Arthur woke three days later to the sterile scent of antiseptic and the soft hum of medical equipment. He was in the intensive care unit at Pennsylvania Hospital. A nurse was adjusting an IV drip in his arm. He tried to move his left arm, but it wouldn’t respond. He tried to speak, but the words came out slow, labored, a clumsy effort.
A federal prosecutor, a serious woman with kind eyes, visited his bedside. She informed him that Harrison and Rebecca Croft had been formally indicted on federal wire fraud, bribery, and racketeering charges. Their political careers were over.
“The eminent domain order against your brownstone is permanently canceled, Alderman,” she said softly. “And appraiser Marcus Gable has surrendered his commercial license under plea deal terms. He’ll cooperate fully.”
The corrupt politicians were brought to justice. His home was saved. It was a total victory. But as Arthur looked at his unresponsive left arm, as he struggled to form a coherent sentence, the true cost of that victory settled heavily upon him. The acute stress, the prolonged fight, the cold and isolation – they had triggered a moderate ischemic stroke. His physical health, the very foundation of his remaining years, was irrevocably compromised.
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