Page 116 of Missing Justice
Isabel had still clung to the memories of her earlier life with her real family. Hearing Taylor’s story at the press conference had been the impetus to break free and reach out.
“You’re safe now,” Taylor said, one arm around her. “We’ll take things slow. I’ll call Mom and Dad, and we’ll get you settled.”
“Where will I stay?”
“You can stay with me. For as long as you want.”
A police detective approached. “We’re good here, Agent Sinclair. You and your team are welcome to go over the scene, if you like. I’ll need a formal statement from your sister as soon as possible.”
Izzy’s gaze came up. “Can we do it now?”
Taylor recognized the determination burning in Isabel’s eyes. “If you want to, absolutely.” She turned to the officer. “We’ll meet you at the station as soon as I have a doctor look her over.”
“I don’t need a doctor,” Isabel said. “I want to give my statement and then I want to go home. With you.”
Matt sauntered up, leaning on the open door. “Is there anything from inside that you want, Isabel? Clothes, shoes, personal stuff?”
“No.” Izzy shook her head. “I don’t ever want to go inside that house again.”
Taylor was so going to enjoy prosecuting Gordon Mullins. “You can borrow some of my clothes, and when you’re up for it, we’ll go shopping, okay?”
Isabel swallowed hard and nodded. Her gaze bounced to the police officer, then to Matt. “He can’t get out of jail and come after me, can he?”
The detective shook his head. “He’s never going to bother you again, Isabel. You have my word.”
“And mine,” Matt said.
Isabel gripped Taylor’s hand.
“Ditto,” Taylor said. “I’m a badass FBI agent, little sister. Your kidnapper is going to spend the rest of his life in prison.”
For the briefest of heartbeats, Isabel’s lips trembled before she took a deep breath and let out the sigh of the century. “I’ve missed you.”
Tears burned in Taylor’s eyes, and she drew Isabel into a hug. One of many she was going to shower her sister with. “God, I’ve missed you, too, Iz.”
“If you’re not going to the hospital,” Matt said, “how about we pick up some Thai from my favorite food truck up the road? You look like you could use some decent food, Isabel.”
That was an understatement. Food, clothes, her real family…Isabel needed it all.
A tiny smile lighted on Izzy’s face. She threw off the blanket and walked to the ambulance doorway. “I’ve never had Thai food. What’s it like?”
Matt helped her down. “Be prepared to be amazed.”
“And probably poisoned,” Taylor added, allowing Matt to help her down as well. They sandwiched her between them, guiding Isabel to Matt’s car.
The detective, following, snorted. “Ain’t that the truth.” He waved and headed toward his cruiser. “I’ll see you folks at the station. Take your time.”
“Thank you,” Taylor called after him.
Time. All she’d ever wanted was to have more time with Isabel.
Now she did.
Matt tucked Isabel into the backseat, then caught Taylor and drew her to him. “I love a happy ending, don’t you?”
Happy endings and Mad Dog Stephens—now there was an anomaly. “Thank you for this,” she said.
“For what?”
