PART 2: THE SHADOWS OF SOUTH CHICAGO
The old janitor squinted at the frayed red ribbon, his weathered hands trembling as decades of memories washed over his face.
“I remember that girl,” the old man whispered, leaning heavily against his broom in the quiet hallway of the school. “Her family didn’t leave by choice, son. A massive redevelopment firm bought out their building and forced everyone out back in 2008.”
Isaiah’s jaw tightens as he processes the revelation, realizing the very industry he dominated had once shattered the life of the girl who saved him.
The janitor explained that after the eviction, Victoria’s mother fell ill, and Victoria had taken a job at a local community shelter on the city’s south side to keep a roof over their heads.
“She goes by her mother’s maiden name now—Victoria Vance,” the janitor added softly. “She spends her days feeding the neighborhood children, just like she used to.”
Isaiah thanked the man, stepping back out into the cool evening air with his heart pounding against his ribs for the first time in twenty-two years.
(The long-awaited confrontation is finally here! Click “Next Page” to continue reading…)
