"The Fall of the Diablos: Senator Anthony Wiseman and Others Indicted on Federal Charges in Connection to Organized Crime Scheme"

– by Lauren Chow

Only five days ago, former Senator Anthony Wiseman was arrested during a live presidential campaign event. Wiseman was in the middle of a speech when the sound was interrupted by a voice recording of Wiseman confessing to being the leader of the Diablos, a top criminal organization known for violence and political intimidation.

He also made remarks about the American people that have sparked outrage. The FBI arrested Wiseman at the scene, led by Special Agent David Adlai.

The US Senate had unanimously voted to expel Anthony Wiseman in an emergency vote, his party stating they do not support his presidential candidacy. Another senator involved in the scheme will have a hearing where they will most likely be expelled as well. The President of the United States will be giving a press conference and speech in the next upcoming days.

There have been speculations circling on who released and orchestrated this at Wiseman's event, but most are pointing at the leakers who announced the names of the people in the Los Angeles shooting last year.

Hundreds of videos went viral showing the arrest, as well as the breaking news video announcing the names of political figures and businessmen who were involved in the Diablos schemes.

From senators to local mayors, over five hundred names were revealed, with thousands of documents to support their crimes. The FBI is calling it one of the largest organized crime schemes in US history. According to experts, this will spell the fall of the Diablo empire.

Lorenzo Diablo, the most well-known and dangerous figure within the organization, is still unaccounted for. All government resources are being used to track Lorenzo down.

The FBI seized all assets of the people on the list and is bringing them to custody. Those that are not in the United States are being extradited where possible.

While there are still many questions and missing information in regards to the case, the FBI is keeping a tight lid on the information.

People are protesting nationwide, demanding justice and the arrests of the people on the list. However, there also seems to be a lack of trust in the new leaders replacing the criminals' positions.

Many people are also questioning the influence outside forces and politics have on our everyday lives. There is a mixture of opinions in this open conversation.



"Flower, it's time to go."

I looked up from the online article I was reading to spot Damon in his black suit. I gave him a guilty smile.

"Sorry, I got sucked in." I stood up to smooth out the imaginary wrinkles on my black dress.

Today, we were going to the funeral services for those who have died during the rescue mission. We were also conducting a service for Angelo De Luca.

When I asked why they hadn't done one for Angelo beforehand, Xavier and Damon explained that it wasn't the right time. How could Angelo rest in peace until his mission was over and he got the justice that he deserved?

Now that everything Angelo sacrificed himself for was exposed to the world, everyone in the Organization could say their final goodbyes.

Grabbing my heels, I quickly made my way over to Damon and used his arm to steady myself so I could put them on. I gave him a soft kiss before pulling away, holding back a laugh at his scowl.

"My lip is healing just fine, Flower." Damon protested, annoyed by my gentle touches.

I wasn't going to relent though. He was wearing a sling for his shoulder and had a bruised chest. If he didn't want to be treated with kid's gloves, Damon was out of luck.

"Don't we have a service to go to? By the way, you look very dapper," I complimented, trying to coax a smile out of him. But he was too busy pouting. "Come on, partner. The walk isn't that far."

I tucked my arm in his uninjured one as we left our temporary room. We still weren't allowed back home, due to the damages done during the raid. Until the repairs were done and the FBI returned the belongings they took, we were living at the large property I was brought to after I was rescued.

We went to the back of the house, where the services were being performed. A lot of people were already there to pay their respects. There were a total of nine coffins or urns, all with different displays of pictures and personal belongings. Rows of seats were filling up, and Damon gently guided me toward the front.

I tightened my hold on Damon, secretly worried that people would blame me for the loss, but I wasn't treated any differently as we passed. I received a few smiles and saw sad faces, but no one seemed to be angry with me. It brought me a little comfort.

My eyes widened in surprise as I saw Damon's mother, Liz, move toward us with her husband trailing behind her.

"My darlings!" Liz pulled us both into a tight hug.

"Sweetheart, I think you have forgotten that they just came out of a dangerous mission. They have injuries." Damon's father, Lincoln, warned her.

