When Leo got the call that Emily had been hurt, he didn't even bother stacking his papers or finding Walt on whatever floor he was on.
He sprinted to the car, floored the gas, and raced toward Lynchburg.
He shot past the big bend at the reed marsh, past the restaurant that had become the "life and death" battleground, now under renovation.
As he neared the crossroads connecting Lynchburg town to the southern highway, his inhumanly sharp eyes caught something wrong with an approaching car from Lynchburg's direction.
It was coming at the same frantic speed as Leo's own, as if its driver were also desperate to get somewhere.
As they closed the gap, Leo's eyes grew murderous.
Even though the man in the other car looked scruffy and broken-down behind a scruffy disguise, Leo saw right through it.
Herbert.
Walker's call had mentioned the second shooter vanishing.
Jonathan had confirmed the man with half a head was Eddie.
Leo's instincts screamed: the real shooter was Herbert.
Kent had once shared intelligence about the Guryan family's secret escape tunnels.
Because the intel was vague—and Faith had screwed up—Leo never knew exactly how many people had escaped.
Leo had always felt so capable himself he didn't think to keep better protection on those around him.
It was luck Emily was alive.
That wouldn't happen again.
He reached over and grabbed the M1911 on the passenger seat.
Tucson had told him Herbert had killed his own brother on this very road.
Leo decided he'd be merciful: he'd reunite the brothers here.
Meanwhile, Herbert didn't have Leo's eyesight.
And right then, the ache in his chest was distracting him.
In his passenger seat lay a flak vest with a lodged bullet fragment.
That constant caution had saved his life.
One miss and he was gone—he'd always planned for that.
Sure, he hadn't killed Leo this time. A pity.
But Argentina was waiting. He'd build power there.
He vowed he'd come back for revenge one day.
A single turn at this intersection and he'd be free.
He even thought of this crossroad, the scene of his brother's triumph and disgrace.
Ben, watch over your brother.
As he reached to spin the wheel, Herbert finally noticed something wrong.
The other car's driver was aiming something at him.
Sweat stung his eyes—he wiped it away and went cold.
It was Leo.
And Leo was squeezing the trigger.
In that instant, Herbert felt the same despair his brother must have when he saw the gunman pull the trigger.
No time to dodge.
Only to die.
Bang!
The bullet pierced one window, shattered the other, and blossomed in Herbert's skull.
Thud!
His unpiloted car crashed into a tree.
Leo killed the engine and got out, gun in hand.
He saw the hole in Herbert's head but stayed cautious.
He crept up to the crashed car, checked Herbert's pulse.
Nothing.
This enemy who'd nearly ruined his whole business with the Bubble House scandal was finally dead.
Leo circled around, opened the passenger door with his gloved hand, and grabbed Herbert's backup pistol.
Back at his own car, he fired a full burst into his own windshield to stage a gunfight.
Then he went back to Herbert's car, pried open the dead man's hand, and pressed the pistol into it.
Leo arrived at Lynchburg Hospital.
The halls were full of people.
Jonathan came up first.
Leo said calmly:
"Don't bother hunting the shooter anymore. It was Herbert.
I killed him at the crossroads outside town.
He fired first—my windshield's full of holes.
Go take care of the scene."
Jonathan gave Leo a long, meaningful look.
He knew damn well Herbert hadn't had time to shoot back.
But Leo was spelling out how to write it up.
No reason to spoil it.
Jonathan left.
Michael, who usually wore a friendly smile, was stone-cold.
"I never supported Emily going to Austria.
I believed in you. I didn't think that Senator's granddaughter could get between you two.
But now I do support it.
She's lucky to be alive today. I won't gamble on the next time."
"It was my fault, Michael. I'll keep her better protected.
Austria? What are you talking about?"
Michael realized he'd said too much, clammed up, and turned to stare at the wall.
Inside the hospital room, Emily was chatting with Evelyn.
She looked pale but otherwise fine.
The doctor said softly to Leo:
"She's lucky. No vital organs hit.
She'll recover with some rest."
"Evelyn, could we have a minute?" Leo asked.
Evelyn nodded, but Emily grabbed her wrist.
"We're family. There's nothing Evelyn can't hear."
After Evelyn saved her life today, Emily's already wobbly worldview was thoroughly shattered.
Evelyn shot Leo a mischievous wink. Her bright eyes shone with pride—her psychology training had paid off.
"Michael said you're going to Austria for school. What's this about?" Leo asked.
"I'm going to study music. Like you said—improve the quality of my life, strengthen my mind.
I don't want to be just another pretty face."
"I said that about other people."
"No difference, Leo."
In the end, the argument ended in Emily's victory.
Back in Richmond, Leo spent two weeks wrapping up business.
Then he gave himself a ten-day vacation, taking Emily and Evelyn down to Florida.
Ten wild days in Miami—a king forgetting his court.
But in August, Virginia's hottest month, at Richmond Airport, it was time to say goodbye.
Emily was off to Austria.
She wasn't alone—Michael was going too.
And Rachel Stone, the tough female medic Leo had "borrowed" from Florida.
Rachel was ex–Special Forces, built like a tank and openly gay in an era that wasn't ready for it.
Her love-life brawls had gotten her kicked from her last posting.
Leo hugged her and whispered:
"Rachel, she's your responsibility.
