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"He did. But I told him I was staying."
"You did. And he was okay with that?"
"Hell no. He told me that if I stayed, I would do so as a civilian. I had to hand over my badge and service weapon."
"James." I gasped in shock. "No, you can't give up your career for me?"
"I would give up my life for you. The job and badge mean nothing if you're not alive to share this life with me.”
He took my hands in his and kissed them softly. Tears glistened in my eyes, and I hugged him tightly, my heart overflowing with emotions. He held me close and whispered, "I won't let anything happen to you. I will keep you safe." He paused. "Oh, and I am not the only one."
"What?" I asked him, puzzled.
"Everett and Sarah stayed behind too. Seems like they think you are worth giving up their careers for too. We will catch this asshole if it's the last thing we do."
I felt my heart swell with pride, thinking about how I finally felt like I wasn't alone in the world. My friends' loyalty and willingness to stand by me deeply touched me. To put their lives on the line for me, time and time again, made me feel like everything that had happened led up to this.
It was odd heading back to the property and seeing all evidence of the FBI gone--the cameras, the brain center, and the agents doing perimeter checks. It felt strange to have my house back. The agents gave me a sorrowful look as they packed up their equipment and left. Many hugged me and wished me well. I understood why they couldn’t put their careers on the line. I didn’t blame them. Many were new and couldn’t afford the disciplinary punishment if they chose to stay. I was relieved to move around freely again without worrying about being watched. There was nowhere I could walk without someone following me or standing guard. It would be nice to have some privacy back.
With Everett, Sarah, and James around, it felt more like having roommates than babysitters. They took turns making dinner, and we spent time outside having a drink each night and talking about their lives, and I sat back and listened, thankful for some semblance of normalcy.
It was another one of those nights when we sat on the back porch with a fire burning. The fire burned brightly, with orange and yellow flames dancing in the night sky. Sparks flew as the fire crackled, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere. The fire illuminated my friends' faces, and the smell of burning wood filled the air. It was a peaceful and calming moment, where I enjoyed taking a break from the intensity of the past few months. I laughed so hard; my stomach muscles were sore. I smiled so much my cheeks hurt.
Everett loved telling jokes and stories about awkward dates or sexual encounters he had.
And there weremany.
Sarah talked about the sexism at the academy and how she had to work harder than her male peers. It is an unfortunate reality that women still face discrimination in society, especially in male-dominated fields. But Sarah overcame it and used it as motivation to work harder. I admired her tenacity. She was focused on improving each day and never let anyone's opinions keep her from giving her all. My eyes glistened as I felt grateful for them. She and Everett stayed behind to keep me safe, giving up their careers for me.
James was silent, but his smile and laughter shone brighter than the stars in the night sky. Every time I turned my head, I could not help but notice his intense gaze upon me. When I would catch him watching me, he would grasp my hand tightly or plant a burning kiss on my cheek.
The full moon was high in the sky, and Everett yawned, "Well, I think I am going to hit the hay."
"Me too." Sarah echoed before turning her attention back to her phone.
“Want us to lock up, boss?" Everett asked, glancing between James and me.
"I already told you, Everett. I am not your boss anymore," James responded with a sorrowful expression.
"Okay, boss. We will check the windows and doors and see you two lovebirds in the morning." Everett winked.
James sighed and nodded in acknowledgment.
I smiled and wished them both goodnight, and watched them walk inside. I looked up at the stars, took a deep breath of the cool night air, closed my eyes, and wished for their happiness, Everett, Sarah, James, and mine.
"What are you thinking about, beautiful?" James broke into my thoughts.
I smiled at him and whispered, "Nothing much,"
He caressed my cheek and gave me a gentle kiss.
"When you're deep in thought, this cute little nose of yours scrunches up.”
I looked up at him and frowned. "It doesn't scrunch that much."
He smiled back and said, "It's one of the things I love about you."
"Oh really?" I placed my hand on his wrist and drew soft circles with my pointer finger around the inside of his wrist. "What else do you love about me?"
