Page 109 of Girl Lost
“What’s the news with the survivor?” Tinch glanced at the paper on his desk. “Trinity Brown.”
“Honestly? We’re not sure yet,” Corbin said. “The doctors wantto run more tests, to understand why Trinity’s body hasn’t rejected the bioprinted heart when so many others did. But...”
“But that would mean more poking and prodding,” Luna said. “More time in hospitals. She’s having a hard time with that.”
“We’ll talk to the doctors, see what they recommend,” Corbin said. “But any decisions about further testing or treatment are hers to make. We’ll be there to support her.”
Commissioner Tinch released a long breath. “You know, I was tough on you, King, but I’m glad to know I put my trust in the right place. You did amazing work. Both of you. In fact, I was hoping ... Agent Rosati, how would you feel about joining our team? Officially?”
Luna stiffened beside him. Corbin held his breath, torn between hope and understanding. He knew how valuable she’d be to the department, how much good she could do. But he also knew the toll her work had taken on her.
“I appreciate the offer, Commissioner,” Luna said. “But my resignation from the CIA isn’t final. It’s a bureaucratic process, trying to leave the Agency. I’ll think about it though. Thank you.”
The rest of the meeting passed in a blur. More details, more plans, more promises to stay in touch. But his mind was already elsewhere. On the house that was slowly becoming a home. On the girls waiting for him there.
As they left the office, he turned to Blade. “Working with the FBI, huh? It’s an incredible opportunity. Great way to get your foot in the door.”
“Hey, don’t think you’re getting rid of me that easy. We’ve still got work to do.” Blade clapped him on the shoulder.
Corbin smiled. “Wouldn’t have it any other way, brother.”
Blade glanced down the hall where Luna paced with her phone to her ear. “You know, I heard those boys, Andre and Jordan, got picked up for possession. I was thinking of talking to the DA about inviting them down to the gym. Maybe Tori and I can get through to them. Show them another way.”
Luna had wanted him to talk to Jordan, but they hadn’t had time. Everything had unraveled too fast. “Definitely talk to Andre, but Jordan? He’s not gonna set foot in a gym full of LEOs. That kid’s still carrying a lifetime of hate for cops. Let me chat with him. See if I can soften him up first.”
“Good idea.” Blade folded his arms. “Kaplow’s gone, but there’s always another guy waiting to take his place. Someone who’ll use those kids, chew them up, and spit them out. Stryker didn’t let that happen to us.” Blade’s voice was quieter now. “He saw something in us worth saving. He made sure we saw it too.”
“Stryker took a chance on us,” he said. “Someone has to do the same for them.”
Grudges were heavy things. He’d been carrying his own for so long he barely noticed it anymore. But seeing these kids, their hearts calcified by pain and betrayal, made him wonder what his own heart looked like from the inside. How much space had bitterness taken up? How many opportunities for healing had slipped by because he couldn’t let go?
Maybe Jordan could learn to forgive.
And maybe so could he.
“You know,” Corbin said, “the hardest part isn’t forgiving someone else. It’s admitting you need that forgiveness too.” He stared at his hands, surprised by his own words.
Blade was quiet for a moment, then asked, “You gonna visit your old man anytime soon?”
Corbin dragged a hand through his hair, glancing toward Luna. She leaned her back on the wall, still on the phone. He exhaled. “I’m thinking about it.”
Blade didn’t press. He just nodded once, like he understood.
Maybe he did.
Luna’s hand rested on his thigh as they drove home. “I feel bad ... kicking you out of your own place,” she said. “You sure you don’t want me to stay with Tori?”
“It’s fine.” He brushed his thumb over her hand. “Blade’s beena great roommate. Though I swear, that guy’s going through my prepped meals like he’s never eaten a home-cooked meal in his life.”
Luna’s lips twitched in a small smile. “Well, at least someone’s getting use out of your cooking. I’m pretty useless in the kitchen.”
“We’re keeping everyone safe, which is what matters.” His eyes flicked to her, his expression softening. “And we’re doing the right thing.” This time he wanted to do it God’s way.
The US Marshals nodded as they entered through the garage, their presence a reminder of the danger still lurking. Powerful people with more money than conviction and desperate to save their skin. They definitely had a target on their backs. But even that couldn’t dampen the warmth that filled him as he stepped inside.
The house was alive in a way it had never been before. Soft music drifted from the kitchen, mingling with the sound of laughter. The smell of something baking filled the air.
“Hey, Dad.” Trinity’s voice rang out, followed by the sound of footsteps thundering down the hall.
