Chapter 15 - The Unbroken Promise
Mercer lowered the gun, staring at the swarm of federal cutters surrounding the ship's hull. Armed tactical teams scaled the cargo ladders with grappling gear, securing the bridge in seconds. Officer Miller was the first onto the helipad, his sidearm trained directly on the councilman's chest. ""Donald Mercer, drop the weapon and get on your knees!"" Mercer dropped the revolver onto the painted deck, his hands shaking as zip-ties snapped over his wrists—the very same treatment he had ordered for Leo Vance. Leo walked past the subdued councilman without sparing him a glance, stepping straight to the rail where a medical evacuation team waited. The sun broke through the coastal fog, casting a warm golden light across the harbor. Elena, alive and escorted by federal marshals on the cutter below, looked up, weeping as she caught sight of her family. Toby wrapped his small arms tightly around Leo’s neck, resting his chin on his father’s shoulder, the cold jail bars now a fading nightmare. Leo kissed his son’s forehead, breathing in the smell of soap and home, knowing that this time, no iron door would ever stand between them again."
