---- Chapter 9 "What the hell is this supposed to mean?" Jayden's eyes widened in disbelief. His father and mother struggled to break free, but the police held them firmly in place. "Sorry, Mr. Corrick," one of the officers said, presenting his badge. "You and your parents are being formally arrested on charges of attempted fraud and extortion." He gestured for the others to escort them down. They had never learned much about decency, and now-who knows from where-they had picked up this crude and blatant method of blackmail, only to get caught in their own trap. The three of them were eventually taken away, still shouting as they disappeared down the stairs. Since the idea had originated with the elderly couple, they bore the brunt of the sentencing. They would spend the rest of their lives behind bars. Jayden, though only a participant, received several years as well. ---- Before being taken away, he said nothing. He just glared at me, full of hatred. The look sent a chill down my spine. But life went on. He knew my old address, so I moved. A new place, a new chapter. A few years later, Sophie was also arrested- charged with defrauding Jayden's family. Her case opened a floodgate of investigations, uncovering countless other scams. The amount of money involved was staggering. She was sentenced to life in prison. I felt nothing about it. Maybe this was what people meant when they talked about karma. Years passed. One evening, pregnant and calm, I walked along the river with Nick. The scenery was gentle, and we breathed it in quietly. Thad slowly stepped back from my family's business and was ready to devote myself entirely to our new life, to the child soon to arrive. Nick seemed content with that. He held my hand as we walked, speaking with lightness about the future. ---- "What should we name the baby?" he asked, gently placing a hand over my belly. "you can decide," I said. "Anything is fine." He smiled, and I leaned forward to kiss his cheek. The riverbank was crowded and lively, full of warmth. Then, without warning, everything shifted. "Leah! Nick! I'll send you both to hell!" The voice was ragged, unrecognizable at first. A figure lunged out of the crowd, unkempt and clutching a knife. My heart sank. Nick reacted instantly, shielding me with his body and kicking the attacker hard. The man collapsed, the knife clattering to the ground. Only then did I see clearly-he was frail, his limbs shaking, no longer the fierce threat he'd tried to be. He groaned in pain and looked up. It was Jayden. He looked like a ghost of himself. Gaunt. Dirty.