Mack led her out front, and the blacked-out car was waiting for them. Jamsey and Murdo got out and stood by the car with big smiles on their faces. There were a few steps to go down, and Murdo hurried forward to take Flora’s other arm.

“Take your time, Ms. Buchanan.”

Jamsey had the back door open when they got to the car. Mack handed Jamsey Flora’s bag, and before she got in, they both asked to shake her hand.

“Thanks for saving Isla,” Murdo said.

Then Jamsey said, “You are a hero.”

Flora didn’t know how to react to that. She looked at Mack, who said, “She is. Thanks, boys.”

“Yes, thank you,” Flora managed to say.

Mack helped her into the back seat, kissed her, and then said with a smile, “You’re my hero too.”

* * *

They pulled through the gates of the Sharkey property, and her mum’s and her aunt’s houses were both covered in balloons and Welcome to the Family banners at the front.

“What’s that for?” Flora asked.

“For you. Who else?” Mack smiled.

Then right on cue, Uncle Thomas, Aunt Chrissy, her mum, and Isla with Dexter up in her arms came out to welcome them.

“Wow.”

“I know this might be a lot for you, especially today of all days, but they just want to show how much they love and appreciate you.”

“It’s okay. I appreciate it. I have a family now,” Flora said, “My guardian angel rescued me and gave me life and hope. Thank you, Mack, I love you.”

“I love you, wee mouse.”

Epilogue

Flora walked arm in arm with Mack through Glasgow’s arty west end. She still had pain in her ribs but was getting much better.

“Do you think Dexter is okay?” Mack asked.

“For the twentieth time, yes, he’ll be fine.” Isy had gotten her dream Christmas present from her mum, a fully trained service dog for anxiety and PTSD. Daisy the labradoodle was making Isy’s life calmer.

At first Dexter wasn’t too sure of another dog, but he soon found out he had a great playmate. But Mack was nervous because this was the first time leaving the two dogs alone without her there.

They arrived at their destination, an upmarket tattoo parlour where Mack and the other Sharkeys had gotten work done. Mack opened the door and held it open.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Mack asked.

“As sure as I’ve ever been about anything.”

Mack kissed her cheek and walked in. Mack spoke first, being Flora’s voice. “Ms. Buchanan has an appointment in ten minutes.”

“Okay, that’s fine. Can you show me what you are wanting today?”

Mack pulled up her sleeve and said, “She wants this.”

“A shark’s tooth, yes.”

Flora looked up at Mac and smiled. “Yes. I’m a Sharkey now.”

* * *

“Ah, that nips.”