“Viktor,” Ant said.
“What? It’s true.”
“I am sittingright here,” Bridget said with a laugh. “And I’m perfectly capable of handling my own relationships without input from the peanut gallery.”
“I’m just making sure he knows what he’s getting into,” Viktor said.
“I do,” Robert said, his voice quiet but firm. He looked directly at Viktor. “I know exactly what I’m getting into. Bridget is brilliant, terrifying at times, and the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m not going anywhere.”
Bridget’s expression softened. “Robert.”
“Unless you want me to go somewhere,” Robert added quickly. “In which case, I would respect that decision entirely.”
“Stop talking,” Bridget said, but she was smiling again.
Viktor grunted, which was his version of approval, and returned his attention to his plate. Ant felt him relax slightly.His protective instincts must be satisfied.
“How much longer until the trials begin?” Ant asked, steering the conversation back toward safer territory.
“Months,” Bridget said with a sigh. “The Justiciary is still processing evidence from the safe. Claudius’s legal team is already filing motion after motion to suppress testimony, exclude evidence, and delay proceedings. It’s standard procedure for someone looking at multiple life sentences.”
“Will they succeed?”
“Not a chance.” Bridget’s smile turned sharp. “Your scene reading testimony is airtight, the photographs are authenticated, and we have forty-three families willing to testify about financial exploitation. Claudius’s own journal entries are damning. His lawyers know they can’t win, they’re just trying to drag it out.”
“What about Edmund and Nathaniel?” Viktor asked.
“Cooperating witnesses,” Robert supplied. “They’ve both agreed to testify against Claudius in exchange for reduced sentences. Apparently, Edmund has been keeping his own records of Claudius’s activities for decades.”
Viktor’s eyebrows rose. “Smart man.”
“That’s a strong case of self-preservation,” Bridget corrected. “He knew Claudius was eventually going to get caught, and he wanted leverage when it happened.”
Ant considered this. “Logical.”
“Cold-blooded,” Bridget countered.
“Those aren’t mutually exclusive.”
His sister laughed. “Fair point.” She took another sip of wine, then set the glass down with a more thoughtful expression. “Ronald Finch’s family has been notified. They’ll be receiving full restitution for his death, along with compensation for emotional damages. It won’t bring him back, but at least they’ll have closure.”
Ant thought of the vision - Ronald Finch, working late at his desk. That moment of realization when Claudius entered the room. The fear. The paralysis. The slow drain of life while his mind screamed helplessly.Justice delayed, but not denied.
“Good,” he said quietly.
Viktor’s hand found his under the table, squeezing gently.I know what you saw, babe. And I know it cost you.
Ant squeezed back. The vision was over. Claudius was in custody. Ronald Finch’s family would have answers.That is all that matters.
“What about the estate itself?” Robert asked. “I assume the Justiciary seized the property?”
“The estate, all financial assets, and every shell corporation Claudius created over the past eighty years,” Bridget confirmed. “The victims will be receiving restitution from the liquidated assets, and whatever’s left will go to covering legal fees and fines. Claudius’s coven is being dissolved entirely. Vampires who committed no crimes are free to go, and the rest are facing charges.”
“How many people were arrested in the end?” Ant asked.
“Seventeen, including Claudius. Most of the coven members were complicit in the financial schemes, even if they weren’t directly involved in the murder.” Bridget’s expression hardened. “Apparently, using vampiric trance on wealthy targets wasconsidered an acceptable ‘coven resource.’ They all knew what Claudius was doing, and they all benefited from it.”
Viktor made a disgusted sound. “Typical.”
