Chapter 50: Epilogue

SIX WEEKS LATER. FEDERAL COURTHOUSE, FT WORTH, TEXAS.

ERIN STEPPED THROUGH THE doors, escaping a few moments ahead of those allowed in the courtroom. She'd sweated through her shirt to the point that her jacket felt damp, but it was over. Two days of testimony, and her part was over.

Riley, Khalil and Casey sat on the bench across from the doors.

"How'd it go?" Riley crossed to her and wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Fine." She glanced at Khalil.

Their secret was still theirs. There was so much to untangle in regard to the black-ops side of Allied's business that no one cared about their role beyond how it all went public. She would take the fact that Khalil kidnapped her to her grave, and so would the others.

She squeezed Riley and let go of him.

Over the last few weeks she'd gotten to know Khalil. They'd talked, helping heal much of the other's pain and come to terms with the future in a new light.

She took Khalil's hand in hers.

"Thank you," he muttered.

"None of this