Page 105 of The Truths We Find

Dani just shakes her head at us. “I’m still trying to figure out how he’s back. He’s not due stateside for another month.”

“Apparently, his orders changed a few weeks ago,” Agent Russo says. “His whole unit got back last night. By the time we found out, you were calling us. Gotta love the government for its communication.”

I glance back at Sam. His eyes dart between Dani and me before he’s shoved into one of the vehicles. He’s cursing, spitting threats from inside the car—but it’s useless.

“So, what happens now?” I ask, wrapping my arm around Dani’s waist.

“He’s going to be charged with multiple felonies,” Agent Russo says. “He may try to plea down by offering information on Tate, and I won’t lie, the prosecutor may take him up on it at this point.”

“What about the revenge porn?” Dani sounds exhausted.

“I’m not going to lie to you—that may be a wash,” Agent Russo admits. “I really wish I could say otherwise, but if it’s between that and getting information that will bring Tate down, you know which way they’ll go. Plus, there may be a statute of limitations issue.”

I squeeze Dani’s waist. I’d been afraid of that.

“Well,” she says, taking a deep breath, “we really appreciate all your help, Agent Russo.” She holds out her hand.

He shakes it firmly. “Thank you both. And especially you, Dani.”

“I’m glad I could help.” A small, determined smile tugs at her lips. Then her expression shifts. “Now, about that deal we made.” She signals Alexa and Phil over, already slipping back into work mode.

Chapter 30

Dani

Unsurprisingly, Sam’s arrest was a massive win for the FBI and federal prosecutors. He haggled a deal in exchange for information, which finally brought Tate down. He was arrested, stripped of his City Council seat, and is facing a mountain of federal charges.

Sam’s commanding officer isn’t getting off easy either. Messing with Sam’s orders so he could stick around and do Tate’s dirty work finally caught up with him, and the military isn’t taking it lightly.

And Sam himself? Despite the deal, he’s going away for a long, long time. All three of them are finally paying the price.

I swear, I could feel a weight lift from my chest the moment I heard the news. The military and federal prosecutors are arguing over who gets to punish Sam first—and honestly, I don’t blame them.

But the video… that fight still feels like a punch in the gut. Since it was never distributed, it technically doesn’t count as revenge porn. It’s just invasion of privacy, which sounds so weak when I think about everything Sam put us through.

And because it was recorded in Pennsylvania, only that state can bring charges. By law, Sam can only be prosecuted within three years of the victim discovering it. Gavin knew about it ten years ago, which turns the whole thing into a gray, frustrating mess.

I argued that I didn’t know—but they warned me he’d exploit that loophole in court. On top of it all, they may not even bother, since he’s already going to prison for a long time.

The law is supposed to protect people, right? Not let a manipulative, dangerous creep skate through because of technicalities. It’s not fair.

It took me a few days to process that news. I could barely sleep. I’d lie awake, running through the same scenario. Sam may be going to prison, but he’s still technically walking away for what he did to me. To Gavin and me, and that just doesn’t sit right in my gut. So much so that it’s got me thinking about my next move.

The thought of telling Gavin about the idea swirling around in my head twists my stomach into knots.

“You sure you’re not going back too soon?” Gavin’s hand finds my upper thigh, a gentle squeeze pulling me out of my spiral. The warmth of him, the solid reassurance in his touch, it’s like a lifeline, grounding me in a world that’s felt unsteady for way too long.

We’ve both been off work for the last ten days. Fortunately, Mr. White was understanding. After seeing the chaos outside the station the day Sam was arrested, he practically insisted we take a well-earned break. Too bad my time off mostly meant constant interviews with attorneys and investigators.

Honestly, I didn’t want to go anywhere anyway. I just needed time to emotionally process everything from the last few months—hell, the last ten years. Gavin was with me through every moment. I know I wouldn’t have made it through any of it without him.

I glance up at him and smile. “Of course. It’s time. Besides, Alexa says the rumors about us are spreading like wildfire at work, despite her best efforts to contain them.”

“Who knew a bunch of professional journalists could be such gossips?” he teases.

I shoot him a sideways glance.

“Let’s talk about something I know will get you excited.” He chuckles. “What fun story does Alexa have ready for you today?”