Irvin's POV
Hopeful Beginning
The next morning, Meridian appeared unchanged—serene on the surface, but I understood the truth beneath.
Corruption festered in the very foundation of this place. I'd dwelled here long enough to recognize shadows even when sunlight blazed overhead.
This is my Meridian...
But today, I'm walking away from it all.
After double-checking the travel papers one final time, everything stood ready. The private aircraft waited for us.
Every identity had been altered. The passenger list showed clean, believable personas. Temporarily, we weren't the Jenkins anymore. We were simply three individuals seeking a fresh start. An escape strategy, crafted with meticulous care.
I'd invested heavily to ensure no electronic trail existed. My father's network stretched far, but even his reach had boundaries.
I'd located one corner of the earth where Will Jenkin's influence carried no weight.
