Page 111 of Shadow Redemption

She wrapped her arms around Ben’s neck. “I am now that I’m back in your arms. Is he dead?”

Ben turned his head. “Rio?”

“He’s still alive for the moment. If you’ve got something to say to him, better do it fast.”

“Barrett.” The prophet groaned.

Ben stood, bringing Ruth with him. He started to turn them away from the fallen man.

“Wait.”

He hesitated. “Save your breath to ask forgiveness from your Maker, Davidson.”

“Is this what you wanted? Revenge?”

“I didn’t want revenge.”

“What, then?”

“Redemption for a boy unable to save his mother from a monster.” He gathered Ruth close to his side and they strode away from the fallen man.

A moment later, Rio joined them. “He’s gone.”

Nico jogged toward the operatives as Nate stood and helped Maren to her feet. “The guards are down. It’s time for us to go. Zane’s been monitoring emergency services communications in the area. The compound will be overrun with law enforcement and firefighters in ten minutes.”

Another Fortress operative Ruth hadn’t met walked up with Serenity in his arms, her face buried against his neck. “I need to hand this little one to her mother before we leave.”

A dark-haired woman ran toward the pair, calling the girl’s name. When the man handed over Serenity, the mother broke into tears, thanking him for saving her daughter.

The man held up his hand. “It wasn’t me. Ruth saved her. I’m just the delivery man.”

Serenity’s mother turned to her. “Thank you. We were separated in the chaos. I’ll never be able to repay you for saving my daughter.”

“I’m just glad she’s safe.”

“Time to go,” Nico insisted. “Jet’s waiting.”

Ben looked down at Ruth. “Let’s go home.” He glanced at his mother. “Are you ready?”

She nodded. “Is the prophet...?”

“He’s dead.”

Another nod, then she looked at Nate. “Your wife is a lucky woman. Will I be able to meet her sometime?”

He chuckled as he turned her toward the back gate. “I’ll tell her you said that. We’ll look you up when we’re in town the next time.” Nate escorted her from the compound.

“What about our bags?” Ruth asked Ben. She didn’t have anything of value except clothes that could be easily replaced. Ben, however, had his work gear with him. Leaving that behind would prompt too many questions she was sure he and Fortress didn’t want to answer.

“They’re in the SUV.”

“Gorman took my phone.”

“I’ll get it,” Nico said, and ran toward the Den. He returned within a minute and handed Ruth her phone.

As they left the compound and walked the quarter of a mile to the vehicles, they were joined by what looked like another full team of operatives as well as the rest of Shadow.

Sam caught up with Ben. “How much damage did Buckner do?”

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