However, Father Jones couldn’t livewith what he’d done, taking a life, though he was protectinganother, and forced the issue. A neighboring prosecutor took thecase and, with Father Jones’s confession, held a trial ending withhim going to jail. Had they begun with that box, it would havesaved a bit of time, but the team would never have gotten thecomplete story. It was as if Sophia doled out information asnecessary so they could reach the proper conclusion.
It was a sad ending for two people wholoved each other, but life wasn’t a fairy tale; in reality, badthings happen to good people. It was a harsh truth, and the onlyconsolation was that Sophia’s grandson was found, the Miles familylands returned to their rightful owner, and an evil man’s obsessionwith controlling Marshall through their water supply had beenended.
The town of Marshall was stronger andsafer now as the Fire Lake team moved into the county and protectedit as their own. Many townsfolk had been by to thank them, and asin their typical style, they welcomed all with a beer and barbequewhile assuring all that they hadn’t done that much.
Ghost looked toward the lake house asthe back door opened, and Ray and Rocko walked out. Rocko wascarrying his suitcase. His flight left later today. It never ceasedto amaze Ghost how things managed to work out. A man Ghost hadinitially hated turned out to be one who saved him and helped solvethis mystery. Rocko was a survivor of the Noah Group, like himself,and like Ghost, Rocko was looking for the place to which hebelonged.
Ray wrapped his arms around Ghost ashe joined the two on the deck.
“Off already,” Ghostsaid.
“Yes. My flight to New Yorktakes off at three, so Jason’s been kind enough to give me a liftto the airport,” Rocko said.
“New York? You’re not goingback to Florida?” Ghost asked.
“No, not yet. Brick’s toldme about a group of survivors out there led by Apollo. They wereoriginally located in New Orleans but moved locations around oneyear ago. I thought I’d go out and meet more survivors like usbefore returning to the police station in Florida,” Rockoexplained. “Who knows, maybe they could use a detective in upstateNew York with a knack for finding people.”
Ghost chuckled. “Maybe they do. I hopeyou find your place.”
“Me too,” Rockosaid.
“You can always come backhere,” Ray said. “There’s always room for one more.”
“I second that,” Brick saidas he joined them. “Anytime. You don’t need to call. Just showup.”
“Thank you, Brick,” Rockosaid, shaking the team leader’s hand. “For everything.”
“Apollo and his team willbe expecting you,” Brick said.
Ray shook Rocko’s hand. “Thanks forhelping us find Ghost, buddy.”
“This new settled personalooks good on you,” Rocko said. “Don’t screw it up.”
Ray pulled Ghost closer. “I don’tintend to.”
Ghost stood in Ray’s arms as theywatched Jason and Rocko jump into the truck and drive out of thelane. Brick went to join Roman, and the team, hovering around thebarbeque. Ghost didn’t miss the smile on the team leader’s face asthe man looked around the yard and the home he’d made. Pride andsatisfaction radiated from his expression.
“Family,” Ghostsaid.
“Family,” Rayagreed.
