Page 152 of Ozzie

Durango nods. “It won’t add to John, though. But please put him out of your mind for now. He’s had enough of your time and attention.”

“That I can agree with.”

Durango takes a step backward. “I need to go. I just wanted to let you know.”

“Thanks for the update,” Ozzie says.

My mind is spinning as I think through everything that has happened these last few weeks. “Why did he agree to a plea deal so quickly? Do you think it’s some sneaky way to get out of all of it?”

Ozzie shakes his head. “No, if he signed the deal, he isn’t getting out of it. As for why he took it? My guess is he realized the evidence is too damning.

“Hey.” He takes my hand. “This really is good news. The three of us should celebrate it this weekend.”

“Yeah, speaking of Durango, do you have any idea what is going on with him and Willow? When she came in, it felt awkward.”

“No idea. But Willow has been smiling more, so I take that as a good sign.” He pulls me up against him. “Let’s hope things do progress for them because I’d love to have you living with me so I can do this any time I want to.”

He kisses me.

“I can’t wait,” I say.

CHAPTER 42

Ozzie

Two months later.

I shuffleinto Reed’s office behind Lightning. Harding is already sitting in a chair talking to Reed.

“Any chance this is about the senator?” Lightning asks.

We’ve both been waiting to hear an update. Anytime we see Harding, we ask, but she can’t tell us anything.

“Actually, yes, it is,” Harding says. “I’m here to update you all on the case.”

Lightning takes a seat next to Harding, and I sit next to him.

“Usually, we have some idea how these assignments resolve, but we didn’t hear anything regarding this. I’m curious if JB is safe,” Lightning says.

Harding smiles. “I knew you liked that kid. Yes, he andhis mom are safe. We were able to gather enough intel on Bennett and McMahn that they agreed to retire quietly from their positions and are both currently doing time at a facility in Virginia.”

“Two senators quit and then went to prison? Why didn’t that make the news?” I ask.

Harding shrugs. “Once they left the senate, I’m not sure anyone much cared what happened to them. There was no trial. They both agreed to plea deals to avoid any publicity.”

“Everyone seems to be taking plea deals lately,” I say.

“I heard about that. How is Piper handling everything?” Harding asks.

Lightning and Reed glance at me.

“Good,” I say. “She’s still a bit on edge, but she’s handling it well.”

Harding nods. “That’s good. She’s a good kid.”

I wince, and Harding realizes what she’s said. “Sorry, she’s a good woman.”

Lightning chuckles. “No, go ahead and tease him all you want. I sure do.”

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