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The crowd was trampling itself; no one was coming after them, and still, she and Jackson had their system, so she looked at him quickly.

He nodded, turning to the crowd, Glock aimed and ready, while she ran to gather Celia in her arms and bring her gently down on her lap.

She quickly saw the puncture mark on the young woman’s arm, but she could find no other injury.

Julian was down beside her, his hand gently reaching out, stroking her cheek.

Celia opened her eyes.

She looked up at Angela and whispered, “Thank you!”

“Help is coming!” she said softly in return.

And it was.

They heard sirens from the edge of the forest and sirens from the water.

EMTs were quickly there, and Angela opted to head out with them as they got Celia to the hospital.

Of course, Julian Wagner was there with her as well.

Even in the ambulance, they were assured that Celia would be okay, the sedative put into her would be flushed out, but it might be a good idea if she spent one night at the hospital for observation.

Once Celia had been taken away for treatment, Angela sat in the waiting room.

Jackson, Adam, and Josh joined her shortly.

And Josh, too, looked at them and said, “Thank you!”

“Hey, they’re my team.

I put them together!” Adam teased.

“And I thank all of you,” Josh said, grinning at his father.

“Days like this are the best!” Angela assured him.

As she softly spoke, smiling.

Celia’s doctor came out and said that she was weak, he’d be happiest if she’d see just one of them for a few minutes.

They’d all be welcome back the next day; she’d probably be released.

They all looked at Angela and she smiled and headed into Celia’s room.

Once again, she thanked Angela and shook her head.

“How did you know? How did you even know that something had happened? I mean, my poor fiancé couldn’t have even known; I head out early when I have meetings.”

Of course, Julian Wagner was still in the room, seated at his daughter’s side.

But . . .

Angela thought quickly.

“Anonymous tip,” she said simply.

But Celia shook her head.

“I think I saw him!” she said softly.

“Pardon?” Angela asked.

“My dad.

In the woods.

I opened my eyes for a moment, and I think that I saw him.

And I know that I scare him, but ...” She paused and smiled.

“I have learned that I must be much more careful. But I will never change. He taught me about humanity, about fairness, about the fact that we’re all human beings and . . . well, I’m still me. Just a more careful me!”

Angela smiled.

“Good for you! But of course—”

“You will be seeing to my protection, and I heard a nurse murmuring about the fact that half the people arrested when the bulk of law enforcement arrived are claiming that they had no idea what was meant to happen and that ...

well, some might have changed! They might be kinder and more tolerant now.

A win from a bout of terror!” she said.

Angela smiled.

She didn’t need to answer.

A tall blond man, dressed in a casual beige suit, was hurrying in anxiously.

“Sam!” Celia breathed.

“Oh, my God!” He was at Celia’s side, taking her into his arms, and turning to Angela, starting to stumble out words of thanks.

Angela rose quickly, smiling, interrupting him, “I’m going to leave you two alone! Doc said one person, so .

.

.

hey, so very happy that we’re all here!” she said.

And she escaped.

Jackson, Adam, and Josh were waiting for her.

And to her surprise, the spirit of Julian Wagner quickly followed her out.

“Hey, I give them privacy too, of course!” he said.

Angela nodded, studying the man, smiling.

“You were amazing, sir.

I’ve seen—” she broke off.

She’d been about to say, “the dead.” It seemed a bit crass.

“I’ve seen spirits do many, many things, but you were amazing, stopping that spear!”

He laughed softly.

“Hey.

I may be dead, but I’m Celia’s father! And,” he added quietly, “A Father’s love is forever!”

“And Sunday is Father’s Day!” Angela said, looking at Jackson.

“And you know that the kids are planning a big day!”

Jackson smiled and nodded.

“And Father’s Day is for fathers.

You are all invited to spend it with Angela, Victoria, Corby and me, you know!

“I will be hanging around Celia, but thank you,” Julian said.

“Dad and I will happily hang around with you.

But ...for now.” Josh said, grinning.

“Don’t you guys have an office of amazing agents to run?”

“We do,” Jackson said.

“But Bruce McFadden has everything in control and it’s getting on to night, so ...

well, we’re going home to hug our kids.” He looked at Angela and said softly, “I like that.

A father’s love is forever.”

“I like it, too,” she assured him.

She looked at the others.

“We’re heading home.

Time for all fathers—to be father.!”

And when they got home that night, they hugged their kids a little too fiercely.

But that was oka’! Because, Angela knew, love was the very best of human emotion.

Fear could thrive, hate could arise, bitterness, jealousy ...

all could exist.

But there was still love.

The very best of all human emotions.