Chapter 26 - The Last Name
The name was Edward Hale.
A federal attorney.
He had approved several disputed land transfers.
But there was more.
Hale had corresponded with Whitcomb.
The letters revealed that the entire operation had been designed to control transportation corridors.
Elias's ranch was only one piece.
Nia looked at the documents.
"How many families?"
"More than two hundred."
Mercer shook his head.
"Then this investigation isn't finished."
They traveled east.
Hale denied everything.
Until the ledger was presented.
Then he changed his story.
He claimed he had been coerced.
The investigators found proof contradicting him.
Eventually, Hale confessed.
The scheme had been funded by private investors.
Officials were paid.
Witnesses were threatened.
Landowners were pressured.
Some disappeared.
But the central goal had been economic control.
No buried treasure.
No secret weapon.
Just greed organized through power.
The simplicity made it more disturbing.
Hale was arrested.
Whitcomb was indicted.
Vane cooperated.
The investigation became national news.
Elias returned home.
He stood beside the northern pasture.
Nia joined him.
"It's finally over."
Elias shook his head.
"No."
She looked at him.
"Not completely."
He pointed toward the distant settlements.
"There are people still rebuilding."
Nia nodded.
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"Then we help."
And they did.
