Chapter 9 - The Legal Shield
Three days later, the story of the Whitmore medical trafficking ring had completely consumed the nation.
Every major news network carried continuous coverage of the scandal. Richard and Margaret Whitmore were held without bail at the Metropolitan Correctional Center, facing federal charges that carried multiple life sentences. The private crematory in Indiana was raided, revealing records of four other off-the-books child dispositions funded by high-profile clients across three states.
In a private conference room on the top floor of the Cook County Juvenile Courthouse, State’s Attorney Victoria Vance sat across a mahogany table from William Castellano and his chief legal counsel, a brilliant forty-year-old defense attorney named Eleanor Vance (no relation to Victoria).
Sitting between William and Eleanor was Diana.
The child wore a clean yellow sweater, blue jeans, and soft white leather sneakers. The track marks on her arms were hidden beneath long sleeves, and the cuts on her heels had begun to heal into faint pink lines.
She held a small stuffed bear William had bought her, her small hand resting securely inside William’s large palm.
Victoria Vance laid a thick stack of legal documents on the table.
“The state has officially revoked Crystal Reeves’s parental rights,” Victoria said, her voice professional but far softer than usual. “She’s currently negotiating a twenty-year plea deal to testify against the Whitmores.”
William nodded smoothly. “And Diana’s status?”
Victoria looked at the child, then at William. “Under normal circumstances, an eight-year-old child with no living legal guardians would be placed into the Cook County foster care system immediately while a permanent placement is evaluated.”
Eleanor Vance leaned forward, placing her hand over the documents. “We’re filing an immediate emergency petition for temporary private guardianship under the Castellano Foundation.”
Victoria frowned slightly. “William Castellano is under active federal investigation by two separate task forces, Eleanor. His family background makes him an unlikely candidate for state adoption approval.”
“The Castellano Foundation is a fully accredited $100 million charitable entity,” Eleanor countered smoothly. “It funds three pediatric hospitals and two orphanages in the state. Furthermore, we have affidavits from Dr. Evelyn Thorne confirming that removing Diana from Mr. Castellano’s custody right now would cause severe psychological regression and acute trauma.”
Victoria looked at Diana. The little girl was watching the prosecutor carefully, her grip tightening on William’s hand.
Victoria leaned across the table. “Diana... do you know who this man is?”
Diana looked up at William’s dark, calm face, then back at Victoria. “He’s Mr. William.”
“Do you know what he does?” Victoria asked gently.
“He keeps bad people away,” Diana said simply, her clear voice carrying no hesitation whatsoever. “When I was cold, he gave me his coat. When I was scared, he promised I wouldn't go back. And he kept his promise.”
Victoria Vance sat back in her leather chair. She looked out the window at the Chicago skyline, taking a long, slow breath.
She knew William Castellano was a dangerous man. She knew his empire was built on shadows, power, and fear. But she also knew that in a city full of respectable politicians, wealthy executives, and corrupt lawyers who had allowed two children to be bought and butchered in Lake Forest... William Castellano was the only person who had stood up to stop it.
Victoria picked up her pen.
She flipped to the final page of the state custody petition and signed her name on the approval line.
“Temporary guardianship approved,” Victoria said, sliding the file across the table. “Permanent adoption evaluation will proceed in six months. Don't make me regret this, William.”
William took the file. He stood up, adjusting his dark suit jacket, and held out his hand to Diana.
May you like
The little girl slid her small hand into his without a moment’s hesitation.
“You won't regret it, Victoria,” William said softly. “Because if anyone ever tries to hurt this child again... they won't have to deal with the court system.”
