Page 36 of The Mountain Man's Mail Order Surprise
"Your husband?" Zack's voice hardens. "That construction worker who can barely afford to keep his business running? Gia, be reasonable."
"I am being reasonable. I'm choosing love over control, respect over possession, and a real man over a pathetic bully."
The silence on the other end is deafening. When Zack speaks again, his voice is deadly quiet.
"You're making a mistake."
"The only mistake I made was wasting two years of my life with you."
"You think your mountain man can protect you? You think his little construction company matters against what I can do?"
"I think you're about to find out what happens when you threaten a Kane."
"Is that supposed to scare me?"
"It should." Jake steps closer to the phone. "This is Jake Winters, Mr. Whitmore. I believe we have some mutual acquaintances in the tech industry."
Another silence, longer this time.
"Who the hell are you?"
"Someone with a lot more resources than you have, and a lot less patience for men who threaten pregnant women." Jake's voice is silk wrapped around steel. "By now, your accountants have probably noticed some irregularities in your family's business accounts. Your building permits are being reviewed for compliance issues. And I believe the RCMP has some questions about your private investigation activities."
"You can't prove anything."
"Actually, we can prove everything. We have emails, financial transfers, and recorded conversations with the officials you've been bribing. It's all very thoroughly documented."
"You're bluffing."
"Am I? Check your phone, Mr. Whitmore. I think you'll find some interesting news alerts about Whitmore Development facing federal corruption charges."
I hear the sound of typing, then a sharp intake of breath.
"How did you..."
"I told you. I have resources. And right now, those resources are focused on making sure you never bother Gia or her family again."
"This isn't over."
"Yes, it is." Rosco steps forward, his voice carrying absolute authority. "You come near my wife, my child, or my business again, and you'll be dealing with more than just legal troubles. You'll be dealing with me."
"Are you threatening me?"
"I'm making you a promise. Stay away from my family, or learn what happens when you fuck with a Kane."
The line goes dead. In the silence that follows, I realize I'm shaking. Not with fear, but with relief so intense it makes me dizzy.
"Is it really over?" I ask.
"It's really over," Silas confirms, showing me his phone. "Whitmore Development is being raided by federal agents as we speak. Zack is going to be far too busy with his own legal troubles to bother you anymore."
"But what if he posts bail? What if he..."
"Then he violates the restraining order I filed this morning and goes back to jail." Silas's smile is sharp. "Either way, he's not your problem anymore."
I sink into the nearest chair, overwhelmed by the sudden absence of the fear that's been my constant companion for months. "I can't believe it's actually over."
"Believe it," Talia says, sitting beside me. "You're safe now. You and the baby and any other children you and Rosco decide to have."
