Chapter 5 - A New Foundation
Six months later.
The spring sunshine poured over the lush green grounds of the Rowan Freight Headquarters in downtown Chicago.
The news of Evan Cross's arrest and subsequent conviction had sent shockwaves through the midwest shipping industry. Evan was sentenced to thirty years in federal prison without parole, while Nolan Pierce and his co-conspirators received twenty-year sentences.
With the corrupt elements fully purged, Gabriel had completed the full transition of Rowan Freight Holdings into a 100% clean, publicly traded enterprise. The company was now recognized as one of the most ethical and transparent logistics corporations in the nation, providing fair wages, medical benefits, and educational assistance to thousands of dockworkers and transport drivers.
On a warm Friday afternoon, Gabriel stood in his top-floor executive office, looking out at the glittering waters of Lake Michigan.
A knock sounded at the double oak doors.
"Come in," Gabriel called out.
Marcus stepped inside, looking crisp and sharp in a dark navy suit. "The board meeting is wrapped up, Gabriel. The new union agreements have been signed unanimously."
"Excellent," Gabriel said, turning around. "And the foundation?"
"The Lucy Bennett Youth & Education Trust officially opened its first three community centers in the south district today," Marcus reported with a proud smile. "Over five hundred kids enrolled on the first morning."
Gabriel nodded with deep satisfaction. He walked over to his mahogany desk, where a framed crayon drawing sat beside his brass desk lamp.
It was the picture of the big oak tree Lucy had drawn on the night everything changed.
"Is the car ready?" Gabriel asked.
"Waiting downstairs, sir," Marcus replied.
Gabriel put on his light spring coat and walked out of the office.
May you like
He wasn't heading to a high-powered corporate dinner or a political gala.
He was heading to Lincoln Park.