"Of course I didn't forget, Lincoln! My son and future daughter-in-law are covered in bruises. I hope you taught those thugs a lesson." Liz spoke passionately as I blushed furiously at the title she gave me.

Lincoln and Damon both sighed in exasperation.

"Mom, we have everything under control. Now, if you could release us so we can breathe again, that would be great." Damon chastised softly; he saw the tears in his mother's eyes.

Liz sniffled and Lincoln gave her his handkerchief.

"I'm sorry. I've just been so worried." Liz dabbed her eyes and I squeezed her hand.

"Thank you for caring. It's great to see you again. Phone calls don't do any justice." I said honestly, and Liz giggled.

"Yes. How about we all have dinner tonight? My treat– and you can help me in the kitchen."

"She has gotten better." Damon muttered and I gave him a look. I wasn't that bad of a cook...at least not anymore.

"It's all right, Rosaline. Liz banished me from the kitchen twenty years ago. Even if she's sick, she insists that I order take out or have the staff make the meals." Lincoln patted my shoulder in sympathy.

"That's because you almost burned down your entire kitchen." A new voice entered the conversation.

I turned and found myself staring at an older version of Xavier. The only difference was that this man had dark brown eyes. Maria stood next to him, wearing a long black dress.

"You weren't supposed to mention that part, you old bastard." Lincoln said playfully.

Older Xavier chuckled before turning to me with a warm smile.

"We have never met, but I have heard about you, Rosaline. I'm Alexander Monroe, Xavier's father." Alexander shook my hand.

"I hope they were all good things." I said shyly.

Alexander chuckled. "Well most of it came from the boys and Maria, so yes. You are a very important person in this family now. It's time that I welcomed you to our big, crazy family."

"More like slightly dysfunctional. You realize the people we surround ourselves with, right?" Maria asked with a raised brow. Alexander let out a scoff.

"Protection. These people would risk their lives for you, my son, and my future granddaughter."

"We don't know if it's a boy or a girl. How would you know if it's a girl? It could be a boy."

Alexander shook his head in denial. "I know in my gut it will be a girl. I already have a son, why can't my son have a daughter? Then his daughter will be my daughter, yes?"

Maria blinked at him. Alexander sighed.

"Don't worry your fiery little head. I am sure my granddaughter will have Xavier's intelligence. I just hope she doesn't get your sour attitude."

Maria looked ready to tackle Alexander, but Lincoln quickly got in between them.

"Let's not start a verbal spar here. Alexander, I know you do it for entertainment, but do it after the service." Liz spoke firmly.

"This happens often?" I murmured to Damon as his parents corralled Maria and Alexander to their seats.

"Yes. It's fun to watch. I think it's their way of bonding with one another. They've been doing it for years now. Come on, Xavier usually gives a eulogy before we all put flowers on each of the caskets or urns."

Damon settled us in the front row next to Maria and the parents. Xavier was in front on a small stage, greeting everyone.

"Thank you all for being here," Xavier said to the crowd, his face solemn and no sign of his usual mischief. "We're here today to grieve, appreciate, and celebrate the lives of nine individuals– one of those being Angelo De Luca, who was a high-ranking officer in our cause. While they knew the risks of being a part of this Organization– understood the reasons as to why we exist and fight– it doesn't hurt any less that they are no longer physically with us. These individuals were friends, parents, siblings, and part of a large family. It is okay to feel anger and sadness, but we should also be proud that they were always willing to put their lives on the line for us and the people who can't fight for themselves. They wouldn't want us to direct our negative feelings toward ourselves or others."

Tears streamed down my face at the words, Maria quickly passed me a tissue and Damon pulled me close for comfort.

"Let's all come together to give our respects to the brave men and women who sacrificed themselves. But we especially dedicate this day to Angelo. Without him, we wouldn't have been able to uncover the deception that was brewing in this country. Without him, my best friend wouldn't have found the love of his life and a new member to this family.

"To Angelo."

"To Angelo." The crowd echoed before rising from their seats. Xavier went to Maria's side as people began passing out roses, each person getting ten of them. I collected Damon's roses as well since he only had one arm available.

I held the flowers tightly as everyone began paying their respects. I watched as Erik went directly to Angelo's coffin, placing his rose down as he said goodbye to his friend.

