Chapter 14
On Leo’s ninth birthday, court ended early.
The judge allowed it because even justice sometimes has to make room for a child.
We celebrated in the safe house.
No grand party.
No powerful guests.
No men pretending loyalty over expensive wine.
Just Sofia, Grace, Agent Quinn off duty for one hour, two neighbors who thought I was a retired restaurant owner, and Leo’s chocolate cake.
He opened Elena’s letter after dinner.
His hands trembled.
“Can you read it?” he asked me.
I unfolded it carefully.
My brave Leo,
If you are nine today, then you are older than the last birthday I held you for. I hope you are kind. I hope you laugh loudly. I hope your father lets you be a child.
Leo laughed through tears.
“I do laugh loud.”
I kept reading.
Strength is not making people afraid of you. Strength is telling the truth even when your voice shakes. If anyone tries to make you hard, remember lemons grow with sunlight, not fists.
Sofia cried openly.
So did Grace.
So did I.
Leo took the letter and pressed it against his heart.
“I want to plant a lemon tree,” he said.
The next day, he testified again only to confirm the letter and notebook.
The defense objected.
The judge allowed it.
Elena’s handwriting expert testified.
Digital forensics testified.
Financial experts testified.
One by one, the old lies lost their shape.
Then Javier took a plea.
May you like
He agreed to testify against Victor and Russo.
In exchange,
