“And the Dad part?” she asked.
Tora laughed.
“I called them that because they fed me, saved me, and I didn’t have one. They’re my heroes,” she admitted.
Gene ruffled her hair.
“You did good, kid. A gold badge? I’m impressed,” he admitted, dropping his arm around Ethan’s waist.
They’d done good in their past, and things like this were a good reminder.
“Really?” Elizabeth asked.
Tora nodded.
“They got me into a foster home where I was given a shot. I got my education, and got money for college. I became a cop because these two came into a strip club, working a case, and saw value in me.”
Well, shit.
That sounded like them.
“Tora, we’re so proud of you,” Ethan said. “I told you that you could be anything you wanted. I didn’t think you’d be a cop. Bonus points for creativity.”
She pulled out her badge, and there was something behind it.
“I believe in kismet.”
When she pulled the weathered business cards out, on them were Gene’s name and Ethan’s.
She showed them.
“When it got hard, I looked at these. I made it, and I owe it all to you two.”
Elizabeth could see the emotion in both men’s eyes. She knew they were good men, but this just proved it even more. She didn’t know much about their time in Philly, or working cases, not the cases, per se, but she knew they’d done good work.
“Well, I’m so glad I get to meet you, Tora,” she said. “I’m Elizabeth.”
Tora put the business cards away with their cell numbers written on them.
“It’s a pleasure, Deputy Director. Thank you for coming to help us.”
Her partner shook her hand too.
“Ma’am, thank you.”
Elizabeth nodded at Ivan.
He backed up, making sure security gave them a little wiggle room. It was clear that the woman wasn’t going to hurt them.
“I’m sorry I jumped on your man. I just saw him, and it all came back to me. They legit saved me. I wouldn’t carry this shield without them. No one ever believed in me until they did. I was doing anything to survive, and they are my guardian angels.”
Gene was honest.
“We kept tabs on you with my attorney friend for a few years. We heard you got your GED and into college. Like I said, you did good, kiddo.”
She smiled at him.
“Thanks, Dad. I mean, Agent,” she corrected, not wanting to upset the director.
