Page 36

January 2

And just like that it was over.

The raid at the Bradford’s was a triumph. Fifty girls under the age of sixteen were rescued as more than forty pedophiles were arrested, including Charles Tattersall, Perry Johnson, Samuels, the Cadre operative; half a dozen of their members as well as executives from child welfare agencies all over Tennessee. Henry Tate was singing like a bird. Reporters Anne Hamilton and Danni Blake, fiancées of BP members, couldn’t write the stories fast enough. Some of the rescued girls had families and Lucinda Gonzalez was working overtime to find the ones in state custody therapeutic foster homes. After a stern lecture from Grant Miller not to “Play cop,” T.J. Fielding was released to his horrified but very proud foster parents, who immediately began proceedings to adopt him. Stanislaus Tobias Dembowski–who was demanding to see the English ambassador–was locked up or he would blow them up like he tried to Kristopher’s car, which was now back in the Brotherhood Protectors garage.

And Gregori Bogdan was caught. Miller had hurried back to the hotel and had led the raid on the penthouse, taking down Bogdan himself. The webcam recording from the gnome had captured in horrific detail, his killing of Mercy Phillips.

“I may have gotten a bit carried away while I was subduing him,” Miller told Kristopher. “He might try to sue for excessive force. But damn, it was worth it.”

But best of all, David Phillips’ grandparents were home. The boy had a lot of healing to do, but he had a score of people to help him with that.

“I’d call this an amazing week,” Elaine announced as Kristopher, Suzanne, and Bailey waited for the principals to arrive at her home. They’d decided to wait until today to give David some time with his grandparents and for the effect of the chloroform to wear off on him and Suzanne.

“I still feel like I’ve been on a roller coaster,” Suzanne said, accepting a glass of champagne from Bailey.

“Still woozy there, Miz Bennett?” Kristopher laughed at her scowl.

“If this wasn’t the good stuff, I’d pour it over your head,” she threatened. “You’re not going to let me forget that I was as drunk as three skunks from that chloroform, are you?”

“Not in a million years,” he teased. “What kind of woman leaves her purse behind while she’s being abducted?”

“One who’s been chloroformed,” she retorted. “Thank God T.J. convinced those officers to look for that webcam. Hiding it in a garden gnome? Mercy was a genius. And that he also gave David his phone, otherwise you never would have found us.” She paused, shaking her head. “Good grief. This is an experience we’ll never forget.”

“And I’ll never forget New Year’s Day and our own little private party,” Kristopher whispered, brushing his lips over her hair. They’d spent the day making love over and over, like they were the only ones in the world. A world they had created themselves.

She blushed and Elaine rolled her eyes. “Come on and help me in the kitchen, Bailey. I won’t let Kristopher in mine either.”

“Maybe the last time in a long time before I get to cook in a proper kitchen,” Bailey said as he followed her. “I don’t think they have kitchens like this one where I’m going.”

When they were gone, Suzanne set her glass aside. “OK, before you leave town for parts unknown, are you going to tell me about why no one will let you in a kitchen?”

He sighed. “OK. I guess since you’ve seen me naked, I can tell you. I left the eggs out of a quiche Lorraine I was making and baked it in a very dirty and very old oven. The oven caught fire and turned the quiche into something like cheesy molten lava. And there was a roomful of people to whom I had boasted about my quiche making skills. We had to send out for pizza. Patrick was there and has never let me live it down. And who say’s I’m leaving town?”

“What about that mission you couldn’t tell me about?” Suzanne said, as hope surged through her. “Wasn’t that what Bailey was talking about just now?”

“Well, I think I’m going to be needed to testify after all this business you got me into,” Kristopher said. “Hank has agreed to let me stick around. Indefinitely.”

“Oh.”

“Is that the best you can do, Miz Bennett? Oh?”

“You want to stay here?” she whispered. “With me?”

“How could I leave behind the woman who helped me bury the last of my demons over Syd?” Kristopher gathered her in his arms. “Helping you find David Phillips did that.”

“The guests are arriving,” Elaine shouted. “Are you guys good to go in there or do I need to come breakup some hanky-panky?”

“Are we good to go?” Suzanne placed her palms on his face.

“Not good to go, Miz Bennett,” he said, pulling her closer. “Good to stay. Always, and forever. Good to stay.”

And he kissed her.