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Alan’s being the most raucous of them all.
He sits in a wheelchair to the side of the front row, his eyes creased with sympathy, but such hope and relief on his face that it helps me to breathe a little easier. He nods, urging me to continue, knowing I can see him through Ezra. His presence alone bolsters me.
“And if you knew her even a little bit, you’d probably say the exact same thing. Hell, she’d probably say it herself.” I chuckle before continuing. “You see, my nana knew exactly who she was and exactly what she wanted out of life and you’d pay dearly if you tried to get in her way. She held no punches. Which is why I know without a shadow of doubt that she lived the fullest life she possibly could.”
“But she was also one of the most loving and caring people you’d ever meet. As long as you managed to stay on her good side, that is. She was loyal and devoted. She was kind and giving. She was a hardass, but for the purest reasons. She pushed you to be better, do better, and never give up. And above all else, she valued love and family. She knew that a life without love and friendship is a half life, and she never wanted anyone to live without it. I know I gave her my fair share of migraines and heart attacks-”
“You got that fucking right!” Kai shouts to a chorus of ringing laughter that makes my heart feel a tiny bit lighter in my chest.
“As I was saying…” I flip my finger at Kai before continuing. “I was a difficult little shit. But she never gave up on me. Not even at the very end. She wouldn’t even let herself die before she knew I was capable of giving love a chance myself. That’s the kind of woman Dorothy Wicked was. The kind that never gave up. The kind that loved you through the hard, as well as the easy. My only regret is that she won’t be here to see all the good that came from her fighting the good fight. I can only have faith that she’s watching from somewhere above and smiling down at all the beauty that she helped to bring to fruition.”
I shuffle my feet, a jagged pain burning the back of my throat that takes me far too long to swallow past so I can speak again. “I love you, Nana. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”
Polite applause follows me as I leave the podium, and when I get back to my seat, Nic and Kai swoop in for gentle hugs that leave tears springing to my eyes. I turn, my gaze seeking out the one I most want to see. Walking to Alan, I bend down slightly and press a kiss to his cheek.
“It’s good to see you out and about, Sugar-Snap.”
“You’ve used that one before.” His eyes crinkle at the corners as he smiles widely at me.
“Prove it,” I tease, rubbing a hand over the scruff of his facial hair that’s been growing out since he’s been in the hospital.
“Female. About forty. Well-dressed and on the wrong side of the tracks,” He teases right back, his hand taking my free one. “I believe it was the husband who did it.”
“That proves nothing, old man!”
He slaps his hand to his chest as if offended. “From sugar snap to old man. I’m wounded!”
“Well that’s what you get for complaining!” I giggle and his eyes shine as he gazes at me, his features softening.
“I love you, kiddo.”
“I love you too, Tootsie-Pop.”
* * *
The funeral is brought to a close shortly after and we all leave to go to the cemetery. The formalities are short and sweet as we lower her coffin and bury her beside my dad. Right where she belongs. With family.
As we’re leaving, I’m zapped by an ominous sort of feeling clawing up my spine. Taking Ezra’s hand, I channel our connection as we make our way out the truck, scanning my surroundings as much as his gaze lets me.
It isn’t until we’re almost to the truck, that the source of my feelings steps out in front of us. Gizmo and Snitch immediately let out warning growls as they zoom between me and the two men in suits and sunglasses.
“Izabella Wicked?” The one on the left speaks as he pulls something from his pocket and flips it open. “I’m agent Cortez with the FBI, could we have a moment of your time?”
His aura is nervous, like something big depends on my cooperation. I just can’t quite see what it is.
“Depends. What do you want?” I plant my free hand on my hip as Ezra starts to edge his way between me and the men.
“Our orders come directly from the top brass. We’re actually here to offer you a job.” He clears his throat when I don’t answer right away.
Then it hits me.
My nana’s last bit of advice to me.
She said I’d feel like I was in purgatory, but I needed to trust my heart. That it would know what path I should take. She was right about the first part. I haven’t really decided whether to go back to my old job. I’ve been playing with ideas, but with this offer, it all starts to make sense.
Option A: I go back to work at the precinct.
Option B: I work with the FBI.
