Benton City had never seen such activity. The entire alphabet of government agencies descended en masse, all vying for control of the events. Captain Muller proved to be more of a force than they had anticipated, and even the most dire threats didn't sway him from executing his office with the backing of the Mayor and Chief of Police.

The notary also brandished his credentials, giving him first crack at Kristen and me. After a few hours, our statements were recorded, and on the advice of the city's legal department, we did not have to answer to anyone else until, and only until, all the other agencies had investigated them independently. The feeling was it could be years.

******

"Watcha doin'?" I asked, coming up behind her and kissing her neck.

"My answering service was nearly full and with all that was going on I forgot to check it. I have some heated clients wondering where the heck I am."

"Tell them! You were saving the nation's security."

"That and a nickel would have bought me a coffee when you were young." She hid a smile.

"When I was young!" I grappled with her, dragging her to the sofa and we sat quietly and comfortably together. Well, as quiet as I could be anyway. I looked at her fondly, trying to rationalize how I could have fallen so hard for someone I really didn't know much about. Then in my typical manner I took her hand and held it tight.

"Do you think there's a chance for this old man to win you over as his wife?"

"Are you sure this old man wants a menopausal woman as a wife?"

I sat up and looked at her. "Never more so."

The whole experience had pushed Kris and I closer together, so close in fact, my sleepovers did become permanent, and we grew into one of those suburban couples that mow lawns, shovel snow and hold garage sales. In other words - in our case anyway - happy and content together.

Tom came for the odd dinner, his new position as security advisor for hire, allowed for those free moments we all enjoyed. He still dabbles in the Crawford case, but only sporadically; they deserve their victory he figures.

After Captain Muller retired, The city parachuted in a new Captain, and I was promoted to Chief of Detectives. Kristen still contracts her skills from home - our home - and we finally settled on a colour for our new front door.

******

A light snow fell, and the car made new tracks on the asphalt driveway, stopping in front of the garage. The driver got out and entered the cosy looking bungalow, stamping his feet just outside the door.

"Hi! I'm home." He hung up his coat and strolled through to the living room.

"Hey, how is everybody?"

Three replies came all at once and he grinned, walking to his wife and planting a warm kiss.

"Did you see the news, Hon?"

"I watched every minute while you were at work."

"You know what it means - for us - all of us, if we want it."

"We've been discussing it."

"Yes?" He looked at his adult children."

"Jill and I think we'd like to leave things the way they are. We'd like to see Gran and Gramps again, but it's been so long."

"What does your mom say," He turned to his wife."

"I think James is right. Even if they are even still-" Her voice choked, and she wrung her hands.

"Don't think that way. I can make inquiries now without worrying. Would you still want to go, I mean even if . . .?"

"Maybe for a visit." She tried a brave smile. "They were getting on."

He stood and kissed her again then walked out to the kitchen. All those years. The different names and homes. He shook his head at how a simple thing like reading a piece of paper had totally changed the lives they imagined. The conspiracy in the government had been crushed. They weren't important anymore as far as that went. He looked around and wondered if he really wanted to go back.

Canada had turned out to be a good place for their family to grow, and for financial opportunity. He poured himself a glass of water from the tap and drank slowly, considering the pros and cons. Sitting the glass on the counter, he decided he would find out about his wife' parents, and if they were indeed still alive, he would take her home for as long as she wanted.

"Okay, family, can a tired working man get a meal around here?"

They came together in the centre of the room in a big, loving hug. Over their heads he smiled and read a hand painted sign, hanging on the wall, that the kids had made years ago.

Ŧђ𝔼 𝓒я𝔸𝕎ƑØ𝕣Đ𝕤

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