They don’t ask Abel’s plea. That’s been and done. He pled not guilty, but the evidence stands to prove otherwise.

But this next part of the trial is the important part. The sentencing. Because there is more than one way for a man to die.

“Have you any final words before sentencing, Abel Moreno?”

All eyes turn to my brother. I see how his hand trembles, and the chain rattles when he brings the glass of water beside him to his lips and drinks a sip before setting it back down. He clears his throat as he turns his eyes up to the trio.

Santiago explained what comes next. What choice my brother has yet to make.

Tell the full story. Name the names. Die a peaceful death.

Don’t and we shall have the full story and the names and a long-drawn-out death the likes of which I am certain I don’t want to know the details of.

Abel begins to speak. His voice is hoarse as if he hasn’t spoken in a long time. He begins by naming names. And a part of me is relieved, audibly so in the form of a sigh.

Santiago squeezes my hand.

A peaceful death. That’s better than the alternative.

And after the names, he tells his story.

He tells how he fabricated the evidence that had many good families excommunicated from The Society after the bad ones were dealt with. He tells of the ousted men who were behind it, who backed the work with more money than I can comprehend. He talks of why. Things that send my head spinning. Drugs. Sex. Human trafficking. A contract with a Mexican cartel and an Italian mafia family and illegal, inhumane activity that some members of IVI participated in that eventually led to the moment of Abel’s personal revenge. The explosion that would kill so many of the Sovereign Sons who had a hand in ousting the members would be the culmination of Abel’s singular focus. His hate of Santiago De La Rosa. His hate of the man who would take his place as his father’s son. His hate of the man who, in his warped mind, stood in the way of him and greatness. Whose very life impeded Abel’s ability to climb within the ranks.

Santiago sits like a pillar of stone beside me as he listens. Takes it all in. Understands the mind of a monster whose hate and jealousy led to so much destruction.

By the time Abel is finished, I am exhausted.

The Councilors sit looking down on my brother with contempt. I can’t blame them. They lost family and friends, too.

Councilor Hildebrand clears his throat.

“For your role in the plotting and murders of so many of our fold, you are sentenced to death by hanging.”

I clasp my hand over my mouth, and there’s an audible gasp. It’s my father.