They’d done it. Her brother was being taken away in handcuffs.
She held Thario’s hand as she moved to Sharp. He smiled, and she threw her arms around him.
“Thank you.”
“We’re glad we could save her.”
She thanked each of the men, glad Thario had so many good friends. After thanking each of the guys, she met Thario’s gaze. Her heart filled with love and happiness.
Her future was with Thario. That much was clear. She needed to get some things together, like she needed to get her GED, so if she wanted to, she could attend college. But really, the work Thario did was so important that maybe that's what she should train for.
“What are you thinking?” Thario asked when he came over.
“That my future is with you. I’ve known that for a while, but now I really know it. After this is settled and we’re back home, I want to talk to you about the future and what I was thinking.”
Thario wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and nodded. “You’ve got it.”
She had a path, a future. There were things from her past that would always haunt her, but she had no doubt that being with Thario would help her overcome what had been meant to destroy her. She would thrive, not just because she was free, but because she’d found a man who loved her.
Chapter 41
Calla threw back her head,laughter spilling out after Sharp finished his story. She had Abigail on one side and Thario on the other. They were at Griz and Elowen’s place, and Sharp and Danika had driven up.
The dogs were crashed out on the floor. Even Hope was tired. She was happy for Thario that Hope was working out. The young dog still needed to expel her excess energy, but she was learning from Frog how to help Thario and how to help her.
“You seem to be doing better,” Danika said to Abigail.
Her sister nodded. “Yes. Physically and mentally.”
Calla squeezed her hand. “I’m glad only your ribs were cracked.”
“Me, too.“
Calla found out that Brent had sold Abigail to traffickers in Brazil, but she’d escaped and recently made her way north. She’d only just entered the US last year.
When she went to the police, they laughed at her and told her she would be prosecuted for making false claims against Brent. She tried again, but no one believed her.
Danika and Elowen got up, and Calla moved to help them, but they waved her off.
“Sit and enjoy the evening. You made lunch last weekend. Relax, really,” Elowen said.
Calla sat, and Thario put his arm around her, pulling her close to kiss the side of her head.
“I’m glad you both have decided to take some college courses.”
She nodded. "Yeah. I'm nervous, though."
“You’ll do great. And you both have time.”
This group of men and women were so supportive. They'd helped them through so much. Elowen was teaching her how to drive so she could get her license, and all the women had given them clothes so both she and Abigail had nice things to wear. She hadn't even remembered all of their names and had to have Elowen help her write the thank-you notes. Eventually, she would get to know them better, but she appreciated all they'd done.
She was thankful Brent had pled guilty. Testifying in court had been a scary prospect. She had already recorded a statement that would be played at his sentencing. Though she and Thario were planning on traveling to San Diego and staying with Sharp and Danika until they were sure she wouldn't have to show up at the courthouse.
“When do college classes start?” Danika asked as she wiped her hands on a towel.
“In a week. We’re both excited.”
Abigail nodded. “I am, though, I wish I could have been there for you through it all.”
