I checked off all the requirements of a hopeless romantic. A correct assessment.
Gage and I remained committed to violent crimes against children. I’d return to teaching before I stood by and watched him leave a career he loved. For that matter, I’d direct my passion for helping children to social work.
Whatever the SAC determined, I’d accept. Gage’s happiness exceeded mine without hesitation. One thing was for sure—our children, and we wanted several, would have both of us nurturing them.
Anna Wright faced life for her charges, and Peter Florakis received the death penalty. They both refused to provide any details or namesof who oversaw the operation. As Wright and Florakis had stated, perhaps no one knew who called the shots. Overseas authorities pointed to the Russian Bratva as responsible for the baby ring. Their operation mirrored a cell structure like what I’d considered to keep the kingpin’s identity safe. According to the authorities, the Russian Bratva cut their losses when those within their organization were caught and moved on to another location. The worldwide investigation would continue until the guilty ones faced arrest.
Duong Tuan and Bui Vinh were sentenced to life without parole for cooperating. They revealed a few things about Anna Wright that helped our case. Unfortunately, Hai’s baby remained missing. Harvey Sinclair and Emma Lock remained at large.
Myra Cummings took over the directorship of Houston Healing and Hope Maternity Care. My church partnered with her with more financial support. Sara chose to keep her baby girl and had kept in touch.
The Mercury family and Carson Lowell chose WITSEC and new identities out of state. I’d miss Carson, and I believed he’d be successful at whatever he chose to do with his life.
I glanced at my watch. If I didn’t take the elevator to the SAC’s office, I’d be late. Gage met me at the elevator door and pressed the Up arrow for us. He had his hands in his pant pockets.
“What is this about?” I said.
“We’ve been demoted to janitor duty.” He grinned. “But if we cleaned together, that would be okay.”
I laughed. “Oh, why not.”
“Great news. Remember Alex and Nanette Wade from Des Moines?”
My eyes widened with the name recognition.
“They’re pregnant.”
“What an amazing blessing.”
He chuckled. “The name will be Risa if it’s a girl and Gage if it’s a boy.”
“We’ll need to share that with Dr. Looney at our appointment this week.”
The elevator door opened. When the door closed, he turned to me. “A kiss is available upon request.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck and touched my lips to his. “Oops. I forgot to make a request.”
“You never liked procedure. After this meeting, will we still be like we are now?”
“Not at all. I’ll demand two kisses on the way down.”
Down the hallway, I stepped into the SAC’s office with Gage behind me. SAC Dunkin greeted us and pointed to chairs in front of his desk. “How are the wedding plans?”
“We’re about done,” Gage said. “We’re searching for a house. Mine’s too small.”
The SAC leaned back in his chair. A good sign. “I have news that affects both of you in your current positions.” He paused. “You two have been extremely valuable to the violent crimes against children division. No doubt or question there. You were successful in arresting Anna Wright and shutting down her buying and selling of babies. While she refuses to give us the name of the kingpin, the FBI and all the other agencies working to stop these crimes against children aren’t giving up.”
He stared at both of us. “ASAC Kendall is retiring, leaving an opening here. Gage, we’d like to offer you the ASAC, but we know you two need to discuss it.” He leveled his gaze at me. “Risa, Jack Bradford is retiring too due to his health. Are you willing to partner with another agent? I assume also a matter for you and Gage to discuss. I expect you’ll want to think about what I’ve said for a few days.”
I stole a glimpse at Gage, and he took my hand and winked. What a perfect solution. Gage had leadership stamped all over him, and I preferred working in the field.
“Sir,” I began, “I’m sure we can give you an answer now. Gage, am I reading you right?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. It’s a win-win deal.”
Gage gave the SAC his attention. “I’m honored to be considered the ASAC.”
“And I’m honored to work with whoever you assign,” I said.
SAC Dunkin chuckled. “You and Gage will continue to be an asset to the Houston FBI. Maybe marriage will lower the risks you two have taken. But I doubt it. I pity whoever crosses your paths.”
Gage took my hand. “We’re a formidable team, and we intend to keep it that way for a lot of years.”
“At least a hundred.” Risa grinned. “We’ll need that long to parent those five kids.”
