Page 30 of Guard Bear (Return To Fate Mountain #5)

Chapter

Twenty-Eight

The community center hummed with victorious energy. All five couples who'd been targeted sat together, a united front of survival. Joy found herself studying them, these people who'd become family through shared trauma.

The federal agent at the podium looked tired but satisfied. "Crown Mountain Developments has been completely dismantled," she announced. "All assets have been frozen, properties seized, and their network of shell companies mapped and severed."

Applause rippled through the room. Joy felt Andre's hand tighten on hers.

"Jason Prescott has been indicted on federal racketeering charges and is being held without bail," the agent continued. "The evidence you all provided was instrumental. Your community's response saved lives and exposed a criminal enterprise spanning decades."

She gestured to a chart behind her. "We've secured guilty pleas from six co-conspirators, including Marcus Webb and his mercenary team. The trial is scheduled for next spring, but based on the evidence, we expect Prescott to face twenty-five to life when convicted."

More details followed. Federal grants for affected businesses. A victim compensation fund established from seized assets. Resources for rebuilding.

"The compensation fund will begin distributing payments next month," the agent said. "Every business and individual who suffered losses will receive full restitution from Prescott's frozen accounts."

Andre's phone lit up with a text. "What is it?" She leaned over to see.

"Saw the news about Crown Mountain being dismantled. That was all you, Andre. Stop blaming yourself for what happened to me. You're a hell of a cop. - S"

Sarah. His former partner. The woman whose paralysis had driven him from Portland, whose injury had shaped every protective instinct since.

Andre's eyes got wet. Through their bond, Joy felt something shift in him. An old weight lifting. His guilt finally beginning to dissolve.

She took his hand, offering silent support. No words needed. She felt his gratitude, his relief, his slowly growing acceptance that maybe he could finally forgive himself.

After the meeting, they drove home with the stars blinking into the dark sky overhead. Joy's stomach felt unsettled, probably too much of the community center's notoriously strong coffee.

"The federal task force is finally closing their field office. Heath wants me to take over training for the new recruits." Andre's free hand found hers across the console. "Might mean more regular hours."

"That's wonderful," Joy said, squeezing his fingers. "You'd be good at that." She paused, studying his profile in the dashboard light. "How do you feel about it? After everything that happened?"

"Honestly? Ready for it." Andre's thumb traced circles on her knuckles. "I spent so long thinking I'd failed as a cop because of what happened to Sarah. But maybe that experience - learning from that failure - is exactly what these recruits need to hear. Real stories, not just textbook scenarios."

Joy's stomach rolled again. Definitely too much coffee. She focused on Andre's voice, on their linked hands, on the warm presence of him in her mind.

"Christmas orders are already coming in," she said, changing the subject to something that didn't make her queasy. "I might need some help with the shipments."

"Whatever you need." Andre's thumb stroked her knuckles.

The cottage appeared through the trees, windows glowing welcome. Home. Their home. Built with their own hands and the help of family. Filled with hope and plans and love.

Joy climbed out of the truck, breathing deep of the pine-scented air. Her queasiness settled as her feet found solid ground. Tomorrow she'd check the hives, milk the goats, prep for the farmers market. Andre would work his afternoon shift, keeping their community safe.

Tonight, though, she just wanted to hold onto this moment. This life they'd built from ashes. This future stretching before them bright with promise.

Andre's arm came around her waist as they walked to the door. Through their bond, she felt his contentment, his joy, his certainty that this was exactly where they both belonged.

The stars wheeled overhead, ancient and eternal. But down here, in their little corner of the mountain, everything felt new. Everything felt possible.

The future was unfolding one day at a time, and it was beautiful.