I remember the talk we had about Angelo, the different memories they had together. I hoped that Erik would get the closure he needed. Already, Erik looked lighter, like a heavy weight had been lifted off of him. I turned away to give him privacy with his fallen friend.

Damon and I left the group to begin at one end. I gently placed two roses on the coffin, whispering my words of thanks. I did this for the next three, and then we arrived at Angelo's coffin.

A lump was trapped in my throat as I ran my finger across the lid. I looked at the pictures on the display and saw Angelo smiling and laughing with different people. He looked nothing like that in his final moments, beaten and alone as he spoke his final words to me. I blinked rapidly to get rid of the tears, but was unsuccessful.

I startled when Damon wiped away my tears and pressed a kiss to the top of my head. His face was solemn as he looked at the coffin. I knew that Damon and Angelo weren't close, but he had still been family.

"Do you think wherever he is right now, he's at peace? Knowing that I was able to make things right for him?" I choked on my words a little bit, thankful that I wasn't wearing any makeup.

"Yeah, Flower. I think he is now. And it's because of you he finally found it." Damon said softly as he began playing with the ends of my hair.

I nodded before placing Damon's rose on the coffin before leaning in to whisper to Angelo.

"Angelo, it's me. We did it– you did it. I'm always going to remember the words you said to me. You told a complete stranger your secrets. I don't know if you saw something special in me that day or if you just wanted the world to know, but you never gave Lorenzo anything. And...I will always admire you for that.

"But I also want to say thank you. Without you, I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't have met any of these people. You gave me a family, and I will never take it for granted. My final words to you will be the words that you said to me: Scatena la verità. Sblocca il cassetto. Enlightenment."

I pulled back to gently place my rose with the others. Damon gave me a smile of encouragement as we went to the next coffin. I froze when I saw who the display was for.

Sixteen.

I quickly walked over to the display, looking at the pictures and finally learning the name of the man who had saved me.

Casey Conley.

There weren't a lot of pictures with friends or family, more pictures of just himself.

"This was the man who saved my life." I croaked to Damon, who was rubbing my back soothingly.

I confessed to Damon a couple of days ago about the man who plagued my mind; I had had a horrible nightmare about him, triggering a panic attack. It took almost an hour, with Damon's help, to calm me down.

Since then, I had been trying to ignore any thoughts of him until now.

Dr. Paxton is going to have a field day at our next session.

"Casey was a good man. A bit of a loner, but he would do anything for those he cared about or someone in need. Casey thought you were worth it. You are worth it." Damon said into my ear as I choked back another sob.

"He should still be here though. I-I don't know if I can do this." I pushed my face into Damon's chest.

"You can do whatever you want. You don't need to force closure now. We can still pay our respects and move to the next person." Damon offered.

I could kiss him right then and there for being so sweet and understanding, but I shook my head.

"I'll at least say something. Casey deserves that." I said with as much confidence as I could muster. I left Damon's side to place the roses on his coffin.

"Hi, Casey. You...I never got to know you. We never even exchanged words when you came to rescue me. But you...you pushed me out of the way so I got to live another day. I can't thank you enough for that, but I feel so much guilt.

"A part of me wishes that you just saved yourself. I wish I got to know you more. I wish...for so many things. I hope that wherever you are, you're happy and not suffering. You deserve it and I'll never forget you."

Then I went back into Damon's arms, exactly where I belonged.

~*~

"You two have a visitor."

I paused The Mentalist and found Erik standing at the door. Damon gave a grunt at the intrusion.

"Hey, Erik." I greeted and went to stand, only for Damon to tighten the arm around my waist. I looked up at him in mock disapproval, but he didn't look the least bit sorry.

It had been a couple days since the funerals and things had been quiet as we were getting used to normalcy.

Damon and I had basically been cooped up in our room, undisturbed so we could spend time together without the worry of any danger coming for us.

"Who's here?" Damon asked Erik, finally looking away from me to pay attention to him.

"It's Agent Adlai. He's already with Xavier, Jasmine, and John in the office. See you guys there." Erik left as fast as he had entered.

I tried to stand again, but Damon still wouldn't budge. This time I really glared at my boyfriend.

