Page 105 of Redd

Somehow, without any of us noticing, he had crept closer and closer, until he was an arm's reach away.

Diablo and Xavier had been too busy paying attention to me, and I was too busy watching them, that Pierre was able to stealthily inch his way over undetected.

Running to their side, I ripped the gag and ties off my sister, scooping her into my arms. Tears streamed down her face as she held me so tightly I couldn't breathe.

“I'm so sorry, Vicki.” Kissing the top of her head, I held her face against my chest and cradled her like I used to when she was little. “I'm so sorry.”

Bijou touched my arm, drawing my attention to her. Her smile skipped across my face and sent a rush of happiness through my heart.

Picking Vicki up off the floor, I kept her under my arm and tugged Bijou in. Her body crashed into mine, arms curling around my neck as she nuzzled her face under my chin.

“Thank you, Redd,” Pierre said, reaching out and gripping my forearm. “You gave me my daughter back. Thank you.”

Bijou pushed her head up and reached out for her father. Her eyes were crying, but they weren't tears of sadness, they were tears of joy.

We all stood, hugging each other. It felt good, it felt finished, like I had finally reached the end of some long journey, and a new beginning was just waiting behind that door.

Leaning in, I kissed the side of her temple and whispered. “I love you.”

Bijou twisted her face to mine, her eyes dancing in the sockets, bright and clear, lighter than I had ever seen them. “I know you do,” she said with a tender smile, lightly lifting her hand to my chin and brushing the tips of her fingers around the curve of my jaw. “I love you too.”

She finally had everything she deserved. Her family, her life, her freedom. . .

And so did I.

I had finally found my place in this world.

---