Gabe understood the question. “Yes. All that we left behind and on the trail. There were a few personal possessions, but their weapons were gone. The paranoid bastards had probably planned for when they’d have to abandon the place.”

“But that means they’re loose and can…come after us. After Kit.” Frankie felt Bull’s hand cover hers and realized her fingers had clenched into fists.

“They won’t be free for long.” Gabe gave her a reassuring smile. “There are warrants being written up for the leaders, including Nabera and his lieutenants.”

“I don’t like knowing Nabera isn’t locked up,” JJ said. “He’s not exactly stable.”

Hawk frowned and placed his hand on Aric’s shoulder. “Tighten security?”

“Yes. We’ll keep the Hermitage locked down. Just in case.” Gabe shook his head. “Fanatics are unpredictable.”

“The feds told me they picked up Parrish.” Frankie said to Bull. “I forgot to tell you last night.”

“There’s good news.” Bull squeezed her hand. “Without the leader, everything else will probably collapse.”

Nabera was loose. “Maybe it’s good Kit will be in a hospital and safe until the rest of them are arrested.”

“I’d hoped to meet your friend, but my flight leaves tomorrow morning.” Zachary gave Frankie a long look. “When you’re helping her mend from all this, remind her as often as needed that she wasn’t entirely helpless. That her courage and ingenuity in contacting you was what saved her and Aric—and the other women as well. Her actions—and yours, Frankie—broke the Patriot Zealots.”

He’d called her Frankie. Because that was who she was. She caught the psychologist’s gaze, and his eyes crinkled. Because when he asked her what her full name was, she’d scowled as she told him “Francesca”. He’d chuckled and said he preferred to take the time to say a person’s entire name, but in her case, “Frankie” was less of a nickname and more of a statement of identity. And he liked who she was.

She really liked this psychologist.

Just then, he rose. “I need to stretch my legs, especially since I’ll be on a plane for hours tomorrow. Regan, I hear you have a cat. Might I have an introduction to him? I’m in need of hearing some purrs.”

Regan jumped up. “Sure. Sirius likes getting petted.”

As the two of them headed out the door, Frankie saw Mako’s sons exchanging grins. “What?”

Bull chuckled. “We all remember Grayson’s chats. Because of him, we’re probably less fucked-up than we might’ve been.” As the others chimed in with snorts of agreement, Bull gave her a light kiss and added, “Now, it seems he’s planning to steer the next generation.”

Chapter Twenty-Four

When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching—they are your family. ~ Jim Butcher