Chapter 48: returned

A few moments ago:

Detective Singer adjusted his grip on Bobby Lyle’s cuffs as he hauled him to his feet. Lyle gritted his teeth in pain, his leg barely able to hold his weight from the gunshot wound. Singer didn’t care. He tightened his grip and forced the man forward.

“I’ll give you guys a police escort back home,” Singer said, looking over at Miss Harper, Jake, and Alex. The boys still clung to her like their lives depended on it. “Then I’ll head back to the station and book this piece of shit.”

Miss Harper gave him a firm nod, still holding Alex close. “Appreciate it.”

Jake’s hand rested protectively on his brother’s shoulder as he eyed Lyle with pure hatred. “Make sure he never sees daylight again.”

“Oh, don’t worry,” Singer assured him. “This bastard’s never getting out.”

The group made their way down the warehouse stairs. The cold night air hit them as they stepped outside, the flashing red and blue lights of several police squad car casting eerie shadows across the lot. Singer forced Lyle into the back seat of his squad car, slamming the door shut before turning to Miss Harper.

“You okay to drive?” he asked, eyeing her carefully.

She rolled her shoulders back, determination burning in her eyes. “Yeah. I just want to get them home.”

Singer gave a sharp nod. “I’ll be right behind you.”

Miss Harper ushered Jake and Alex into the Impala, making sure they were buckled in before sliding into the driver’s seat. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before

starting the engine. The rumble of the Impala was a comforting sound, a sign that they were finally getting out of this nightmare.

As they pulled onto the road, Singer followed closely behind, his headlights illuminating the dark highway. The drive back was quiet. Alex sniffled in the backseat, exhaustion finally setting in now that the fear had worn off. Jake kept a protective arm around him, his jaw clenched but his eyes soft.

Miss Harper gripped the wheel tightly, her knuckles white. She had been running on pure adrenaline, but now, the weight of what had happened settled onto her shoulders. She had fired a gun at a man. She had nearly lost Alex. The what-ifs threatened to consume her, but she shook them off. Alex was safe. That was all that mattered.

They pulled into the Faulkner driveway, and before the car had fully stopped, the front door flew open. Mrs. Faulkner ran out, tears streaming down her face as she rushed to the car. Miss Harper barely had time to put it in park before Alex flung the door open and ran straight into his mother’s arms.

“Oh my baby, my sweet boy,” Mrs. Faulkner sobbed, holding him so tightly it was as if she’d never let go.

Jake stepped out slowly, his face unreadable, but when Mrs. Faulkner reached for him, he didn’t hesitate. He let her pull him into the embrace, burying his face in her shoulder.

Miss Harper exhaled, leaning against the car. The sight of them together, safe, was enough to make her legs feel weak. She barely noticed Singer walking up beside her until he spoke.

“You did good, Harper,” he said quietly.

She huffed out a tired laugh. “You gonna write me up for it?”

Singer smirked. “Nah. But next time, maybe give the cops a heads-up before you storm a warehouse.”

She shot him a sideways glance. “If there is a next time, you better keep up.”

Singer chuckled before turning back to his squad car. “I gotta get this bastard processed. You take care of yourself, Harper.”

She nodded. “You too, Singer.”

With one last glance at the reunited family, she about climbed back into the Impala, when Alex tugged at her sleeve. She looked down at him, his tired eyes searching hers.

“Miss Harper… will you stay with us tonight?” he asked softly.

Her heart clenched at the vulnerability in his voice. She smiled, brushing his hair back gently. “Of course. Now, what do you say we get you boys changed and ready for bed?”

Alex nodded, finally allowing himself to relax. As they walked inside together, Miss Harper and Mrs. Faulkner each took a boy to help them clean up. Mrs. Faulkner got Jake into the shower while Miss Harper ran a warm bath for Alex, washing away the dirt and trauma of the night. The warmth seemed to soothe him, his little body finally relaxing under her gentle touch.

Once he was clean, she drained the bath, dried him off, and dressed him in a fresh diaper and pajamas. She carried him to his bed, tucking him in before climbing in beside him. Jake soon joined them, squeezing into the bed and wrapping an arm around Alex protectively. Miss Harper smiled softly and pulled them both close.

A few minutes later, Mrs. Faulkner peeked into the room, her heart melting at the sight. The three of them were already fast asleep, tangled together in a warm embrace. She grabbed a thick comforter, draped it over them, and gently kissed each of them on the forehead.

“Thank you,” she whispered to Miss Harper, even though she knew she was already asleep. Then, with a deep breath, she turned off the light and went to her own room, finally able to rest, knowing her boys were safe.

And mrs.faulkner knew no matter what, miss harper would always be there to protect those boys.

Always.