Page 54 of Bringing Chelsea Home

“Ha!” Patrick snorted. “Not likely.”

“And then you conveniently ran away–” There was no mistaking Griff’s sarcasm.

“I had to go even deeper undercover after that,” Rice cut him off, her voice rising. “I couldn’t afford to have my Cadre persona of D. Creed that I used to meet with Big Daddy blown. He thought I was a man, for Heaven’s sake! He might have tried to kill me!

“Like he tried to kill Elaine three times?” Griff nearly shouted. “You sanctimonious little bitch–”

“That will do, Agent Rice.” Hank waved Griff to silence. “The FBI has Big Daddy for all kinds of nasty crimes. Elaine’s cousin and all those kids we–meaning the Brotherhood Protectors, of course– found at the third house, are safe and on their way home to their families in time for Thanksgiving”.

“And thanks to Lt. Tyler’s s skills, you have at least fifty pedophiles under arrest,” Elaine said proudly.Including my boss, Monty “Ape Man” Gibbons. How delicious that is!

“So, I think we’re done here,” Hank announced. “Good-bye, Agent Rice. If you show your building pass to the parking attendant, there will be no charge for the parking.”

“But–”

“Happy Thanksgiving, Agent Rice.” Hank’s smile was that of a hungry tiger anticipating his next meal. “Do we need to show you to the elevator?”

In answer, Rice gathered her things from the table, shoved them into a briefcase and left them without a backward glance. It was several minutes before anyone spoke.

“D. Creed. Deidre Eric and now D.D Rice, FBI. Are we really sure we know who she is? I think I need coffee.” Shaking his head, Patrick stood. “Good thing they have Blue Mountain in the shop downstairs. I’ll be back.”

“What a piece of work Rice was,” Elaine declared after he was gone.

“She’ll say she was just doing her job,” Hank said dryly. “But Big Daddy and his minions are locked up–I hear Tina Paxton is still screaming for him–pedophiles busted, and kids rescued and safe. We’ll let the FBI go through Big Daddy’s records and do the rest.”

“And busting Big Daddy? That’s a nice Thanksgiving present for Grant Miller,” Griff said. “If this doesn’t help make him lieutenant in another year or so, I don’t know what will.”

“What about Silas Clark?” Elaine asked. “Is he going to be charged with anything?”

“Don’t know,” Hank sighed. “He may be the classic dirty old man–though he’s only forty-five–but it appears he really didn’t knowThe Honeyswere underage. But I’m sure Grant Miller will find something to charge him with. So, I’d say our case is closed. Did BP’s services meet with your satisfaction, Elaine?”

“Oh, yeah,” Elaine said softly, leaning over to kiss Griff’s cheek.

“And I understand, Lt. Tyler, you want to stay in East Tennessee?” Hank asked.

“Well,” Griff said slowly, “We brought down Big Daddy, but The Cadre has once again done their vanishing act. I’m sure they’ll be back, so I’d like to stick around and be part of eventually bringing them down.”

“I think we can arrange that,” Hank agreed. “Good work, Griff.”

“I had help,” Griff raised Elaine’s hand to kiss it.

“And all this just in time for Thanksgiving,” Elaine said. “I think it’s going to be the best one ever!” Chelsea’s reunion with Elaine and Martin’s parents had been beyond joyful. And even though both Chelsea and Martin would need lots of support and counseling, they were home at last.

“Don’t think I’d argue with that,” Hank agreed. “But there is one more thing. You got your earpieces in place?”

Griff and Elaine exchanged looks. “Yeah,” Griff said. “What’s up with that?”

“I have a Thanksgiving present for you. Consider it thanks for a job well-done. Standing by.”

The screen dimmed for a moment, and then three smiling, dark eyed children appeared, waving like mad. “Hola, Senior Griff!” they shouted. “Que tal?”

Oh, my sweet Lord,” Griff whispered. “Kids?”

“Is that the Obando children?” Elaine asked softly.

“Si. I mean, yes.”

She gently punched his arm. “I know that. I’m not really a ding-a-ling, you know.”

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