Page 92 of Fallout

Destiny grinned. “Told you.”

Jasper chuckled. “Thank you.” He glanced at her, then looked at Clare. “I’m a little amazed you think I have what it takes to take over from you, and I’m happy to hear you’ll be staying on as an advisor.” He swallowed. “I love the idea. It’s perfect.”

Destiny let out the breath she’d been holding. Was this what he wanted? The change he’d been looking for, that he said he’d found in her. But he’d still seemed kind of restless and unsatisfied. This could be it.

He had a measured tone when he said, “I’ll be close to my family and able to do what I love in a new way.”

She bit the inside of her lip. He sounded nervous. She squeezed his hand, just to reassure him in her own way that she had his back. No matter what.

“On a much wider scale.” Clare smiled. “Even your father agreed you were meant for something great. Not that being a detective isn’t an honorable path. But then he mentioned that this could be a stepping stone to running for governor, so I think I’ll leave that one with the two of you.”

Jasper groaned. “That man. He only thinks about politics.”

Destiny chuckled. “I think you could absolutely be the governor someday. Who knows?” She didn’t exactly want to live the life of a politician’s wife, but it was up to Jasper.

All she knew was that God would continue to be good, and her life would look nothing like she imagined.

Jasper said, “All right. Let’s talk about this. I’m absolutely interested in running Vanguard.”

Destiny smiled so wide her cheeks hurt. A couple of stray tears ran down her face, and Jasper gathered her to his side, kissing her forehead. He whispered, “I’ll be your boss.”

Destiny gasped. Her heart was full of laughter. “I’ve signed an NDA. I can’t possibly reveal any secrets from before your time. No matter what torture you use, it won’t work.”

Jasper shifted, and Clare looked at her as well. Amazingly, Destiny hadn’t even thought about Africa when she said that. The memories would fade as life moved on. Her child would never know the terrors she had been through.

Jasper would work to make the world a little safer.

So that other women like Destiny, trapped and without hope, would find rescue and family just like she had.

There was nothing she wanted more.

Destiny smiled. “Let’s do this.”