Page 72 of Resolutions

“I got his phone,” Farris says calmly, placing Michael's phone on the table. “This is now confiscated under the parameters of the federal warrant.”

The realization of the last two words Farris said dawns on Michael. “You!” Michael's eyes lock onto me, filled with murderous rage. “You worthless bitch! You think this changes anything? Cameron hates you now, he'll never—”

Sebastian does something that makes Michael shut his mouth and stare forward.

Noticing me watching, Sebastain states, “the effects are only temporary.”

“To bad,” I said giving him a smile.

“Time to go, on three. One. Two. Three.” Law orders. They lift Michael bodily, zip-tie his legs together, carrying him toward the door like a trussed animal. His continued thrashing only makes him look more ridiculous.

I follow them out, pausing to address the stunned onlookers: “Federal warrant being served on a monster of a man. Thank you for your cooperation.” Several of them nod.

Outside, before they load him into the Suburban, Law does a pat-down. He pulls a gun from the left side inside Michael's suit coat. He also produces a clear glass tube with white pills. He motions to the guys and they load a now-screaming Michael into the vehicle, Farris and Sebastian flanking him on the seat.

“Nice work, young lady.” Law strides across the parking lot to me. Once in front of me, he smiles, then engulfs me in a hug. I return the hug with a deep breath, feeling like it's the first oxygen my lungs have had since all of this started.

“Law,” Tobias's voice echoes in our ears. Law and I step apart, each wanting to hear what he has to say.

“We're clear, Tobias,” Law says. “He's in custody.”

“Clear here too. Ambulances have seven. Three in my cars. Daggers not among them.”

“Interesting. Good job. We're heading to lockup.”

“Ten-four. See you there.”

Law turns back to face me, genuine pride in his expression. “You're a very brave woman, and because of you, seven women are now safe. And Michael won't be able to hurt anyone again.”

Tears roll down my face; it's hard to swallow. “Thanks.”

“We're going to the jail. I'll be in touch for your final statement of what happened today, but it can wait. Oh, I arranged a ridefor you. Evelyn and I filled him in on everything last night.” He points to the opposite side of the parking lot.

That's when I see him. My Cameron, standing by his car, looking uncertain but determined. The world fades away; I want to run to him, but my feet won't move.

He closes the distance between us. “Law told me everything. He and Mom, last night at the church. The whole family knows. His guys went through the house.” His hands settle gently on my arms. “My God, Mel, I'm so sorry. I understand, I do. You did what you had to do. I know why you ran, what you did.” He puts his hands on either side of my face. “Did he hurt you?”

Unable to find my voice, I shake my head no.

“Melanie, I love you. And if you'll have me, I'll spend the rest of my life showing you how much.”

The sob tears out of me as I collapse into his arms. This isn't pretty crying. All the fear, isolation, and trauma pouring out. Cameron just holds me tighter, kissing the top of my head, telling me it's going to be alright.

“I'm so sorry,” he whispers. “I had no idea Michael was capable of such horrific things. I'm so, so sorry.”

Raising my head, we gaze at each other. “How could you have known? He fooled everyone, even Tobias.”

“I know, but I should have.”

I cut him off. “We can't play the would have, should have game. Michaels on his way to jail where he belongs.”

“He is. Let's go get Moses and your stuff, then if you want, we can go home. We have a lot to talk about, but we have time. Mom's already planning a celebration dinner. Everyone wants to hug you.”

“Home sounds great.” I step back and take his hand. “I love you.”

I'm free, finally free.

The End.

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