Chapter 18 - The Price of Redemption
Silence descended on the fish processing plant, broken only by the sound of the wind, the rain, and the waves lapping against the concrete pilings.
I rushed forward, dropping to my knees beside Claire. I pulled my tactical knife and sliced through the thick plastic zip-ties binding her wrists.
"Claire... Claire, are you okay?" I gasped, pulling her into my arms, pressing my face against her neck.
She sobbed hysterically, holding me with a strength that surprised me, her fingers digging into my soaked coat. "David... oh God, David... you came... you came for us..."
"Always," I whispered, tears mixing with the rain on my face. "Always."
I turned to the kids. Eli and Lily were huddled together near Victor. I cut Victor's bonds first. The old soldier wiped the blood from his brow and looked at me with deep, quiet shame.
"Boss... I'm sorry," Victor rasped, his voice cracking. "Dominic's men... they tracked my fuel purchases three weeks ago. They ambushed me at the farm before your call even came through. They used my phone to trick you..."
I placed a hand on Victor's shoulder, gripping it tightly. "You stayed alive to protect my family, Victor. You have nothing to apologize for."
I knelt in front of my children. Lily threw her tiny arms around my neck, burying her face in my shoulder. I pulled Eli close, hugging both of them tightly against my chest.
Then I looked at the shattered wooden birdhouse lying on the wet concrete floor.
"That was a hell of a shot, Eli," I said softly, wiping a tear from my six-year-old son's cheek.
May you like
Eli looked up at me, his dark eyes wide and brave beneath his wet hair. "You told me cedar shingles were strong, Dad. You said we build things to last."
I swallowed hard, pulling my son against my heart. "Yes, we do, son. Yes, we do."
