Page 123 of Aftermath

“How did you know?” I asked, never once mentioning this in my letters.

“You really thought I’d visit your hometown and not stop at Don’s?” Lenny said.

“How did you find my family?” I asked.

“I went to Don‘s on Tuesday like you said, and I spotted a girl who happened to look just like you. I was willing to take a bet.”

“You told her?” I said to Lyla.

My sister giggled.

“I like her,” Lyla whispered in a not-so-discreet fashion.

I spotted my mother beaming, watching us all. When Len pulled away, I walked over and gave her a hug.

“Thank you for being here,” I said. “Thank you all for being here.”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Len said, and before I could help myself, I grabbed her waist, pulling her close.

My lips were instantly on hers, soft and gentle, and the second they touched, she relaxed. I inhaledand was instantly transported back to Briarport. Somehow, she always smelt like sea salt and sage.

I heard some clapping behind me and broke away, only to see Agent Grey and the rest of my team cheering me on, but I didn’t care. Let them watch.

“I think I’m ready for something new,” Len said gently, her hands on my chest.

“What would that be?” I asked.

“I met Mags,” Len stated, and my brows raised. “She told me she plans to retire soon, so there will be an opening for her spot. I thought maybe the FBI Academy sounded like the perfect new adventure.”

“You mean move to Quantico?” I asked.

“Well, only if I get that teacher everyone talks about. He’s incredibly handsome but a little bit of a hard ass with his expectations.”

I chuckled. “I think I can put in a good word.”

“I know I’m not meant to be a field agent, but you once said I could do so much more with my knowledge. Plus, analyzing and organizing is kind of my specialty.”

“You’d be perfect,” I assured her.

“Good, because I’ve already been accepted to start at the academy this fall.”

“I guess I’m staying in Quantico,” I said and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.