Page 29 of Caspian (HC Heroes #14)

“We’re managing,” Harper said, offering a small smile. “I’m just glad Cas and Dale showed up when they did.”

Gabe nodded, moving further into the living room. “Dale’s got good instincts. He’s going to make a hell of a deputy. He was watching the monitors when that guy came up the driveway. Sounds like he got to the garage just in time.”

Cas’ grip on her hand tightened. “My brother always had impeccable timing,” he said, his tone even and sure. “So what happens now?”

The sheriff pulled out a notepad and turned his attention to Harper. “Why don’t we sit down, then I need both of your statements. You first, Harper. Just go over what happened, every detail you can remember. We need to make sure we’ve got everything covered.”

She sat on the couch next to Cas, who immediately entwined their fingers, while Gabe settled in the armchair.

After taking a deep breath, she recounted the confrontation in the garage, the thug’s threats, the scuffle, the moment he pulled the gun, and how she’d tackled Cas when the weapon was turned on him.

Gabe listened carefully, his pen moving steadily across the page as she spoke.

Cas added his perspective, describing how he’d walked in just as things took a dangerous turn.

When they finished, Gabe closed his notepad and leveled a gaze at them. “That’s good. With what you’ve told me and what Dale got from the guy downstairs, we have enough to bring in George Anderson.”

“Really?” Cas raised an eyebrow, a look of surprise mixed with satisfaction crossing his face. “Did the bastard downstairs give him up?”

The sheriff nodded, a small, approving smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Yes, he did. Your brother’s got a way of making people talk without them realizing it.

Dale didn’t even have to push that hard.

The guy spilled enough to connect George Anderson directly to the threats and the attack. ”

Relief surged through her, but it was tempered with a simmering anger.

George Anderson had been lurking in the shadows, orchestrating these threats, and for what?

To protect his family’s secrets at any cost?

She clenched her jaw. With George in their sights, they had a real chance to get justice for Mary and the man she referred to as P.

Cas cocked his head. “So what’s next? Do you think George will talk once you bring him in?”

The sheriff shrugged, slipping his notepad back into his pocket. “We’ll see. He’s got a lot to lose, but he’s also not as invincible as he thinks. If we can get him talking, or even just rattled enough, we might get what we need to bring down the whole house of cards.”

There had been three families living large for too long. Granted, it was safe to say not all the relatives were shady and shouldn’t be punished for what their ancestors had done all those decades ago, but the truth needed to come out just the same.

Harper nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “It’s about time they face what they’ve done. Mary, P, all those people—they deserve justice.”

“Speaking of P,” Gabe said. “Carter came through with the list of Andersons. Turns out Nevil’s grandson was Phillip Anderson. That would make George his great nephew.”

“Phillip,” she said with a smile. “Thanks. It’s good to have an actual name.”

Her great-grandmother had been in love with Phillip Anderson before she’d met Jonathan Quinn, a new pastor who’d built a new church.

Harper had been blessed with another gift when she’d finally got back to working on Mary’s desk. She’d discovered another secret compartment and inside was a diary about the second love of her life, Harper and Sadie’s great-grandfather.

“We’re not stopping until this is finished,” Gabe said, recapturing her attention.

Cas squeezed her hand, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “You’ve got that right, Sheriff.”

She scratched her temple. “I’m still trying to figure out how George even knew I had the diary. I don’t think we talked about it in his bank when I opened my account—which I’ll be closing the first chance I get.”

Gabe smirked, rising to his feet. “Pretty sure there’s going to be a lot of people pulling their money from there.”

“And I think I have an answer for you, Harper,” Cas said, bringing them to their feet, too. “Remember those checks Carter ran on the people at Harland Title and Tag? Turns out the guy who did your truck transfer was the owner, Shawn Collins.”

She sucked in a breath. “One of the founding families…”

He nodded. “I’m guessing he overheard us talking and relayed it to George.”

That explained a lot.

“Seems like I’ll be paying Mr. Collins a visit, too,” the sheriff stated, his expression serious.

She glanced at both men, and her heart swelled with gratitude. George Anderson’s involvement was out in the open, and the truth about Nevil that had been buried for so long was finally clawing its way to the surface.

“Thanks, Gabe,” she said, her voice steady. “For everything.”

The sheriff set his hat back on his head and nodded. “We’re going to get them, Harper. And when we do, the residents of Harland County will finally know the truth.”

As Gabe left, Harper stood in the doorway with Cas, a quiet strength settling over her. They were finally bringing an end to the darkness that had haunted her family for generations. Mary’s truth was finally coming to light.

“I’m so damn proud of you, Harper,” Cas murmured, hugging her from behind. “I know none of this has been easy, facing your past, your family’s past, but you did it and came out on top.”

She turned in his arms, setting her hands on his chest. “All because of you. I could never have done any of this without you, Cas. It’s your strength and acceptance that kept me going, even when I wanted to turn back.

You made me believe that I could face it all.

That I didn’t have to run from life and the truth anymore. ”

Cas had been her rock through all of this, his unwavering support a constant light in the darkest moments.

His gaze softened as he stared into her eyes, his hands moving to gently cup her face.

“You’ve had the strength all along, Harper.

I just helped you see it.” He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, and the warmth of his affection washed over her, filling the holes that the past had eaten away.

Harper rested her forehead against his, her heart full and steady. “Thank you, Cas. For everything. For being here, for believing in me.”

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners in that way that always made her heart flutter. “I’d do it all again, Harper. Every second. Anything for you.”

They stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, the shadows of the past finally lifting as she looked toward a future where the truth would finally be known.

For the first time in a long time, Harper felt like she could breathe freely. It was an amazing feeling.

She leaned into Cas, enjoying the warmth of his embrace. “You know, for all the trouble we’ve been through, I think we make a pretty good team. Maybe we should stick to projects that involve a little less danger and a lot more sawdust.”

He chuckled, his hands sliding to rest on her hips. “I’m all for it. Besides, you’re not the only one good with your hands. I could use a new challenge. How about we start with that table you’ve been talking about?”

Harper smiled, feeling the comfort of their shared rhythm, as natural as sanding down a rough piece of wood to reveal something beautiful underneath. “Deal. I’ll handle the design, you handle the heavy lifting. We’ll create a masterpiece.”

He brushed a kiss against her temple, his touch soft and reassuring. “Just like us, huh? A little rough around the edges, but strong where it counts.”

She laughed, her heart light as she drew back to meet his gaze. “Exactly. And if we can handle this, I think we can tackle anything…one project at a time.”

With Cas by her side, Harper felt ready for whatever came next, knowing that their greatest work was still ahead of them, built together, one step—and one perfectly measured cut—at a time.