Chapter 56
With the Carson family's power, Michael could easily torment Dustin to the point of death.
"Dustin, you'd better cooperate," Clara said. "Resisting arrest is a more serious crime. You might escape, but that woman beside you won't. She and the Langley family will be considered accomplices." Clara knew Dustin was a formidable fighter, capable of defeating even Shadow Two. Her only recourse was to threaten those he cared about.
Dustin shook his head. "I'm disappointed, Clara Wyatt. I expected a more strategic approach, not this."
Clara's face darkened. "What's the point?" she sneered. "Think about surviving the trip to the border." She believed she'd trapped him.
Resistance meant worse punishment and a Carson family manhunt. His loved ones would suffer a grim fate. If he didn't resist, exile to the border awaited—a death sentence. Even if he survived the journey, his life would be agonizing, ending in a lonely death with no proper burial.
"Arrest him!" the mayor gestured.
A man stepped forward with handcuffs. Clara and Michael watched.
"Wait!" Dustin shouted.
"You have no right to argue!" the mayor said coldly.
"Mr. Mayor, you have no right to give orders here," Dustin retorted icily.
"I'm a sixth-tier official! Why wouldn't I?" scoffed the mayor.
"Because you're no longer Rivenesco's mayor," Dustin stated evenly.
"A joke!" the mayor sneered. "Think it'll become true just because you say so? Do you think you can remove me from my post?"
Dustin smiled, remaining silent. Suddenly, someone rushed in, holding a large white envelope.
"A letter from the government!"
Stunned silence fell.
Chapter 56 (continued)
"Damon Jinks, mayor of Rivenesco, this letter is for you!"
Damon's face paled; he quickly approached the messenger, head bowed. The others were nervous, bowing respectfully. Even Michael lowered his head. Clara's face turned pale, her gaze downcast. Only Dustin and Simone looked directly at the messenger. Simone started to bow, but Dustin stopped her.
The messenger read: "Damon Jinks, mayor of Rivenesco, during your tenure, you have taken more from the people than you have given. We have proof of corruption and bribery. You are hereby removed from office and will be imprisoned in Rivenesco Penitentiary, your assets confiscated. Further punishment will be determined later."
Damon's face drained of color. "I accept these orders" He trembled, weak-kneed. He couldn't comprehend his sudden downfall. He might even face the death penalty.
Clara frowned, baffled. Michael's face twisted in displeasure. With Damon imprisoned, who would deal with Dustin? Damon couldn't; Dustin would destroy him.
The man who'd been about to arrest Dustin instead handcuffed Damon, following the messenger's instructions and taking him to the penitentiary.
Even after they left, shock lingered. Everything had happened too quickly.
Clara glared at Dustin, fists clenched. He'd escaped again. Could Damon's downfall be connected to him? How had he managed it? The official orders originated from Central Harbor.