The Chase

Jericho exited the study, Liam in tow. After they shook hands, the Irishman went upstairs to find Hammer and Raine. His smile said the ordeal was over.

The fed helped put Zach in the custody of the other agents, then returned, motioning Beck to join him in the study. He swallowed his nerves and followed.

A mere twenty minutes later, he stepped out to find Seth waiting expectantly. Heavenly bustled around the kitchen nearby.

“Well?” the PI asked.

Beck remained mute until Jericho stepped out the front door to holler at the agents still cataloging the scene, then he turned to Seth. “Just like you said, he didn’t give two shits. Mostly, he asked me questions about my experiences with The Chosen. It only took Dean’s pal about two minutes to verify I haven’t lived there since I was a kid, so after all the background information Zach and I gave him, I think it’s safe to say every one of those elders are probably going to prison. Let’s see how long they last.”

“What about the wives and the children?”

“Some will want a new life, but they don’t have any way to understand the outside world, so they’ll struggle. There are rescue groups who can help…but it will be an adjustment. It was for me, and I was a kid. But some will resist changing their way of life. They’ll be welcomed into similar groups in Montana, Colorado, Texas… These sick fuckers are everywhere.”

“It sucks, but you can’t save people from themselves. You learn that fast as a cop.”

“You see it in medicine, too. It’s sobering.”

Seth nodded slowly. “You okay?”

“I will be, but I could use some alone time with our girl. I’m sure you feel the same.”

“Affirmative.”

“What’s she doing?” He peered at her scurrying around the kitchen.

A smile quirked up Seth’s lips. “She was going a little crazy worrying about you and she needed something to do, so I gave her some structure.”

Beck was glad Seth had had the presence of mind to help their girl, rather than let her stew. “Too bad she’s not wearing that little apron.”

She paused drying dishes and cast them a mischievous smile over her shoulder. “That could soon be arranged…”

They both laughed before Seth winked. “I already have some household tasks in mind, angel.”

“For me to fail?” She flashed them her dimples. “Why not?”

“Let’s head upstairs, huh?” Beck murmured to Seth. “More privacy.”

“Hell yeah. I’m all for that.” The big guy grinned like he was looking forward to getting lucky. And maybe he would but…

“I think we need to talk.” Beck had questions, and he needed answers.

Seth froze, then nodded grimly. “All right. I’ll head up and see if we can sit on the balcony or if it’s shrapnel central.”

“Thanks.”

As Seth mounted the stairs, Beck approached Heavenly, who shut off the kitchen sink, dried her hands, then turned to him with a hug. “So you’re done with the FBI?”

“Yeah. I think everyone is.”

“Good. While you were with Agent Waters, Buddy came back. He’s down at Ngaire’s with Gloria now. They said they’re going to head back to Vegas in the morning.”

Their lives could get back to normal. Beck hoped he, Seth, and Heavenly could do the same. “I’m sure they’ll be relieved.” Beck held out his hand. “Come with me. We want to be alone with you, little girl.”

Her smile was so full of welcome and understanding. “Lead the way.”

As she slipped her hand in his, they climbed the stairs.

When his phone dinged, he pulled it free to find a message from River. Made it to LA. Dean in surgery to repair arm. He was conscious in chopper. Nothing else broken. Initial prognosis good.