Page 61 of Guard Bear
Tommy examined the equipment with scientific intensity, while Jake was fascinated by the wooden molds where soap cured. Even Lucy seemed interested in the colorful finished bars arranged on the drying racks.
"Can we help make something?" Tommy asked hopefully.
Joy glanced at Andre, then at Megan and Cliff. "We could make a small batch of honey soap with the kids. Nothing with lye—that's only for grown-ups. But I have a melt-and-pour base that's safe for little helpers."
For the next hour, organized chaos reigned in the workshop. Tommy stirred the melted soap base while Andre held the container steady. Jake helped measure honey, his tongue poking out in concentration. Lucy mostly watched from Cliff's arms, occasionally clapping when something interesting happened.
"Now we pour it into the molds," Joy said, guiding small hands as they filled the rectangular forms. "In a few hours, we'll have soap that you all helped make."
"Can we take some home?" Tommy asked.
"Of course. We'll wrap them up special."
By the time they finished cleaning up, the afternoon sun was climbing high. The kids' energy had started to flag—Lucy was rubbing her eyes, and even Tommy's endless questions had slowed.
Andre's phone buzzed with a text. He glanced at the screen and saw Heath's name.
"Community meeting tonight at 7 PM. Federal update on the Prescott assets seizure. Your attendance requested."
He showed the message to Joy, who nodded.
"Well, we should probably head back to the Lodge," Megan said, noticing Lucy's tired fussing. "These little ones need naps, and we promised them pool time later."
They gathered up the children's treasures—honey in mason jars, bars of soap they'd helped make, and their favorite scent of candles—and walked back toward the cars.
"This was the best day ever," Tommy declared, clutching his bag tightly.
"Mine too," Jake added sleepily, leaning against his father's leg.
Lucy had already grown cranky with tiredness, reaching for Megan with outstretched arms.
As they prepared to leave, Tommy suddenly grabbed Andre's hand. "Uncle Andre? Will you and Joy have kids someday? So I can have cousins to teach about bees?"
Andre felt Joy's surprise and something else—a flutter of possibility—through their bond. "Would you like that?" he asked.
"Yeah!" Tommy's face lit up. "Then I could be the big cousin and show them everything!"
Megan and Cliff exchanged a meaningful look, while Joy's cheeks pinked slightly.
"Well," Cliff said with a grin, "sounds like you two have some thinking to do."
After hugs and promises to see them again soon, Megan's family loaded into their car and headed back down the road.
Chapter
Twenty-Eight
The community centerhummed with victorious energy. All five couples who'd been targeted sat together, a united front of survival. Joy found herself studying them, these people who'd become family through shared trauma.
The federal agent at the podium looked tired but satisfied. "Crown Mountain Developments has been completely dismantled," she announced. "All assets have been frozen, properties seized, and their network of shell companies mapped and severed."
Applause rippled through the room. Joy felt Andre's hand tighten on hers.
"Jason Prescott has been indicted on federal racketeering charges and is being held without bail," the agent continued. "The evidence you all provided was instrumental. Your community's response saved lives and exposed a criminal enterprise spanning decades."
She gestured to a chart behind her. "We've secured guilty pleas from six co-conspirators, including Marcus Webb and hismercenary team. The trial is scheduled for next spring, but based on the evidence, we expect Prescott to face twenty-five to life when convicted."
More details followed. Federal grants for affected businesses. A victim compensation fund established from seized assets. Resources for rebuilding.
