by Anne Patrick
"I know. I was there for the births of both of mine. It's a life changer, that's for sure."
She crossed her arms. "So are you going to tell me what happened in Nebraska or do I have to wait and read her official statement?"
"Let me buy you a cup of coffee and we'll talk."
They went down to the cafeteria and Isaac grabbed them some coffee while Jo found a table. As she settled into her chair, she stared out the window at the visitors coming and going. She heard footsteps and turned just as Isaac reached the table. "Well, come on, tell me what happened," she pleaded, anxious for the details. She still couldn't believe it was all over and Briggs was dead.
Isaac set down a cup in front of her and took the seat on the other side of the table. He then told her Agent Ryan's version of the events. Jo's heart ached for the young agent, losing first her sister and then her parents only a couple of years later, to the same madman. The loss would be devastating.
"Do you believe it really happened as she said…the shooting I mean?"
"Only she and God know the answer to that."
"So what's going to happen to her?"
"Internal Affairs will investigate, but according to her statement, it was a justified shoot. She'll be reprimanded for her actions leading up to the shooting, of course, but when it's all said and done, the bureau will probably give her a medal."
"With no family, she's really going to need the support of the bureau."
"She'll get it."
"I'm serious, Isaac. That dark place she's in right now, I've been there. I know what it's like. It’s a place I never want to go back to again."
"I'll see she gets all the help she needs."
"But I thought you were going to retire."
Isaac met her grin. "Maybe next year."
Jo laughed as she took his hand. "The bureau wouldn't know what to do without you."
"What about you? Any plans of going back to work?"
"Not for three months."
"And I'm going to hold her to that."
Jo turned at Austin's voice and saw him standing only a few feet away. "Bet you get sick of me after a month."
"Not a chance." He snatched a kiss from her and then looked at Isaac. "So what do you think of our son?"
"Best looking kid in the nursery." He glanced at his watch. "I should get going. I have a flight in a couple of hours and I've got a ton of paperwork. I just wanted to drop by and congratulate you. I'm so happy for you two."
"Thank you." Jo watched him leave then turned to Austin as he sat down in the chair Washington had just vacated. "I thought you were going home for a nap?"
"I couldn't sleep." He reached across the table and wrapped his hands around hers. "You do know you've made me the happiest man alive."
"I'm pretty ecstatic myself. When I walked into your office less than a year ago, I never thought I would be this content. I can't imagine feeling anymore complete than I do right now."
He grinned. "No more fears about motherhood?"
"I'm sure there will be challenges along the way, but nothing we can't handle." She then leaned in and met his lips.
Jo and Austin returned to the nursery and were joined by Bailey.
"So when do we get to bring him home?" Bailey slid her arms around their waists.
Jo smiled at her. She seemed as happy as they were. "Not for a few days."
Bailey laid her head on Jo's shoulder and whispered. "Forget what I said about babysitting."
"It's forgotten." Jo met Austin's curious glance and let out a contented sigh. "We're all good."
The End
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anne Patrick is the author of more than a dozen novels of Romance, Mayhem & Faith, including the award-winning and best-selling Wounded Heroes Series, Fire and Ash, and Ties That Bind. When she's not working on her next novel she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and traveling to foreign countries to experience new cultures and adventures. She makes her home in Kansas. To learn more about Anne, please visit her website: http://www.annepatrickbooks.com. She loves to hear from her readers!
Other books by Anne:
Dark Alliance
Reservations for Two
Ties That Bind
Out of the Darkness
No Greater Love
Fire and Ash
Sabotage
A Familiar Evil
Journey to Redemption
Lethal Dreams
Renegade Hearts
Fire Creek
Kill Shot – Wounded Heroes Series, Book One
Trespasses – Wounded Heroes Series, Book Two
Betrayal – Wounded Heroes Series, Book Three
Secrets – Wounded Heroes Series, Book Four
Vengeance – Wounded Heroes Series, Book Five – coming soon
