"Sorry to interrupt," Harlow says, though she doesn't sound particularly sorry. "But we need Agent Brennan's statement. Full debrief on everything that happened at the cabin."
Cara straightens but doesn't move away from me. "When?"
"Now would be good. We've got federal prosecutors building cases. Your testimony is critical." Harlow's expression softens slightly. "But if you need more time?—"
"No, it's fine." Cara stands, squaring her shoulders in a way that signals the shift from woman to federal agent. "Let's get this over with."
"We can use the conference room on this floor," Rhys offers. "Ashworth, how's the shoulder?"
"Still attached."
"Good. We'll need your statement too, but you look like you're about to fall over. Tomorrow morning works?"
"I'll be here."
They start to leave, but Harlow pauses in the doorway. "Agent Brennan, before we start the debrief, I should mention that the evidence you transmitted did exonerate you completely. Proves Montrose orchestrated the Stormwatch sabotage, that you were framed. The Bureau is prepared to offer full reinstatement with back pay and restoration of credentials."
Cara's posture shifts slightly, vindication crossing her features. "And the position with the task force?"
"Still on the table if you want it. Your choice." Harlow glances at me, then back to Cara. "Take your time deciding. This isn't something you need to rush."
"I don't need time," Cara says firmly. "I want the Alaska position. I'm staying."
Harlow's expression suggests she's not surprised. "Then welcome to the team. We'll work out the details after the debrief."
They leave, and Cara looks back at me one more time. "I'll come find you when I'm done."
"I'm not going anywhere."
Her smile changes everything. Then she's gone, following Harlow and Rhys down the hallway. I hear their voices fade as they move toward the conference room. Professional. Controlled. The federal agent doing what she does best.
But she's coming back.
She's staying.
I settle back against the pillows, shoulder throbbing in time with my heartbeat, and let exhaustion pull me under. The pain medication makes everything fuzzy at the edges, softening the harsh reality of fluorescent lights and monitoring equipment.
When I wake, my mouth is dry and the light outside has shifted to late afternoon amber. Cara sits in the chair beside my bed, head tilted back against the wall, eyes closed. She's changed clothes at some point. Showered. The blood is gone from her hands.
"How long was I out?" I ask quietly.
Her eyes open immediately. "Few hours. The debrief took longer than expected." She leans forward, studying my face. "How's the pain?"
"Better. Whatever they've got me on is working." I shift slightly, testing the shoulder. Still hurts, but the sharp edge has dulled to a persistent ache. "What did Harlow say?"
"Everything I expected. Questions about Montrose, about the confrontation, about the evidence I gathered over three years. They're building prosecution cases against eight officials so far, with more arrests expected as they follow the financial trails." She reaches for my hand. "It's over, Finn. Actually over. My name is cleared. The network is crumbling. Justice for Tom and the others."
"How does it feel?"
"Surreal." She's quiet for a moment. "I spent so long focused on this one thing. Proving I didn't betray my team. Exposing the corruption. Getting Montrose. And now it's done, and I don't quite know what to do with myself."
"You could start by getting some actual sleep."
"I could." She doesn't move. "Or I could sit here and make sure you don't try to check yourself out against medical advice."
"I wouldn't do that."
"You absolutely would." Her smile is fond. "Harlow set up the Alaska assignment. I start in three weeks. Based out of Whitewater Junction with jurisdiction across the state. Coordinating with local law enforcement, running investigations, dismantling trafficking networks."