"We need to go. It's rude to keep them waiting."

"Yes, because I am a proper gentleman." Damon said with a deadpan expression. I swatted him gently.

"Come on, I want to know why Adlai is here. Aren't you just a teeny bit curious?" I tried to tap into his inquisitive nature. Seeing his expression, I pried myself free and skipped over to the door.

I spun around to see Damon following me with a broody expression. "What's wrong?"

Damon sighed. "I just don't want to share your attention with anyone, Flower. Feeling possessive of you." Damon lightly ran his lips over mine before pulling away. I flushed at the light sensation before clearing my throat.

"W-well that's okay." I stuttered and Damon chuckled.

"Come on, you were the one who wanted to go. Isn't it rude to keep them waiting?"

"Don't use my words against me." I muttered as we left our room, quickly grabbing his free hand.

The office wasn't far away, on the same side of the house we were staying in. It wasn't as big as the office back home, but it was still roomy enough to have a large meeting.

When we opened the door, I was greeted by smiling faces sitting at a long table. I waved quickly at Jasmine, who was resting her feet on another chair, and John, who was finally out of the wheelchair and using crutches instead.

Xavier gave me a wink when I looked in his direction and I gave him a quick smile. Finally, I focused on the federal agent.

"Ms. Sinclair, it's good to see you again," Adlai stood up from his seat to shake my hand, then Damon's. "I'm glad to see that you're both all right."

"It's good to see you too. I heard what you did for us, and I am really thankful. Thank you." I spoke genuinely.

Adlai gave me a smile and a nod. "It was the right thing to do."

Xavier gestured to empty chairs. "Have a seat. The FBI agent was about to give us an update on things."

I sat next to Jasmine, asking how she was doing.

"Sore, but I'm fine. I was finally able to convince Julian to let me out of his sight. I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts." Jasmine sighed as she took a sip of wine.

I shook my head at her. Then, Adlai stole my attention.

"I'm giving you as much information as I can, but a lot of it is classified."

Erik snorted at that. If anyone can crack into it, he could. Adlai seemed to know that as well, but ignored him.

"While a lot of the information has been made public, the source decided to leak only the more 'surface crimes', meaning things such as fraud, drugs, and intimidation. A lot of the more severe and lethal ones– assassinations, arm deals, any other deadly crimes– were only sent to the FBI. Most of the people on the list have been arrested, including Anthony Wiseman. They are being processed now. There's nowhere for them to run and that's because of you."

Adlai fiddled with the empty glass in front of him.

"My supervisors are aware that your intel was vital to the investigation. They're willing to create an undisclosed agreement on sharing intel and occasional partnership between the FBI and MPS. Anything we share will only be between you and me, Mr. Monroe. That is, if you're still interested."

Xavier smiled lazily.

"I'm sure we can work something out. I could always use another buddy in the legal system– legally of course."

Adlai closed his eyes and shook his head. "I don't even want to know. Just make sure you don't get caught."

"Plausible deniability, my friend. Plausible deniability." Xavier sang, trying to reach over the table to give Damon a fist bump. Damon just scowled, swatting him away.

"What about Garrett Benson? Did he realize maybe it wasn't a good idea to work with a criminal organization?" Jasmine asked, rolling her eyes.

Xavier shook his head.

"I have to say I didn't expect it from Benson. He was actually able to surprise me. He would've done whatever he could to take us down, even going the illegal route."

"He wasn't getting anywhere, even as an FBI agent. I think he also got cocky after he started to build a name for himself there." John added.

"Benson is going to prison for tampering with evidence and for aiding and abetting. Hopefully, Benson can get some help. He is definitely a troubled man, unstable man," Adlai updated. "He no longer has the support of the FBI or the government. I doubt Benson would even be able to get a job as a small-town cop if he gets out."

I squeezed Damon's hand. While Benson scared me and hurt my friends, Damon and Xavier had explained to me their history with Benson and his father. Once it was explained, I could see him in a different light. But it still didn't excuse the fact that he almost got away with getting Xavier and Damon arrested. Now, I could only hope that Garrett Benson would become a distant memory.

