Free Web NovelChapter 337: Clara Found
...Three Weeks Later...
"Good evening. We begin tonight with major developments in the investigation into the attempted assassination of Judge Damian Hill."
Images of Damian’s estate filled the screen behind her, showing the extensive damage caused during the gun battle that unfolded on New Year’s Eve.
"Federal investigators have confirmed that the investigation has entered a new phase after forensic analysts successfully recovered additional data from electronic devices seized during the operation."
The footage changed to FBI agents carrying evidence boxes from government vehicles.
"According to sources close to the investigation, investigators now believe the attack was neither random nor the work of a small criminal organization. Instead, authorities are treating it as a carefully orchestrated conspiracy involving influential individuals with political and financial connections."
Photographs of Richard Hale, Victor Hale and several prominent businessmen appeared one after another before shifting to images of well known politicians.
"Multiple search warrants have been executed across Illinois over the past forty eight hours. Several offices connected to the Black Sheep Firm have been searched while electronic records, financial transactions and communication logs continue to be examined."
The anchor glanced down briefly before looking back into the camera.
"Sources within federal law enforcement have confirmed that Richard Hale has now been formally named as a central figure in the investigation. Several politicians, business executives and lobbyists are also reportedly facing criminal scrutiny for their alleged involvement in planning or facilitating the assassination attempt."
The screen displayed footage of black SUVs arriving outside a federal courthouse as lawyers hurried inside.
"While prosecutors have yet to announce every charge publicly, officials confirm that preparations are already underway to bring multiple defendants before a federal court. Grand jury proceedings are expected to begin within the coming weeks."
The image shifted once more.
This time it showed the lone surviving assassin being escorted through a hospital corridor under heavy police protection.
"Investigators continue interviewing the surviving gunman whose testimony has remained remarkably consistent since his arrest. Officials familiar with the investigation state that his statements have repeatedly matched newly recovered evidence, further strengthening the government’s case."
The anchor paused briefly before moving to the next story.
"In other news, the Ministry of Love continues its astonishing expansion across the United States."
The screen behind her displayed an aerial rendering of an enormous architectural project rising from the heart of New York City.
"Earlier today, representatives of the Ministry confirmed the purchase of one of the largest privately owned properties in central New York."
Construction crews, cranes and heavy machinery filled the next sequence of footage.
"The site will become the official international headquarters of the Ministry of Love."
Architectural blueprints appeared across the screen.
"According to project documents released this afternoon, the complex carries an estimated construction cost exceeding one hundred million dollars and will include administrative offices, conference facilities, educational centers, charitable outreach departments, medical wings, public worship halls and residential accommodations for clergy."
The camera transitioned to footage of Twenty walking through the construction site wearing a white safety helmet while speaking with engineers and contractors.
"The project is currently being supervised personally by Ministry executive Twenty, who described the headquarters as ’a symbol of hope, unity and service for generations to come.’"
Another aerial rendering showcased the completed vision, with towering white structures surrounding a magnificent central sanctuary.
"Construction has already begun and crews are reportedly working around the clock. Engineers estimate the first phase of the headquarters could be completed within the year."
The anchor smiled faintly.
"Since the miraculous healing of Emily Morales during last Sunday’s service, donations to the Ministry have increased dramatically, while volunteer applications have surged nationwide. Analysts believe the organization is rapidly transforming from a religious movement into one of the most influential humanitarian institutions in modern American history."
She folded the papers before her.
"Whether these two stories are connected remains a matter of public debate. On one hand, the investigation into Judge Damian Hill’s attempted assassination continues to widen, drawing increasingly powerful names into its orbit. On the other, the Ministry of Love continues expanding at an unprecedented pace, attracting millions of followers across the country."
The television continued playing quietly in the background, illuminating the otherwise dark living room with a shifting blue glow. Damian remained seated comfortably on the couch with one leg crossed over the other while Rin rested across his lap, his fingers moving rhythmically through the fox’s soft fur. Neither of them paid much attention to the broadcast anymore. The news had already served its purpose.
"You gave them a tip," Rin said without opening his eyes.
Damian simply nodded.
"I did."
His expression remained calm, almost indifferent.
"The evidence should be more than enough to bury them." He continued stroking Rin’s fur absentmindedly. "Between the financial records, the recovered communications, the recordings and the survivor’s testimony, Richard Hale and everyone involved are finished."
There was no satisfaction in his voice, only certainty.
He had carefully arranged every piece long before the investigation reached this stage. All he had done recently was push over the first domino.
"The only unfortunate part, is that I won’t be the one presiding over the case." Damian admitted with a faint sigh
He shrugged lightly and a faint smile crept onto his lips.
"Still... I already charmed the judge assigned to it. Let’s just say Richard Hale and his friends will receive every year the law can possibly justify." His gray eyes flashed briefly with a purple gleam.
Rin slowly opened one eye.
"So they’re already dead."
Damian nodded once.
"As far as society is concerned they are."
Silence settled over the room once again.
Outside the enormous glass windows, the city lights glittered peacefully beneath the night sky while the mansion remained unusually quiet.
After several moments Damian spoke again.
"All that’s left now is to start my own political party."
He sounded as though he were discussing tomorrow’s grocery list.
Rin, however, did not share that attitude.
His ears twitched.
"It’s important you find the right people to become the foundation of that party."
Damian glanced down. The fox’s golden eyes were completely serious.
"This isn’t simply another organization. You are creating a structure designed to place your people into positions of influence while ensuring they remain there long after you’re gone."
His tails slowly swept across Damian’s legs.
"The wrong people at the foundation will corrupt everything that comes afterward. The right people will preserve your ideals for generations. This decision requires more thought than anything you’ve built so far."
Damian listened quietly and then he let out a long yawn. His shoulders slumped backward against the couch while one hand lazily scratched the back of his head.
"I already know building a political party is going to be a nightmare. So why exactly are you choosing tonight to remind me?"
His eyes drifted toward the ceiling.
"I swear experiencing peace is a crime in this house."
Rin couldn’t help flicking his tail in amusement.
"That’s what happens when someone insists on becoming a God."
Damian merely groaned in response. Before either of them could continue a faint whisper suddenly brushed against Damian’s ear. It was so quiet that even the air seemed to stop moving.
"My Lord I have found them, Lord. I have found the girls you were searching for."
