Chapter 4 - The Aftermath

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The paramedics pulled me out of the grave.

I was covered in dirt. Bruised. Bleeding. But alive.

They wrapped me in a blanket. Gave me water. Asked me questions I couldn't answer.

"You're in shock," one of them said. "We need to take you to the hospital."

"No hospital."

"Ma'am—"

"I need to talk to the police. Now."

A detective appeared. Middle-aged. Gray hair. Kind eyes.

"Mrs. Hartley?"

"I'm not a Hartley. Not anymore. My name is Kate. Kate Reilly."

"Ms. Reilly. I'm Detective Morrison. Can you tell me what happened?"

"They tried to bury me alive. All of them. My husband. His mother. His entire family."

"Why?"

"Because I found out what they've been doing. For thirty years."

"And what's that?"

I looked at him. Dead in the eyes.

"Murder. Money laundering. Corruption. Everything."

He stared at me. Then nodded.

"I think you'd better come with me."

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The interview took six hours.

I told them everything. The storage unit. The ledgers. The recording. The graves.

Detective Morrison listened. Took notes. Asked questions.

When I was done, he sat back.

"Do you have the evidence?"

"I sent it. Before they pushed me into the grave."

"To who?"

"A contact. Someone I trust."

"Can you give me a name?"

"No. Not yet. Not until I know who's clean."

His eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?"

"The Hartleys have friends. In the department. In the DA's office. Maybe even in the FBI."

"That's a serious accusation."

"It's a serious family."

He was quiet for a moment. Then: "Where are you going to stay? You can't go home."

"I have a place."

"Where?"

"With a friend. Someone they don't know about."

He nodded. "Be careful, Ms. Reilly. These people... they don't stop."

"I know."

"They'll come after you."

"Let them."

He looked at me. Surprised.

"You're not scared?"

"I'm terrified. But I'm done running. I'm done hiding. I'm done being a victim."

I stood up. Grabbed my bag.

"Now it's their turn."

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