I don't know.” His voice cracked. “I just—I need a minute.”
I wrapped my arms around him. Careful of his injuries. Held him while he shook. While three years of carrying his partner'sdeath and the weight of truth nobody wanted finally found somewhere to land.
He didn't cry. Just trembled. Breathing into my shoulder. Letting himself be held.
“It's over,” I said quietly. “You did it. Got justice for James. For Lily. For everyone they buried.”
“It doesn't feel like I thought it would.” His hands fisted in my jacket. “I thought it would feel triumphant. Victorious. Instead I just feel—empty. Like I've been running so long I don't know how to stop.”
Adrian appeared in the corridor before we could reach the exit. His expression was carefully neutral, but I'd learned to read the subtle shifts in his posture. The slight tension in his shoulders. The way his hands stayed loose at his sides despite the controlled fury I could see simmering underneath.
“They're in Pemberton's chambers,” he said quietly. “Both of them. Pemberton insisted on a private moment before his arrest is formalised. Claims he wants to make a statement.”
Cal's jaw tightened. “A statement or a plea bargain?”
“Unknown. But his lawyers left twenty minutes ago. It's just the two of them now.” Adrian's gaze moved between us. “I thought you might want to hear what he has to say. Before the system takes them both.”
