Congratulations came from Colt, enthusiastic praise from the DEA agents who'd driven down from Norfolk, and a call from federal prosecutors who were already discussing RICO charges and asset forfeiture. Terry accepted them all with professionalsatisfaction, but his mind was already focused on getting home to what truly mattered.
He clapped Jeremy and Pete on the back as they finished processing the evidence and preparing their reports. "Outstanding work, both of you. This case is one for the books."
Sandra had texted that the Garcias had driven them to his house so the kids would be where they felt comfortable, although Toby had been disappointed that the french fries had scattered all over the inside of her car, left behind. The drive home felt longer than usual despite his eagerness to return, but he ran through the drive-through just to get more burgers and fries.
When Terry pulled into his driveway and saw the Garcia Electrical logo on the side of a pickup truck parked beside his garage, he felt the last of his tension finally ease into something approaching peace.
His family was safe.
50
Terry found them all in his kitchen, the familiar domestic scene a stark contrast to the day's violence and revelations. Jose sat at the table with Emma and Toby, playing what looked like a competitive card game while Sandra moved between the counter and the table with the natural grace of someone who belonged there.
He noticed the small bandages on the tiny cuts covering the kids' arms, evidence of their desperate flight through the cornfield. The sight hit him like a physical blow to the chest. Sandra gently adjusted a bandage on Toby's cheek while reaching over to smooth Emma's hair, her movements natural, protective, and full of the kind of love that couldn't be faked or forced.
She looked like she belonged here, like she'd always been the missing piece that made his house a real home instead of just a place where he and the kids happened to sleep.
"Jose," Terry said, his voice rougher than he'd intended as he extended his hand to the teenager who'd protected his children. "I can't thank you enough for what you did today."
Jose stood and shook Terry's hand firmly, his young face serious with the weight of what they'd all been through. "It was my honor, Captain Bunswick."
Terry felt his throat tighten with emotion that went beyond gratitude. "You're always welcome here. Always."
As Jose prepared to leave, it didn't escape Terry's attention that Emma walked the young man to the door, then stood at the window, watching him drive away with a wistful expression that put Terry's parental instincts on high alert.
He sighed as Sandra approached him, wrapping her arms around his waist with the familiar comfort that had become as necessary as breathing. "The young man is seventeen years old. My daughter is only twelve."
"I know," Sandra said softly, her voice full of understanding and gentle amusement. "And so does Emma. For that matter, so does Jose. But nothing is wrong with a young girl having an unrequited crush."
He looked down at Sandra's upturned face, seeing wisdom and patience in her expression. "A crush? Holy hell, babe. Do I need to start worrying about that?"
She smiled, and the expression on her face hit him right in the heart like it always did… warm and knowing and full of the kind of love that made everything else seem manageable.
"No, not worry. Just be aware she’s growing up."
He shook his head with mock dismay, then finally allowed himself to truly absorb the scene before him. Sighing, he asked, “Is she okay? I mean, about… earlier today?”
“Yes, we talked while waiting for Toby to get out of school. Patricia called me but said she preferred that I talk to Emma. It was my pleasure, so don’t thank me.”
His arms tightened, and he kissed the top of her head. She left his arms and walked back to the counter, preparing a cupof coffee exactly the way he liked it while Emma and Toby continued their game with the resilient adaptability of children.
"Did you get the bad guys, Dad?" Toby asked, his eyes bright with curiosity despite the small bandage decorating his forehead like a badge of courage.
"We got them," Terry confirmed, moving toward his children with the overwhelming need to touch them and reassure himself they were real and whole. "Both of them. With more arrests to come."
He pulled Emma and Toby into a long hug, breathing in the familiar scents of their shampoo and feeling the solid reality of their safety anchor him to what truly mattered. Emma's arms tightened around his waist, and he could feel her trembling slightly as the delayed reaction finally hit her.
"You were so brave today," he whispered against the top of her head. "Both of you were incredible."
"Sandra took care of us," Toby said, his voice muffled against Terry's shirt. "She made sure we stayed together and kept us safe."
Terry looked up to find Sandra watching them, the coffee cup forgotten in her hands. Her eyes were bright with unshed tears, and something in her expression he couldn't quite define made his chest expand with emotions he couldn't quite name. She looked like she was seeing her future, and it was good.
"Come here," he murmured, extending one arm toward her.
Sandra set down the coffee and moved into their circle, but Terry wasn't satisfied with just including her in their family embrace. As soon as she was close enough, he reached for her with his free hand, cupping her face and searching her eyes for the words he needed to say.
"You could have been killed today." His voice broke slightly with the weight of what they'd almost lost. "When I heard that truck chasing you through the field?—"
