He closed Zarina’s now lifeless eyes, pushed himself up from the ground, and walked away into the darkness.

Chapter 102

Burke and Isabel sat and watched the flames lick the sky as the emergency crews and police arrived on scene. The paramedics immediately rushed up to them, but both Burke and Isabel waved off the first responders. They didn’t say a word to each other as they watched what was left of the structure cave in on itself.

Finally, Burke said, “See, didn’t that work out much better than dying?”

Isabel’s face showed no emotion. She seemed hollow, like vengeance and rage were the only things still animating her body and now that they had drained away, there was nothing left. “I’m not sure yet,” she said.

“You completed your crusade. The people responsible for the massacre are all dead.”

“I guess so.”

“Now you know why it happened and made the culprits pay for it. Do you feel any better?”

“No, I don’t.”

“I’ve considered suicide many times myself. But you know what always makes me feel better.”

“What’s that?”

“Ice cream. And pancakes. You want to get some pancakes?”

A small smile crept onto her face. “I would, but I think I’m still under arrest.”

Burke shrugged. “No worries. I know people. You just have to promise not to kidnap or beat anyone else with a hammer.”

“I think I can handle that.”

“Good. Then we’ll get pancakes. Maybe pancakes with ice cream on top. Have you ever done that?”

“I don’t like pancakes.”

“You’ll learn to love to them. Doctor’s orders.”

He heard a familiar voice at his back and turned to see Nic and Carter walking up the driveway. Nic smiled as they approached and said, “We can’t take you anywhere, kid. We tell you not to shoot anyone, and so you decided to blow them up instead?”

Burke stood and replied, “Technically, I didn’t blow anyone up. I just put them in a position to blow up themselves.”

He looked at Sam Carter, who had tears in his eyes. Burke didn’t understand why and was about to ask when Carter said, “Shut up and come here, kid.” Then the FBI agent wrapped him up in big hug.

Burke’s eyes went wide, and he wasn’t quite sure how to respond. He fought the urge to push Carter away and instead patted him on the back and said, “Okay. Okay.”

Carter finally pulled away and wiped his eyes. “Sorry. You just scared us, son. We assumed the worst.”

Nic slapped him on the shoulder and said, “She took that gun from you, didn’t she?”

Burke frowned. “I don’t think that’s relevant at this point.”

Nic laughed. “I hate to admit it, but you’re a pretty impressive guy, Dr. Burke. I told you before that the members of my team are my brothers. You’ve more than earned that title.”

Burke thought about that a moment and replied, “Nic, I already have three brothers. They’re all assholes. But I’d be honored to call you my friend.”