Chapter 7: The Reckoning
Allison’s grip tightened around the pepper spray as the two men closed in. Her heart pounded, but her mind was sharp, calculating every possible move. She knew she couldn’t take them both head-on, but she didn’t need to. She just needed to create an opening.
Colton stood a few feet away, his arms crossed, a smug look on his face. “You should’ve stayed out of this, Allison. You could’ve walked away with the villa and the money. But no, you had to play the hero.”
Allison didn’t respond. She kept her eyes on the men, waiting for the right moment. The first one lunged at her, and she sidestepped, spraying the pepper spray directly into his face. He stumbled back, howling in pain, clutching at his eyes.
The second man hesitated, clearly not expecting her to fight back. Allison used that split second to kick him hard in the knee, sending him crashing to the ground. She didn’t wait to see if he stayed down—she turned and ran.
Colton shouted after her, his voice furious. “Get her! Don’t let her get away!”
Allison sprinted down the pier, her breath coming in short gasps. The sound of footsteps behind her told her the men were recovering fast. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Colton following, his face twisted with rage.
She reached the end of the pier and skidded to a stop. The water below was dark and choppy, the waves crashing against the wooden posts. She had nowhere to go.
Colton and his men closed in, blocking her escape. “You’re out of options, Allison,” Colton said, his voice cold. “It’s over.”
Allison backed up until her heels were at the edge of the pier. She looked down at the water, then back at Colton. “You’re right,” she said, her voice steady. “It is over.”
And then, before anyone could react, she jumped.
The cold water hit her like a shock, stealing her breath for a moment. She surfaced quickly, gasping for air, and began swimming toward the shore. The current was strong, but she was a strong swimmer. She just had to make it to the beach.
Behind her, she heard shouting and splashing. Colton’s men were in the water now, chasing her. But they were slower, weighed down by their clothes and shoes. Allison pushed herself harder, her arms and legs burning with the effort.
She reached the shore and stumbled onto the sand, her clothes dripping and heavy. She didn’t stop to catch her breath—she kept running, her eyes scanning the area for any sign of help.
And then she saw them—flashing lights and the sound of sirens. Police cars were speeding toward the pier, their lights cutting through the darkness. Marcus must have alerted them. Relief flooded through her as she waved her arms, shouting for their attention.
The police cars screeched to a halt, and officers jumped out, their guns drawn. “Hands up!” one of them shouted, aiming at Colton and his men, who had just emerged from the water.
Allison sank to her knees, her body trembling with exhaustion and adrenaline. It was over. Colton was surrounded, his face pale and defeated as the officers cuffed him and read him his rights.
Hours later, Allison sat in the back of a police car, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The officers had taken her statement, and she had told them everything—about Colton’s corruption, the smuggling, and the trap he had set for her. They had listened intently, their expressions grim.
As she watched Colton being led away in handcuffs, she felt a strange mix of emotions. Relief, yes, but also sadness. The man she had once loved was gone, replaced by someone she barely recognized.
Marcus arrived shortly after, his face etched with concern. “Are you okay?” he asked, crouching beside the car.
Allison nodded, managing a small smile. “I’m fine. Thanks to you.”
He shook his head. “You’re the one who did all the hard work. I just made a few calls.”
She laughed softly, the sound tinged with exhaustion. “Well, those calls saved my life.”
Marcus helped her out of the car, and they walked toward his vehicle. “What now?” he asked.
Allison took a deep breath, the cool night air filling her lungs. “Now, we make sure Colton pays for what he’s done. And then… I start over. No more hiding. No more pretending.”
Marcus smiled. “Sounds like a plan.”
As they drove away from the pier, Allison glanced out the window at the city lights. The storm had passed, and the road ahead was clear. She had faced her fears, confronted her past, and come out stronger on the other side.
Colton Stevens was no longer a part of her life. And for the first time in years, Allison felt free. The reckoning was over, and a new chapter was beginning. She was ready to embrace it.