by Piper Stone
Cameras were everywhere, lights flashing as various officers tried to control the crowd, pushing everyone back. But I was able to see over the crowd as the mayor was asked to stand. I also distinctly captured the words I’d longed to hear.
“Mayor Joseph Zane, you’re under arrest for extortion as well as the murder of Nick Fabios.”
We were pushed down the stairs and outside only seconds later, the police clearing the building. I’d been able to see at least two members of the city council also placed under arrest, the others in a complete state of shock. The sun was blinding as we made our way out of the building, both of us in a state of shock as well.
“What just happened?” Genevieve finally asked, taking several deep breaths.
“All your work paid off. The police took you seriously.”
“I don’t believe this.”
I blinked twice as I tried to catch my bearings as well as focus. I’d seen a glint out of the corner of my eye, pushing my adrenaline into every cell. “Hold on a second.” I let go of her arm and walked further away, finally moving by his side. We both remained quiet for several seconds. Then the captain tilted his head ever so slowly.
“I’m sorry you lost faith in me, Blaise. I wish I could have told you what was going on. Didn’t really know all the players, but obviously they were dangerous.”
“Captain Waters, I don’t know what to say. I thought you... Never mind.”
“I know what you thought. I can’t go into details, but I assure you, the police department has been working with other officials, including the FBI for over two months investigating the mayor as well as other individuals. Even the Trillium Corporation helped to some degree. You were right on the money; there are a few bad seeds within the fire department.”
“How do you know all this?”
He smiled, the look on his face wry. “I was asked to work undercover, gathering evidence. What I found was... well, disheartening. You also blew my cover a couple of times, including at the damn kink club, which certainly helped me realize how vital you are to the entire system. That’s why I knew my replacement choice without question.”
“The kink club.”
“Joseph Zane, along with a few others own the club as well. Go figure.”
I sniffed, relief as well as sickness rushing into my system. “Where are you going?”
He chuckled, glancing in Genevieve’s direction, giving her a respectful nod. “Well, looks like I’ll be working with the new fire investigator on her team. That is if she’ll have me.”
We locked eyes and my smile was genuine. “She’ll be honored, just like I am, sir.”
“Well, without her help and the evidence she was able to locate, we wouldn’t have been able to identify the others, at least not for a while.”
“Can you tell me who on the fire department?” I had to know who was the real traitor.
Captain Waters turned to face me. “You’ll hear this no doubt on the news tonight, but I’ll ask you to keep it quiet for now.”
“Of course.”
“Frank Abbott as well as Captain Dillon from the 24. Mike Sanders from the 68 also played a hand. Old buddies with Frank.”
“Shit. I should have known.”
“I don’t think Mayor Zane had any idea how tenacious your girlfriend really is.”
“That she is, sir. That she is.”
He patted me on the back, giving me a slow and easy smile. “I know you’ll take good care of the 19, but I’ll give you one piece of advice.”
“What’s that, sir?”
“Never let that girl out of your sight.”
As he walked away, I swelled with pride as well as additional respect. I also knew I couldn’t spend another day without her. I chuckled as she walked closer. Time to come clean about the rest of my life, and about my sister.
* * *
Two weeks later
“This is beautiful,” Genevieve said quietly. Our fingers were laced together, my grip on her hand no doubt painful. My mind was a blur, my heart aching for the loss.
“Yeah, it really is. I’d almost forgotten just how beautiful the ranch really is.” We could just see the house in the distance as we stood under the large oak tree. I wasn’t exactly ready to face the past, not in every manner. I knew I’d come back to Texas one day. I had to face my demons.
“This is home and it will always be. No matter that this isn’t the house you grew up in. The land, the trees, and the horses. You have so many amazing memories. Maggie would want you to remember. You know that.”
I wiped a single tear from my eye, glancing up at her favorite tree. I could still see in my mind the swing I’d installed for her, could hear her giggling as I pushed her over and over again. While she was buried in the local cemetery, her spirit was right here. “I know you’re right. I feel closer to her now.”
“Thank you for bringing me here.” She kissed my cheek, squeezing my hand.
“You wanted to move to Texas.” I gave her a single grin. The last two weeks seemed like a blur more than anything. From the various discussions with the police, the continued investigations into the fires and dealing with Genevieve’s insurance company, life had been interesting. I’d learned a hell of a lot from Captain Waters, including that running a team was more difficult than I could have imagined. I felt even more honored to be in charge and I’d vowed to keep us all together, fighting every city councilmember until I took my last breath to get what we deserved.
What the people of Charlotte deserved.
“I did and if things hadn’t worked out the way they had, this would be a beautiful place to settle down.”
“Who said anything about settling down, lady?” Bumping her hip, I was happier than I’d ever been, even as sadness remained ingrained in my heart.
“Uh-huh. That’s why I’ve taken over your house.” She laughed softly, brushing the hair out of her eyes. Even the light breeze blowing the scent of flowers into my nostrils was a reminder of everything I felt I’d lost.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that.”
She smacked my ass then gulped. “Uh-oh. I guess a spanking is in order for that. Huh?”
I grabbed her around the waist, pulling her against me. “For more than just that.” After kissing her lips, the pang reminded me why we were here. To make amends. To ask for forgiveness.
To find peace.
“Are you ready?”
I glanced into her beautiful eyes and finally found the courage. “Yep. I think I am.” I guided her back into the truck, taking several deep breaths as I started the engine. My parents didn’t know we were coming. I honestly hadn’t wanted to alert them in any manner. If they threw me out, well, I could say at least I’d tried.
The drive took only minutes and when I pulled up alongside my father’s favorite old Dodge Ram, memories surfaced. They were good ones, infused with hayrides and holiday events. All with my sister involved. I’d realized after the events two weeks earlier than perhaps I’d been tasked to save Genevieve’s life, maybe atoning for not being able to save Maggie. One life could never make up for another, but I was thankful every day Jake had known to come and get me.
“Come on, my cowboy. I’ll be right by your side.” Genevieve held my hand once again as we walked onto the porch.
I hesitated only a few seconds before knocking on the door. Only seconds later, I heard footsteps. At that point, I shored my shoulders, trying to keep a bland expression. As the door was opened, I almost lost it.
She stood gawking at us, her lower lip dropping, her eyes misting over. “Brendon? Is that really you?”
“Hi, Mom. I just wanted to stop by and say hi.” The words were so damn lame but as I locked eyes with hers, all the years of fear and worry, guilt and remorse rushed into my system.
“William. Come here. Now!” My mother’s voice was insistent yet shaking. “Oh, my God. I’ve waited for this moment. I’ve prayed for this moment.” She threw her arms around me, sobbing against
my shoulder. “I’ve missed you so much, son.”
The footsteps were heavy, laced with urgency. As my pops rounded the corner, his expression stern, I knew the man would never forgive me.
He walked closer, blinking several times. As he fell against the doorjamb, tears in his eyes, I couldn’t stop my own. “Hey, Pops.”
“Son. Oh, son. You have no idea how many times I wanted to call you, to say how sorry I am for judging you.” He grabbed me, pulling me into a bear hug. “I love you.” Echoes sounded in my ears, Genevieve crying softly, the light breeze picking up in intensity and I could swear just for a brief moment, I heard the sound of Maggie’s giggle.
Suddenly, I was whole again.
“Mom, Pops. I’d like you to meet the woman I’m going to marry one day.”
The End
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