Page 115 of Radar

“John Green was out in Singapore tag-teaming with Adele. While he was there, he caught sight of William Davidson without his family and wondered what that was about, so he kept an eye on him. William Davidson was at a restaurant overlooking the harbor and watched the family getting on the ferry.”

“Any chance that was by happenstance?”

“None. Davidson had military-grade binoculars up as he watched in the exact direction of the explosion moments before it occurred. He continued to watch in that direction for approximately five minutes, then threw his head back andlaughed so loudly that it brought the entire restaurant to a standstill. Green had no idea what the hell was happening. After Davidson sobered. He lifted the field glasses again and watched for quite a while. He received a single phone call that he put to his ear but did not reply to, then hung up. He paid his bill, and his driver took him to the airport. There he loaded onto his private jet and flew to his retreat in Tanzania.”

“As the saying goes, revenge is a dish best served cold,” Xander said. “It seems he ate his fill.”

“Anna,” Grey said from off to the side. “How are you holding up? Don’t answer that. I can see you’re struggling. Do you want me to light the fire and get you some tea?”

“Yes, please. I’m just saying goodbye to Xander and Elyssa."

“Well done, both of you!” Grey called out. “Heroes!”

“Goodbye, Anna,” Xander said. “When you get home to D.C. The four of us—you, Finley, Elyssa, and I—are going to dinner to celebrate your freedom.”

“At least from that threat,” Anna said, “we’re all free.”

Epilogue

Elyssa stood in her bright pink dress that hung to her ankles and billowed in the wind. Her hand lay protectively on her rounded belly, where her daughter kicked her tiny feet.

Radar sat at her side, looking his regal self, wearing a service dog vest with medical alert patches and a tag that had his proper name.

And in the first row, front and center, Xander stood with their son straddling his shoulders, holding his ankles. “Look at, mommy, Eddie Ben. See her with those big scissors? She’s going to cut the red bow, and when she does, we’ll clap and yell very loud.”

Elyssa sent her gaze around the hundreds who had gathered. “Good afternoon, all. I am Dr. Elyssa Belov the engineer who developed the science behind your project. I believe that food is a human right. I am incredibly proud of this day and of all the hard work this village has put into making your vertical farm a reality. My compliments to you all. Today, WorldCares opens its very first vertical farm and grocery store, designed to protect your community. In a natural disaster, there is enough room in the store to shelter everyone in the village. The cisterns will capture rainwater during the monsoon for use throughout the year, keeping fruits and vegetables healthy. And the mesh that covers the building not only protects the structure from flying debris in the case of a typhoon, but also captures any moisture in the air and allows it to accumulate into water droplets that are collected below, further insurance that a dry year will not leave you without sustenance. The farm is meant to be a gathering place for community and kindness.” She steppedforward. “And with that, WorldCares declares that their first vertical farm is open!” Elyssa snipped with her ridiculously large ceremonial scissors.

The ribbon cut, and the cheers went up.

Elyssa stood there, her hand on Radar’s head, looking at Xander with tears in her eyes.

Xander shouted out. “This calls for a victory dance!”

A woman in a bright-colored caftan stepped forward, and her rich voice rode the wind with joyful notes. Everyone who had gathered joined in the song as they danced their celebration.

Elyssa made her way into Xander’s arms, “Thank you,” she said laying her head on his heart.

And amidst the celebration, their family stood as a tight knot of love all doing their “little bit” of good.

The END