novelapdf Chapter 293: The Hale Family Makes A Move
Chapter 293: The Hale Family Makes A Move
The morning sky beyond the floor to ceiling windows was buried beneath thick gray clouds.
Snow drifted lazily through the air, coating the cliffs below the mansion in an ever-thickening blanket of white. The crashing waves of Lake Michigan had become distant and muted beneath the howl of winter winds while inside the mansion, warmth and comfort dominated the atmosphere.
Damian sat comfortably on the largest couch in the living room with one leg crossed over the other, a steaming cup of black coffee resting in his hand. The television mounted against the wall played quietly in the background while several news stations competed to cover what was rapidly becoming the biggest weather event of the year.
Around him, his wives occupied their usual places. Ruby had claimed an entire sofa for herself and was curled beneath a blanket while lazily sipping coffee. Hazel sat with a tablet resting on her lap, occasionally scrolling through social media feed between glances at the television. Rachel occupied the armrest beside Damian, one arm draped over his shoulder as she half watched the news and half stared at him. Even Loth had joined them this morning, standing silently near the fireplace with a cup of coffee she had no intention of drinking.
The atmosphere was calm.
A scene that would have looked absurd to anyone who knew the identities of the people present.
"...Meteorologists are now calling this one of the strongest winter systems to hit Illinois in over a decade," the news anchor reported while satellite images appeared across the screen. Vast white clouds stretched across several states while warnings flashed red throughout the Midwest. "Governor Bennett has officially declared a weather emergency as blizzard conditions are expected to continue throughout the week."
Damian took a slow sip from his cup.
The anchor continued speaking.
"Road travel has become increasingly dangerous throughout Cook County. Several state agencies have advised residents to remain indoors whenever possible."
A second anchor appeared.
"This has already begun affecting government operations. Earlier this morning, the Illinois Judicial Administration released a statement confirming numerous court proceedings will be postponed until January."
The screen shifted to an image of the courthouse. Several names scrolled across the bottom. One of them immediately caught everyone’s attention.
Victor Hale.
Hazel glanced toward Damian.
Rachel glanced toward Damian.
Ruby glanced toward Damian.
Even Loth’s eyes subtly shifted toward him.
Damian simply took another sip of coffee, showing no emotion.
The anchor continued.
"Due to safety concerns and transportation difficulties, the Victor Hale criminal proceedings have officially been delayed until January. Court officials state all parties involved have already been notified."
Silence filled the room and then Damian chuckled.
"They finally got their weather miracle." He exhaled slowly before setting his coffee down on the table.
Rachel frowned.
"You think the storm is connected?"
Damian shrugged.
"No."
His answer surprised them.
"The blizzard is real."
He looked toward the screen where images of snow-covered highways appeared.
"But powerful people know how to take advantage of opportunities."
Ruby smiled.
"Of course, that’s why they are strong."
Damian leaned back comfortably and his violet eyes lingered on the television.
"Now I’m curious what they will do next."
Damian’s phone rang suddenly and every head turned. The device vibrated against the table.
The caller ID displayed a familiar name, Assistant State Attorney Michael Carver.
Damian raised a brow before answering.
"Morning."
The voice on the other end sounded exhausted.
"Judge Hill."
Something about the tone immediately caught Damian’s attention.
"What happened?"
Several seconds of silence followed. Then the prosecutor sighed heavily.
"We have a problem."
Damian slowly sat forward and Rachel removed her arm from his shoulder. Even Ruby lowered her coffee cup.
"What kind of problem?"
Another sigh.
Then Carver finally said it.
"Three key witnesses withdrew their statements last night."
Buzz!
The room became still and the prosecutor continued speaking.
"The club manager, the valet and one of the investors who attended the party."
Damian listened quietly.
"They all changed their stories?"
"Yes. They’re claiming they were mistaken."
A smile slowly began forming on Damian’s face.The prosecutor sounded increasingly frustrated.
"The valet now says he never saw Victor drinking."
"The manager claims he cannot accurately remember how intoxicated Victor appeared."
"The investor says media pressure influenced his original statement."
Carver cursed under his breath.
"We both know it’s bullshit."
Damian remained silent.
"Judge?"
Damian’s smile widened.
"Anything else?"
"Several employees from the club have suddenly become unavailable."
"Unavailable?"
"They quit."
"All of them?"
"Most."
Damian leaned back against the couch. His smile was impossible to hide now.
The prosecutor sounded genuinely concerned.
"I thought you should know immediately."
"You did the right thing."
"We’re preparing for more problems."
"You should."
The prosecutor hesitated. Then he finally asked.
"Why do you sound happy?"
Damian’s grin widened further.
"Because, Michael..."
He glanced toward the television where reporters continued discussing the postponed trial.
"...they finally started moving."
Silence greeted his answer.
The prosecutor clearly didn’t understand. Damian ended the call before any further questions could be asked.
The phone lowered slowly from his ear.
For several moments nobody spoke until Hazel broke the silence with a dangerous smiled.
"Oh."
Rachel immediately understood as well and Ruby began laughing first.
Loth’s eyes narrowed with understanding. This conflict was what Damian was waiting for
Damian rose from the couch and walked toward the massive glass windows overlooking the snow-covered lake. His reflection stared back at him from the glass while white flakes drifted endlessly from the heavens.
For weeks everyone had visited his mansion. Every single one had attempted persuasion. Now those efforts had failed, they have begun attacking directly.
Which meant the real game had finally begun.
Witnesses were already changing their stories. Meaning evidence would begin disappearing soon and investigations would suddenly appear into him may begin soon.
More pressure was bound to follow.
Damian slipped a cigar into his mouth and snapped his fingers. Purple flames ignited at the tip instantly. He took a slow drag before exhaling toward the snowy horizon.
His violet eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"Good."
The single word carried enough excitement to make his wives smile.
Because for the first time since the Victor Hale case landed on his desk, Damian no longer looked bored.
He looked entertained.