And if you even think about making a move on her, you know what happens."
Rachel shivered, snapped to attention, and saluted.
"Sir! Mission will be accomplished!"
"What did he say to you?" Emily whispered to Evelyn as they parted.
Leo was curious too.
Evelyn didn't bother keeping it secret.
"He told me to watch you. But I might not be able to."
"Why?" Leo asked.
Though he was a flirt, he respected Evelyn's boundaries.
"Because I'm leaving too, Leo."
She turned, eyes brimming.
"What happened?"
"My family's caretaker in Cape Town wired us. There's news about my father."
Leo's eyes lit up.
"That's good! When do we leave? I'll go with you."
"Now."
She pointed.
Thomas was striding toward them, beaming.
He'd waited for this moment for years.
"Leo, it's just a lead. It'll be a long search.
Grandfather says you've beaten today's enemies.
But your foundation is shaky. Wolves circle.
And when he's gone, you'll have to carry it all yourself."
Leo's face hardened. He knew she was right.
He wasn't some lovesick boy.
"I'll wait for you."
Evelyn shook her head, eyes glistening.
"You can't be tied down. Without me and Emily, America is your hunting ground.
Don't be like my grandfather—huge empire, no heirs, ending up giving it all away.
Wait for me, Leo.
When I come back, I want our kingdom to be limitless.
Oh—and don't forget to visit Emily in Austria."
He remembered that purple-clad girl on the swing, now smiling so brightly.
They kissed deeply.
Then Evelyn was gone too.
Leo walked out of the airport frowning.
Thomas had pulled him aside for a last whisper:
"The Guryan family weren't East Coast old money.
At best they were gloves for old money.
Your wealth and power have grown too fast.
The real old money will be jealous.
If they come for you, you can't fight it.
Watch Harry. Watch Imon.
Once I'm gone, they won't tolerate you."
Back at the office, Leo summoned Edward.
"How much money do I have now? How much debt?"
Edward didn't hesitate.
"Your net worth is $25 million. After taxes and buying Rendo, you've got $3 million in cash.
Total statewide business loans: $60 million.
Rendo's debts add another $20 million.
Total liabilities: $80 million."
Leo nodded grimly.
"Weak spots are obvious."
He'd never run something this big before.
The team had scaled too fast and risk management was failing.
Thomas had been right.
He picked up the phone.
"Hello? Hubert? This is Leo. I have a big deal to discuss.
Yes, the New York head office—not the Virginia branch.
Trust me—it's big."
He hung up and called in Corondo, Kevin, Charlie, Edward, Sean, and Tucson.
"I have a bad feeling. I hope I'm wrong.
But better safe than sorry.
Kevin, Tucson—take the whole design team west.
L.A., San Francisco—even Seattle.
Corondo—you're strong on your own.
Take Kirill and head for Vegas.
Don't try to take over territory.
I'll get you a recommendation letter.
It's Moe Green's town now, but he's an arrogant fool.
Sooner or later he'll get himself killed.
Learn from him.
Edward, Sean, Charlie—you're going to L.A.
California construction is behind.
Bring our Eastern methods.
Don't grow too big, but map out the whole California market.
If I'm forced to flee west, I don't want to be blind again.
Guys, get going.
If I win, we meet in New York.
If I lose, you're guarding my tomorrow."
He stood and bowed deeply.
"Understood!"
Even Kevin and Tucson shouted it back.
When they'd gone, Joseph emerged.
Leo handed him a list and a box of cash.
"This is everyone from the special ops team and reserves still alive.
Many were forced out unfairly because of me.
They called wanting to join me again.
But I swore I wouldn't disturb their lives.
Now I might have to break that promise.
Joseph—you're a born businessman.
But your 'commander' needs a Little Boy.
Something to scare enemies.
And remind our friends why they're going west.
You get why I'm asking you?"
Joseph nodded.
"I understand, boss.
Faith's been sloppy lately.
After Emily got hurt, I questioned Kirill and checked the scene myself.
The Guryan tunnel was well-hidden, but still obvious compared to Japanese tunnels.
I could find it.
No way Faith missed it.
Why didn't you kill him?"
Leo's eyes went cold.
"I was going to do it today.
But now I want to use him to smoke out the whole nest.
And when you go—take all our families too."
"Where to?"
Leo turned and pointed to a spot on the US map.
"Here. Around Stanford.
Or as they'll one day call it: Silicon Valley."
The next morning, at the airport again, Leo was seeing off not just Emily and Evelyn but everyone.
Those who understood looked solemn.
Their families looked confused.
Maria, Leo's mother, scolded gently:
"All this money, and you're paying for everyone?"
"It's company benefits, Mom."
Desmond hugged his pregnant wife, reluctant to let go.
When they were gone, he asked Leo:
"Is it really that bad?"
Leo shook his head.
"Honestly? I don't know. But I'm not willing to bet on it."
"What do we do next?"
Desmond asked.
Leo smiled bitterly.
"Protect yourself.
As for me…
You know, the only reason a poor man who suddenly gets rich can stay restrained is if he wants to impress a Senator's granddaughter.
Now she's gone.
So how's he supposed to misbehave properly?"
Desmond sighed.
"You're going to use yourself as bait again."
Leo gave a wry laugh.
"No choice, brother.
This place is crueler than the Pacific."