a lot of help. She’s lived a lifetime like this, not a week. And, in addition to professional help, she’ll need her family, especially after Linda is gone.”
“She’ll have us.” Hope’s face was damp with tears again as she turned back to her sister. “A lot of people love you,” she said fervently. “None of that has changed.”
A vacant expression crossed Felicity’s face. “Love me?”
Hope nodded. “Yes, Felicity, love you. You’re my sister. My twin. We’re connected. You wanted to love Krissy as your own, not to harm her. I know you’re confused. But your memories will come back. I’ll remind you of the good times. I promise.” She stepped away, as Peg indicated that it was time. “Go with the FBI,” Hope instructed her. “I’ll drive down to see you later.”
“Do you promise?”
“I promise.”
Felicity nodded her acceptance, pausing for a second before relinquishing herself to the task force. “I really do love Krissy,” she whispered.
“I know you do.”
Torn between anguish and relief, Hope watched as Felicity was led off.
For a long moment, she did nothing. Just composed herself, so she could give Krissy the love and strength she needed.
Then she turned, beckoning to Krissy, who was playing a game of tug-of-war with Hero. Her T-shirt was definitely the loser.
“Let’s go, sweetheart,” Hope called. “We have to call Daddy. And it’s time we went home.”
Krissy raced over to her instantly and glued herself to her mother’s side. Hope clasped her hand securely in her own.
Then they walked slowly back to the van, and to the life they would fight to recapture.
EPILOGUE
The Forensic Instincts team sat around the brownstone’s conference table, raising their glasses of champagne in triumph.
“To a job well done,” Casey toasted. “And to an amazing team of pros-both our original threesome, and our two new additions-Claire and Hero.” She tipped her champagne flute in Claire’s direction. “Welcome. I’m so glad you decided to leave the world of the straight and narrow, and take a walk on the wild side.”
“Me, too.” Claire’s eyes twinkled. “The straight and narrow’s not all it’s cracked up to be. A walk on the wild side will be very refreshing.”
With a return grin, Casey lowered her gaze to the floor, where Hero was sprawled at her feet, taking a well- deserved, and much-needed, nap. “And you, my friend, are the man of the hour. A true hero.”
He acknowledged her praise with a snore.
“Hero’s got the right idea. Sleeping it off.” Ryan gave a huge yawn. “When was the last time any of us got a full night’s sleep?”
“Uh-oh.” Claire rolled her eyes. “You’re tired. Does that mean you’re about to turn into Mr. Hyde again?”
Ryan shot her a look. “Tread carefully, Claire-voyant. I still think Casey gives way too much credit to those visions of yours. Gecko had just as big a role in this investigation as you did-and he doesn’t talk back.”
“He also doesn’t complain. Successful, talented and a clutch performer. Careful, Ryan. Gecko might just put you out of business.”
“And so it begins,” Marc concluded, polishing off his champagne. “Fasten your seat belts, fellow voyagers. The bumpy ride has just shifted into hyperdrive. Be prepared for it to blast you right out of your seats.”
“And to think I’m going to miss the opening fireworks.” Hutch appeared in the doorway, his travel bag slung over his shoulder. He’d been upstairs in Casey’s apartment, collecting the handful of personal items he’d left in her bedroom. “I’ll have to get back here for a visit ASAP. Quantico’s not nearly as exciting as this.”
Marc’s eyebrows drew together quizzically. “Are you heading out?”
“Yup. Grace is driving down to pick me up. Then, it’s a long trip home. I’ve got to be at my desk at seven tomorrow morning.”
“Sounds like hell. Hey, did you and Casey make up?” Ryan asked bluntly, looking from Casey to Hutch. “Or are you two still killing each other?”
Casey and Hutch exchanged a quick, intimate glance. The hour they’d spent together before everyone piled into the brownstone had been anything but combative. They’d ironed out their residual anger in about five minutes. Then they’d spent the rest of the time in bed, securing their pact.
“Looks like they made up,” Claire determined.
Ryan eyed her speculatively. “Another psychic insight?”
“Nope. A simple observation.”
“And an accurate one,” Hutch confirmed. “All is well. In fact, if it’s okay with you, I’d like to borrow your boss to say goodbye.”
“I’m not hanging around here for another hour,” Ryan warned them. He was starting to get cranky. “So make it quick, and keep it clean.”
“Yes, sir.” Casey snapped off a salute as she rose. “I’ll walk you downstairs,” she told Hutch.
The two of them descended to the first floor, where Hutch dropped his bag onto the floor and hauled Casey into his arms.
“You’re one sexy pain in the ass,” he murmured, kissing her.
“Right back at you.” She smiled against his mouth. “Any free time coming up?”
“Not sure.” He kissed her again. “How about you?”
“Not sure.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Maybe I can sneak away for a weekend in between cases.”
“Yeah, when will that be?”
“When I show up on your doorstep.” She deepened their kiss. “I like to keep you on your toes.”
“No worries on that score.”
A horn sounded from outside.
“That must be Grace,” Hutch said. “And the parking here sucks. So I’d better get going.” He tunneled his fingers through Casey’s hair, gave her one more lingering kiss, then released her. “Stay out of trouble.”
“I’ll do my best. You do the same.”
“You got it.”
Casey was halfway up the stairs when the doorbell rang.
Puzzled, she retraced her path and peeked through the peephole. Not particularly surprised, she opened the door. “Hello, Patrick.”
“Hey.” He strode past her, pausing at the foot of the steps. “I assume your team is upstairs celebrating.”
She nodded. “Second-floor conference room. You’re welcome to join us.”
“I plan to.” He headed upstairs, Casey following right behind.
“We have a new guest,” she announced, gesturing for Patrick to join the group. “Help yourself to a glass of champagne,” she invited.
“Sounds good.” Lynch walked over to the table, nodding his hellos and taking the champagne flute Marc proffered.
Hero picked his head up and brayed.
“Easy, boy. I’m not an intruder,” Patrick assured him. “Just a friend and fellow law enforcement officer.”
With a thorough sniff-and an equally thorough slobber-of Patrick’s shoes, Hero seemed to be convinced. He resettled himself, closed his eyes and went back to sleep.
“Have a seat.” Casey indicated one of the empty chairs around the table.
Patrick lowered himself into the chair, then raised his glass. “To all of you. For solving two cases-including one that’s been haunting me for over three decades. I can’t even imagine how many laws you broke, and I don’t want to
