Her shoulders finally relaxed. “Looks like George will now get his.” He looked a bit battered and bruised on the television.
Jasper turned up the volume, and a tall female reporter wearing a rain slicker reported that an anonymous caller had tipped off the authorities.
Leah exhaled fully for the first time in a week. “My computer team will be sending all the evidence they’ve gathered against George and his cronies directly to the inspector to make the case.” She wished she knew where the recording had ended up, but considering George had been found with the kids, coupled with the evidence, he was heading to prison—where he belonged.
She reached for the phone, having one more duty to perform. The call immediately went through.
“This is Mallory,” her friend said.
“Mallory. Hi, it’s Leah.”
Mallory squealed. “Oh, Leah. Oh, my goodness. Where are you? I was worried sick, but just heard about the arrest.Reporters are all around here asking questions. Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” Leah said. “Sorry. Something came up. You didn’t find my purse, did you?”
“No. Were you robbed? How did you lose that lovely clutch?”
Perhaps the Kurjans had thrown it away. “It’s a long story, but I wanted to thank you for your help in bringing down George and his operation.”
“You’re so welcome. I’m thrilled the children are safe. We should celebrate with a drink. Also, the auction went well, and we raised about two hundred thousand, with many people agreeing to donate annually for the next five years.”
How wonderful. “That’s excellent,” Leah said, smiling. “Great job, Mallory.”
“I’m happy to have helped. We do have news people waiting outside, and I wasn’t sure if you wanted to handle that, or shall I?” Hope filled the woman’s tone.
“Definitely you.” Leah shifted her weight to her other foot, which hurt just as badly. “Since we called in an anonymous tip, I’d like for you to say you’re shocked about George and had no idea he was such a criminal.”
Mallory must’ve headed outside because the sound of traffic filtered through the line. “Are you sure you don’t want credit?”
Leah needed to get her toes into some warm water. “The less anybody knows about me, the better. I’d really appreciate it.”
Horns honked loudly. “Of course. I’ll keep your confidence. Lunch next week?”
Leah rubbed a hand over her aching forehead. “I’m off again to catch the next guy, but I promise I’ll give you a call when I’m back in Paris.” She was ready to take a break after she caught Wallace. Perhaps even with the hottie currently watching the television.
“Sounds like a plan. Good luck with the rest of your mission.” Mallory clicked off.
Leah hung up the phone.
“All good?” Jasper asked.
“Yeah.” Leah watched as the young children were loaded into what looked like a large van, hopefully on their way for medical care.
“Right.” Jasper kept his gaze on the screen. “You saved those kids today.”
“It was a team effort,” she said before turning to face him. “However, there are a bunch of women we need to rescue from good old Wallace and his family.”
“We?” Jasper asked, his voice soft. “I don’t think so. This is a great ending to your career as a vigilante, and we still haven’t discussed your penchant for disobeying me. When I tell you to stay somewhere, you fucking do it. I’ll handle the fighting from now on.”
* * * *
Jasper dug deep for patience and forced his temper away because one of them needed to be in control. Obviously, it had to be him.
She curled her hands into fists. “You’re insane. I’m not someone who just sits where they’re told.”
“You will be.” He lifted her once again and strode into the luxurious bathroom.
“What are you doing?” She slapped his chest halfheartedly.
