Page 188 of Hell Breaks Loose

What a strange place to be in, leading a town.

Having the heads of household openly knowing who we are.

What we did to save them.

Still, it’s not discussed in public.

Those are the rules.

Life moves on like a war and a catastrophe didn’t rock the foundations of their lives.

I guess people want a sense of normalcy however they can get it.

And I guess a few months of utter hell will get people in the mood to celebrate.

Rebuilding and renewing a majority of Sanctum’s structures is still underway, but the housing crisis is nearly over. I’m seeing to it that it never happens again.

That even the lowest common denominator can get by and then some.

Jobs are resuming.

In another month or two, things may even feel some semblance of, dare I say it, true normalcy.

Fucking wild.

As for today, you’d think it was the Fourth of July.

Picnic blankets and football, barbecue and beer. Summer is fast approaching, and any day without rain in the PNW is cause for a party.

Boy, is it a celebration.

Marking six months of hard work and perseverance.

And us?

We’re having a shindig of our own at the new place.

Of course it was Evan’s idea to turn the Sinner’s Ball venue into a house—no, a mansion—for us to call home. And a fortress like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Never again will we have to worry about the incursions of an outside force. Because we own most of the West Coast criminals, keep them in check.

Not exactly ideal where turning over a new leaf is concerned, but it’s also not like we could eliminate the element from Marco’s empire. So, we compromised.

Put the right people in place.

Made them all take a deal that deescalates the violence. Baby steps.

Stepping out through the huge glass doors with a glass of champagne in one hand, I catch Ora’s eye across the lawn.

She’s telling some story, all hands and wide eyes.

And Sing is a captivated audience. More like captive audience. Along with Alaya, leaning right up next to him, the cause of his extra-stiff posture.

The grounds are lush with greenery, blooming into spring in an explosion of blossoms. A perfect display for our own celebration. And a perfect day for another new start.

Friends from all over town are still arriving, bringing gifts. Some as housewarming, some to gain favor with the new town leadership. Others just bring food.

And the whole thing feels like homecoming. Like a family reunion.

With a family I never had.

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