The Lincoln pulled into Quincy and Shelly’s home. The agent who babysat Wulf during the plane ride and escorted him all the way to the door gave a quick bid of good luck. Clutching the manila envelope that he read during the airport exit traffic, Wulf got out of the car, ruminating over the incentives Mary Jane had secured on his behalf. More money in his pension than he’d recalled and a note from his old Chief of Police welcoming him back come Monday morning. It was safe to assume that Mary Jane’s presence meant volumes to the FBI. Just that realization burned in his gut and began a tormenting churn.

He’d abandoned her, yet again. Left her in the care of agents whose concern was “the greater good.”

The tiny gate creaked as he opened it and strolled through the garden. Shelly came rushing out the door.

Her joy faded a notch. “I thought I’d meet the chick. I’m sorry.”

This was far from a fairytale ending.

Wulf’s gaze didn’t even meet hers as he shook his head. “Maybe later you’ll meet her.” If you don’t, I’ll hunt down Jakob Woods myself!

Shelly’s brow rose, catching the deadly undertones in his tone. Her voice held a note of trepidation. “See, prayer works. You’re home safe. Quincy got in a few hours ago from an overnighter. He hasn’t even went to sleep and is so happy. So, a Starsky and Hutch reunion is on its way!”

The agent’s promptness made Wulf’s worry amplify. “Good,” he said as they climbed up the steps.

Bryan and Ryan flew into his arms next. “Uncle Dylan, you’re back.”

Bree grinned, fidgeting with her fingers.

Though he was having a crummy day, he squatted down.

“Oh, beautiful, you always bring a smile to my face.”

The tot said not a word as she let go and ran back to her father’s lap. Quincy sat in his favorite recliner

“I’m back.” Wulf found himself at a loss for words.

Quincy said, “You need a beer. Let’s get a beer and talk.”

“And you don’t sound grateful about it,” Brenda retorted, from behind them while grumbling about alcohol in the morning.

“Mom.” He gave her a hug, a tight long one remembering Jake’s words. It made his blood boil, but he had to stop thinking about Jake because it only brought worry about Mary Jane’s situation.

“Well now, you’re hugging me like we haven’t seen you in years.”

“Hmmm, it might have something to do with those El Toro boys in Mexico,” Quincy said.

“What?” Brenda sat down on the couch. “Is that why the police are keeping an eye on us?”

“Bryan, Ryan, take your sister into the kitchen and…make her a peanut butter and jelly sandwich,” Shelly said.

“Awwww.” They whispered about having just eaten breakfast and hopped out of the room.

Wulf told the story of what happened.

“Wow, your crazy chick isn’t that crazy! Sounds smarter than anything,” Shelly exclaimed. “Mary Jane made some type of chemical bomb?”

He nodded.

“Well, wherever she is, with a brain like that, she can keep herself safe.” Brenda patted his hand.

“Daddy!” the boys called in unison.

“What?” Quincy shouted.

“It’s Bree!” Their voices held urgency.

Quincy and Wulf bolted toward the kitchen, Shelly on their heels and Brenda not far behind.

The back door was wide open.

“Wh-where’s Bree?” Shelly clutched her heart.

Quincy already started for the back door.

“She went with the soldier. We told her not to.”

Shelly slapped Ryan in the face, and Wulf held her back from slapping her other son.

“Where is my daughter?” she screamed and Brenda wrapped her in a bear hug.

Wulf hurried out the door. Quincy was already hopping over the wall to the left.

Wulf gripped the cinderblock and bounded over. He saw Quincy standing with hands on his head. Quincy slammed his fist into the wall. “Fuck!”

“We will get her back,” Wulf began.

As Quincy pulled out his cell phone and heatedly called dispatch, Wulf heard Bryan calling out to them. He hurried back over to the other side.

“Uncle Dylan, here…the soldier left this.” Bryan held out a piece of paper.

Now that I have the closest thing to you, in regard to an immediate family, it’s time to return what’s mine.

–Jake