Andrea Kane - The Girl Who Disappeared Twice

The Forensic Instincts team sat around the brownstones conference table, raising their glasses of champagne in triumph.

To a job well done, Casey toasted. And to an amazing team of prosboth our original threesome, and our two new additionsClaire and Hero. She tipped her champagne flute in Claires direction. Welcome. Im so glad you decided to leave the world of the straight and narrow, and take a walk on the wild side.

Me, too. Claires eyes twinkled. The straight and narrows not all its 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.

Heros got the right idea. Sleeping it off. Ryan gave a huge yawn. When was the last time any of us got a full nights sleep?

Uh-oh. Claire rolled her eyes. Youre tired. Does that mean youre 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 didand he doesnt talk back.

He also doesnt 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 Im going to miss the opening fireworks. Hutch appeared in the doorway, his travel bag slung over his shoulder. Hed been upstairs in Caseys apartment, collecting the handful of personal items hed left in her bedroom. Ill have to get back here for a visit ASAP. Quanticos not nearly as exciting as this.

Marcs eyebrows drew together quizzically. Are you heading out?

Yup. Grace is driving down to pick me up. Then, its a long trip home. Ive 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 theyd spent together before everyone piled into the brownstone had been anything but combative. Theyd ironed out their residual anger in about five minutes. Then theyd 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 its okay with you, Id like to borrow your boss to say goodbye.

Im 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. Ill 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.

Youre 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 Id better get going. He tunneled his fingers through Caseys hair, gave her one more lingering kiss, then released her. Stay out of trouble.

Ill 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. Youre 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. Im not an intruder, Patrick assured him. Just a friend and fellow law enforcement officer.

With a thorough sniffand an equally thorough slobberof Patricks 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 casesincluding one thats been haunting me for over three decades. I cant even imagine how many laws you broke, and I dont want to know. All I care about is that a little girl is home with her parents tonight. And a woman whos more a victim than an offender is about to get the help she needs. Thats the best outcome we could hope for under the circumstances.

Were you at the Willises till now? Marc asked. The Forensic Instincts team had stayed only long enough to witness the touching family reunionone that gave them the rare chance to see Edward Willis break down and weep, and to see Krissy meet her grandfather. Then theyd wrapped things up with the task force, and said their goodbyes. Hope Willis had followed them outside, insistent on giving them an overly generous check right there on the spot. Theyd graciously accepted, asked to be kept posted on how Krissy was doing and left.