Finally Found (Doms of Destiny, Colorado 10)

“Honey, how’s the search for Cindy Trollinger going?” Janet asked Jena. “Is she still in Denver?”

“She was. A security camera at one of the banks got her image. I was able to discover another alias Trollinger is using. Brenda Dunn.”

“If she’s that close, has the sheriff considered closing down the paintball games?” Janet sighed. “Who knows what more horrible things she’s capable of? But we do know she blames the entire town for her brother’s death and wants revenge.”

“Mom, Trollinger is no longer in Denver,” Jena said. “She boarded a plane in Chicago for London using her new alias just this morning. Sheriff Wolfe is part of Shannon’s Elite and is updated on all our findings. Even though Trollinger is out of the country, he still plans on beefing up security.”

“London?” Janet wiped off the counters. “That woman sure gets around, doesn’t she?”

“Who was her brother?” Carrie asked, seeing the concern in Jena and Janet’s eyes.

“Kip Lunceford,” Jena told her. “A criminal mastermind that once worked for TBK. He always hated the two brothers who started the company. A complete psychopath and egomaniac. He was responsible for so much heartache in our town. Lunceford worked with Russian mobsters, who ended up murdering Charlie Blake, one of Destiny’s deputy sheriffs, leaving Ashley, Charlie’s wife, to raise their two kids alone.”

“And don’t forget Shannon Day also lost her life,” Janet said. “The woman who your team is named after.”

Carrie thought there were similarities between this Lunceford man and Willie. Though Willie had never taken a life, as far as she knew, she had no doubt he would have no qualms killing if he thought it would benefit him. “And Lunceford’s sister is just as dangerous?”

Jena nodded. “Maybe more so.”

“What happened to Lunceford?” Carrie asked.

“Kip was finally killed here by Jaris Simmons after the bastard tried to run another of his deadly schemes.” Jena walked to the refrigerator. “That’s why Cindy Trollinger is after revenge.”

“But enough about that topic,” Janet said. “Today is about Carrie. This is a party.”

Carrie glanced at the clock on the wall. “Shall we start carrying the food to the backyard? I expect that Gary, Josh, and Jacob should be here any moment.” If Josh and Jacob show at all.

The doorbell rang.

“Are you psychic, Carrie?” Janet said, smiling.

“Hardly. I just knew we were running out of time.” Excitement rolled through her. They had come after all.

“We’ll have extra hands to help us,” Janet said, and then headed to the front door.

“Mom sure does love throwing parties. You’re lucky she didn’t invite the whole town, but don’t be surprised if that happens in the next few days.”

“I’m still getting my bearings, so I’m glad it’s just us tonight.”

Janet returned with Josh and Jacob, who were both carrying a bottle of wine.

Seeing them again made Carrie so happy. She couldn’t stop smiling. They looked so handsome.

They actually showed up.

“Hi Carrie.” Josh came over and gave her a sweet hug.

“Hi.”

Jacob kissed her on the cheek. “Hey, you.”

“Hey.”

“Boys, help us carry this food out,” Janet said. “Gary should be here any minute, and we want to eat while everything is still hot.”

They all headed to the backyard, where the picnic table had already been set with the dishes and silverware. A sign hung from the branches of the tree above the table with writing that clearly was Kimmie’s. “Welcome home, Aunt Carrie.”

The little girl ran up to her with Happiness by her side. “Did you see what I wrote, Aunt Carrie? Daddy Matt helped me write it and Daddy Sean hung it in the tree for me.”