Chapter 10
Months passed.
Arthur Vance kept his word.
He wiped out unfair debts. Renovated the school. Funded new businesses.
The town stopped fearing the Vance name. And started respecting it.
I stayed on as his head of security. But my job changed.
I spent more time teaching. Showing girls how to defend themselves. Helping families stand their ground.
Dad came to visit one weekend.
We sat on my porch, watching the sunset.
"You did good," he said. "Your mother would have been proud."
My throat tightened.
"You think so?"
"I know so," he said. "She always said strength means nothing unless you use it to protect people."
I looked out across the town.
Lila walked by, laughing, safe and happy. Mrs. Lopez waved from her bakery window. Mrs. Henderson tended her garden.
Arthur Vance stood across the street, talking with townspeople like they were equals.
I thought about that night by the convenience store. The creep in the shadows. The moment I chose to stand instead of run.
I hadn't just caught a criminal that night.
I'd found my purpose.
My place.
My family.
Dad put his arm around my shoulder.
"You okay?"
I smiled. Truly smiled.
"I'm perfect."
Somewhere out there, trouble would find me again. It always did.
But now... I wasn't just waiting for it.
May you like
I was ready.
And I wasn't alone.
