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"I want to go with him." Bea says. "He’s, my father."

The paramedic nods.

We follow them to the ambulance, where Ed meets us. "He shot Judge, then he called David my father and shot him before he left. I don't know where he is," Bea says, watching what's going on in the ambulance.

"We have the recording of everything that was said. He won't get away with it!" Ed winces.

"Why the bunker? What's the deal with it?" I ask because no one has mentioned it.

Ed grimaces. "It started out as guns with the odd...girl."

Bea's head snaps around, horror on her face. "Are you saying that the man I thought was my father was a trafficker?”

"From what the team that raided the bunker found; we think so. There is still a lot to work through." He pauses. "One good thing that has come out of this is that we can give closure to the families of the missing men. Impeccable records were kept. We know why they were killed and where their bodies are. Lincoln told the truth about who the father of Deedee's baby was and how she died." Ed holds my gaze. "I'm sorry about your father, Essex. The only thing I can offer is that he died trying to get justice for Deedee."

I swallow hard and close my eyes, trying to control myself. I feel Bea's hands on my face and open my eyes to meet her worried ones. I drop my forehead to hers and whisper. "I'm fine, Bea. Don't worry." I give her a quick kiss on the lips. "Let's go be there for your dad." I offer a weak smile.

"One more thing," Ed says once we're in the ambulance, "David only knew about the arsenal, that's why he contacted me in the first place."

"Find him, Uncle Ed. Please."

"We will. If not today. Tomorrow." Ed closes the doors, and the ambulance pulls away, lights and sirens blaring.

EPILOGUE

BEATRICE

ONE WEEK LATER

I smileas I see my father propped up in the hospital bed with a pile of pillows that a certain nurse keeps checking, much to my delight and David's discomfort. He looks at me as she leaves. I chuckle. "One word from you and she'll be jumping into bed with you."

Two red spots appear on his cheeks. I can't help but laugh at his reaction, knowing how much he hates being the center of attention. But in that moment, as I watch him blush and look away, I feel a surge of love and gratitude for the man who is my father. A wave of affection washes over me, and I rejoice in his presence in my life. I reach out and squeeze his hand. "I don't think I've ever told you that I love you." His eyes fill with tears, so I continue, "But I do, you know. You've always tried to protect me. I see it now."

David closes his eyes and concentrates on his breathing before finally looking at me. "I asked Elisabeth to take you and run away with me. So many times. I would have done anything to protect both of you. I hope you understand that." I nod. He continues, "There were times when I had to prove to Judge that I was on his side. That's why I hurt you in the dining room after the incident with the patrol car. I was sick to my stomach. They were suspicious of me for a while."

I kiss his hand. "I don't blame you. I understand. I really do." I wince and say, "Tell me about Evelyn, please. She's up and gone. She's fine, right?"

David sighs and says, "She's been with Richard for a long time. I suspect he would have married her if Judge hadn't intervened a long time ago."

I'm shocked. "How could I not see this? I didn't suspect anything."

“If I have to guess, Evelyn will be with him."

"Do you know where?"

"Ed asked me, and I have no idea. I told him every place I could think of, but if he's running, he's already out of the country. He'll be hiding out with someone higher up the food chain. Maybe the man and woman who have copies of the plans.” His eyes drift, as if he is struggling to keep them open. "I'm tired, Bea. I'm so tired."

I stand and kiss his cheek. "Your body needs to rest. It will take time." I smile tiredly. "When you get out of here, Essex and I will take care of you. Don't worry about anything."

“Love you too, daughter,” he mumbles as he drifts off to sleep.

I grab a paper towel and wipe my tears away while I stay with him a few moments longer.

Wrappedin the arms of Essex, we stand on a sand dune, looking out over the sea to the horizon. It’s a magnificent sight. The beautiful sound of breaking waves soothes our souls as we breathe in the salty sea air. The sun begins to set, sending warmth over the water and turning the sky pink and orange.

I am more in love than ever with the man who holds me in his arms. I'm looking forward to growing with him. I smile as I turn into his arms and nestle my face in the crook of his neck. He runs his fingers through my hair and grips the back of my head while his other hand presses down on my lower back to make sure I'm as close as possible in this position. I always feel protected in his embrace. His scent soothes me like nothing else can.

His family has been nothing but kind. Maggie treats me like a daughter, but the five Redd brothers treat me like a sister. For the first time, I feel like I belong, and I can't wait for David to get out of the hospital and join us. Well, he's not moving in, but he is my father and I want to spend time with him knowing that.

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