EPILOGUE
Two weeks later…"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust…"
Joe Hardy felt a deep sorrow as he stood, watching the coffin being lowered underground, barely listening to the words that were said. The death was still unreal for him. He did not come to expect was how the person close to him had to die sooner than later. Understanding someone had killed him just because of someone's greed and revenge, still built up a tremendous rage within him. It made him realize how corrupt and unjust the world is.
Now that there were piles of evidence against Shane and his accomplices, the man still refused to confess, and had demanded a lawyer. The trial had started a week ago, and yesterday, Shane was given the guilty verdict, and would be sentenced for life, much to Joe's relief. He didn't think he would want to face another more of the Biancos, and the likes of him.
The police had searched for Shane's other siblings. After a little more digging from Chief Peterson, he had found out that Shane was really planning to rebuild back what his father had lost. His two other brothers were also working in Shane's company. One of them was Shane's assistant in Chicago, Norman Spencer.
It seemed Shane had managed to track down his brothers, and convinced them to work for him. Or forced them, Joe thought, remembering what the chief had reported to them. The youngest of the Bianco brothers was willing to confess everything. He didn't like to work with Shane because some of his so-called business involved drugs and gunrunning. But he didn't have a choice when Shane had threatened to kill him if he told anyone.
After making careful surveillance on Unterhauser's companies and chains that reside on Bianco's old properties by the authorities, Mr. Hardy had convinced Chief Peterson to get a search warrant from the court. History seemed to repeat itself as the local authorities, DEA, and the ATF organized a surprise raid on Unterhauser's premises.
And as for Neil Sterling a.k.a. Nicholas Stein, they had found out that he had helped to concoct the poison while he was working in Brazil. He, too, was sentenced for life for all the murders he had committed.
Dr. Nilson had received a reply from the pharmaceutical company where Neil used to work. They had confirmed that the poison was definitely from their research years ago, and even more good news, they even had the antidote. Now, the NYPD and DEA were trying to locate all the people that had been involved with the Bianco raid ten years ago for diagnostic to see if anyone of their family members were poisoned.
Now that Shane and his fellow cronies were going to prison, Chief Peterson had finally decided to lay his son to rest in peace. Even though the criminals were put away, Joe knew it wouldn't bring back Sidney. Justice can't bring back the dead, he thought grimly.
Joe stopped his musings when he noticed the closed friends and families of the Petersons started dispersing and gave the chief and his wife their condolences before leaving. He took one last look at Sidney Peterson's name that was engraved on the tombstone before turning to Frank.
"Are you okay, Frank?" Joe asked, turning to his brother, who was staring at the freshly buried grave.
"Yeah, I was just thinking. It could have been me lying down there next to Sidney," Frank replied grimly.
Both of them grew silent when they recalled the times when Frank was admitted at the hospital. Because Frank was at the final stage of the poisoning, the antidote had caused a violent reaction, and the doctor had almost lost him. It had been a very close all. Joe shuddered inwardly. It was something that he would never forget. He snapped out of his thoughts when a couple approached them. It was Lucian and Jane.
"Hello, Lucian, Jane." Frank nodded in acknowledgement to the two of them.
"How are you two doing?" Joe asked, eyeing the couple with a grin. He couldn't help noticing Jane looked calmer and happier than before. I'd guess all those extreme pressure and stress last time made her agitated, he reasoned silently. He had found out Jane had started working as a waitress in Inzell Island ever since Shane was convicted for his crimes.
"Pretty good," Lucian replied with a smile. "I'm sorry about Sidney Peterson. I've heard he was a good friend of yours."
"Yeah, we were close like brothers," Joe replied, looking grim. Then he smiled mischievously. "Looks like both of you are turning good friends," he remarked.
"I know this seems like an awkward time, but we wanted to tell you something," Lucian began with a glance at Jane.
"Oh? What is it?" Joe asked, noticing Jane, who was blushing slightly.
"We're getting married next month," Jane announced shyly. "And we would like to invite you to our wedding." She produced an invitation card from her purse, and handed it to the boys.
"Wow! Congratulations!" Joe exclaimed in surprise as he took the card.
"Yeah, congrats," Frank said with a smile, shaking hands with Lucian and Jane. He was amazed by the sudden turn of events. At least something good is happening from all this, he thought gratefully.
"We'll make it for sure. Wait till I tell Vanessa about this," Joe said, referring to his girlfriend, Vanessa Bender. "I think by that time she would be back from her vacation."
"You're right. I'm bringing Callie, too," Frank agreed with a smile. After he was cured, he had a long talk with Callie, and he vowed to catch up the time they had lost. He realized he had been taking life for granted lately.
After thanking and saying goodbyes to Jane and Lucian, Joe turned to Frank, "I guess it's time we join Mom and Dad, and Chief Peterson," he said with a serious look.
"Let's go," Frank said, and both of them headed toward where their parents and the Petersons were standing. He knew it was time to have a serious talk with the Petersons. Other than that, he was glad he had survived from his near-death experience. He had learned the hard way how precious life is.
THE END.