"What about Finn Drystan, the fall guy for the murders?" Erik asked.

Adlai smiled. "All charges were dropped and he's been released. I hear that he will be staying close to his wife and family," Adlai cleared his throat. "The final thing that I wanted to talk about was Rosaline's involvement."

"What do you mean?" I asked as everyone else sat up straight, Damon's hand squeezing mine painfully. I wiggled my fingers and he loosened his hold.

"Rosaline is a vital witness and the spark that started all of this. Her words and story would be what seals the deal. However, her name isn't public and this is a high profile case. If we do put her in front of a jury and TV cameras, Rosaline would gain a lot of enemies. We could put her into witness protection–"

"Hell no." Damon interrupted, talking for the first time since the meeting started. Xavier stopped him before Damon could really fume.

"You're right. If Rosaline went public with her statements or went to a grand jury, people will find out. This story is too big for that." Xavier tapped his chin thoughtfully. "What if it was a written statement? Maybe an alias?"

Jasmine nodded, her lawyer expertise coming out.

"We could have her off the public record since this is a special case," Jasmine said. "We could withhold her information from the defendants and everyone, have her give testimony in private in front of a judge."

Adlai contemplated this before nodding. "We will keep her off the record. We'd only put a large target on her back if we didn't. But I would like to see how Rosaline feels about the idea."

Everybody looked at me and I fought not to blush under the attention. I tried to fiddle with the ends of my hair, but Damon only grasped both my hands in his larger one.

"I-I want to help in any way I can. But I don't want to become the figurehead or have my name tossed around. I wouldn't be able to handle that. I think being anonymous would be a good idea," I nodded firmly. "I want to make sure that no one can get out of this. If speaking up will make that happen, then I will."

I really tried not to become a red tomato at the proud looks on everyone's faces.

"Then it's settled. We will need a written statement and more information will be brought to your attention. I'm sure Ms. Amari will be representing you." Agent Adlai stated.

"Damn straight I am." Jasmine confirmed.

"Then that is all that I have to share. I have other business that needs to be attended to. However, I have a feeling we will be seeing each other very soon." Adlai said as he stood to leave.

"Oh, you have no idea what you just signed yourself up for, Agent Adlai," Xavier said with a charming grin as he escorted the man out. "How do you feel about sneaking into a gang in Brooklyn? It'll be fun..." The others followed him, leaving me and Damon alone.

"This is all going to work out, right? Because of you, the good guys are going to win?" I asked, wrapping my arms around him.

Damon shook his head. "Here, we are not good nor bad. The people needed to know the truth, but it always comes with consequences. However, I think we both under and overestimate the powers of humanity and coming together for a cause. It's up to all of us– and I am talking about the public as well– to figure out which direction we want this to go. But if the Organization sees anyone trying to take advantage of this or another corrupt party comes to play...we'll be there."

I let out a hum, basking in his embrace and smiling when I saw him wearing my rose charm.

"I love you." I said with affection.

Damon matched my smile and gave me a firm kiss.

"And I love you, Flower. You are my entire world. When all of this is over, we are going on vacation. Just you and me."

I melted into a pile of goo as Damon continued kissing me. I decided that I didn't care that his lip was still partially healing. It felt too good to stop.

"Mhmmm. That sounds magical."

Damon moved his kisses down my jaw. "And you'll stay by my side and never leave my sight."

"Uh-huh." I murmured, running my hands through his hair as he continued down my neck. Damon let out a groan when I tugged. My mind was muddled from the sensation.

"Only if we go to Disney World."

"Damn it, woman." Damon muttered before pulling back. "We are not going to Disney World. Too many people and I don't go on rides. Let's go to the fucking Bahamas or someplace that is more isolated and peaceful."

I gaped at him as he started walking away.

"No! I've only been to Disneyland once, and I was little. I would love to go and I promise to be next to you the entire time. We don't have to go on any fast rides. Please, Damon, it would be fun," I chased after him. "Plus, you would look adorable with some Mickey ears on your head. I can see it now!" The visual made me burst into giggles.

Damon turned to scowl at me as my laughter echoed through the halls.

I couldn't wait to spend the rest of my life with him. I was never going to be alone again.