Page 125 of The Whispering Girls

The group headed to Devin’s property—Katie and John, with Cisco and McGaven escorting Clark—looking like they all had been in a war, battered, beaten, and bloodied. But they had overcome the killers together.

Devin’s driveway was filled with emergency vehicles: two ambulances, two state vehicles, FBI, and more were coming. The helicopter from the Pine Valley Sheriff’s Department landed in the middle of the field.

Sheriff Scott was the first to meet up with group. Without a word, he ran to Katie and hugged her tight.

“I’m so glad that you’re okay,” he said in her ear. “I’m sorry we’re late, but the storm posed a problem.”

Katie fought back the tears. She’d missed her uncle so much. “I’m fine,” she managed to say.

“Are you all okay?” the sheriff said.

“Been better,” said McGaven.

“I’m fine,” said John.

“Cisco’s doing great though,” said McGaven in good humor.

Two FBI officers took Clark. He would go to the hospital under arrest and when he was better they were going to interrogate him before keeping him in federal prison.

“Let’s get you all checked out,” said the sheriff. “After that, there will be a debriefing on everything that has happened.”

“There’s a body about a quarter mile back of Dr. Jack Thomas—he was shot by FBI Agent Clark. And Police Chief Cooper was taken to the local county hospital by the owner of the property, Devin Bradley, after we found him locked in a shed where he’d been for a number of days,” said Katie. “He doesn’t look good.”

“Got it,” said one of the agents before he moved on to the cabin.

“C’mon,” said the sheriff.

Katie thought once more about how TJ and Theresa didn’t get to enjoy their reunion as sisters and that deeply saddened her.

Katie, Sheriff Scott, McGaven, John, and Cisco walked to the ambulances. More FBI agents descended upon the property and began to work the area.

FIFTY-SIX

Two weeks later…

The blue sky and the emerald water was an incredible backdrop. Katie finally was able to get some serious rest with no crime scenes or killers to catch—at least for now. She did opt to go somewhere warmer and calmer this time.

Wearing a sundress and beginning an island tan, Katie walked the beach with her bare feet in the water, feeling the warm ocean lapping over her ankles. The warmth on her skin felt more wonderful than she had imagined and was definitely what the doctor ordered. Her physical wounds were healing nicely and she was working on her hidden emotional ones.

Everything felt different, but yet, some things were still the same. One thing was for sure, she was going to live her life and take things slowly, enjoying every moment.

“Hey,” said John as he jogged up to her. “Want some company?”

“Sure,” she said. Katie admired John’s tanned body, his tattoos showing in his T-shirt and shorts. His strength physically and mentally was so evident to her. He was more than a friend,but they weren’t going to jump into an exclusive relationship—at least not yet. The dust had to settle and she still had some raw wounds from being left by her fiancé Chad. She didn’t want her relationship with John to be a rebound.

“Don’t you love it here?” he said, admiring the view.

“It feels like a dream.” She smiled.

“It really does.”

“At least now that I’m officially taking my two weeks, I can enjoy it to the fullest.” She chuckled.

“I imagine you miss Cisco.”

“Of course, but my uncle and Gav are taking turns spoiling him rotten.”

“I’ve seen the photos.”

Katie stopped. “Thank you for saving my life and watching after Cisco.”

John became serious, staring at Katie and brushing her hair from her face. “I will always have your back.”

“And you know I’ve got yours.” Katie leaned in and they shared a long passionate kiss.

* * *