Page 61 of Special Agent Joseph

Joe reached out, hesitating. He looked around, his side smile teasing. “I’ll apologize now for whatever I’m about to uncover.”

Megan couldn’t help herself. She pushed at his shoulder, entreating him, “Look, Joe. You’ll be as proud as we are.”

Lucia also urged him on. “I can’t wait, Joe. If you don’t look soon, I will. Open it.”

Sighing with trepidation, Joe began to read the contents, and Megan swore later that he sat straighter the more he read. Finally, he stood and looked around at the others who were teasingly saluting him. When he raised his own hand in answer, he actually broke out laughing. “I knew I couldn’t be a bad cop but never guessed I’d be a Captain in the United States army.”

A knock at the door caught their attention. When Tom stuck his head in, he laughed at the sight. “I see you read your file.”

Joe’s smile widened. “Yep. Told you I knew about rifles.”

“That you did, brother. Look, I have someone here who’d like to meet you. Seems she’s been looking for a long lost brother that she expected to show up weeks ago. Says his name is Joe Wyatt.” Tom stood aside, ushering in a pretty blonde woman.

The group froze. Joe’s eyes grew round, and he began shaking. Seconds went by where everyone held their breath. Not a sound could be heard. Then they watched his expression change to that perfect warm side-smile that was so completely his.

The words he forced out were low and guttural. They held a world of shock, plus satisfaction, and overwhelming love. “Hi, Nadine.” He pulled her close and hugged her hard before turning to the others. “Everyone… meet my sister.”

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