Epilogue
Skye clapped enthusiastically at the performance.
It might have seemed a bit bizarre to someone else, but—once the children and the missing adults had been found; the innocents returned to their families; the addicts and mentally challenged were referred to the proper treatment centers, before a few who had fallen completely under Vince Cason’s control might face charges—Skye and Zach had wanted to enjoy Salem.
And so they had come to Derby Street to watch an excellent performance of Cry Innocent. That afternoon, they’d spent time at the Peabody Essex Museum, the Witch Museum, and the New England Pirate Museum.
The day before, they’d headed to the House of the Seven Gables, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the Rebecca Nurse Homestead, and a slew of shops and places they loved, on and near Essex Street: Crow Haven Corner, Count Orlok’s Nightmare Gallery, and more.
They’d found the Bewitched statue of Elizabeth Montgomery and stood out on Revere Beach.
Leaving the performance, Zach grinned at Skye.
“You do know, some people might have opted for a few days in the Bahamas or some such break. Maybe Bermuda.”
She laughed softly. They were holding hands, swinging their arms as they walked down the street.
“Yeah. That would have been nice, too. But I have always loved this city—”
“Me too. And we got to see all the things we love so much. Maybe next time, the Bahamas!” Zach said.
She smiled. She was certain they would both like a “next time.”
But at that moment …
“Back to our quarters,” Zach said.
And she smiled. “Oh, yes, back to our quarters,” she agreed.
Because this was their night.
“Tomorrow we’re due at a different kind of ‘quarters,’” Zach said.
And they were. They were due at Krewe headquarters in the DC area—the plane was being sent for them at noon.
And the night …
The nights were beautiful.
They’d spent time doing things …
And time just being together.
And back in their rooms, they spent the time that they had. They learned to talk, really talk, lying together, sharing all the good things, the bad things, and the strange things from their pasts.
Skye had never been so happy. Sex was amazing, but just lying next to him, feeling his heat, his touch upon her …
She had never imagined she might have such a complete relationship, loving everything about someone, being able to talk with absolute honesty to that someone, and to share thoughts so completely.
Yes … The night was truly a magnificent kind of … magic!
In the morning, they weren’t awakened by an alarm. Rather a phone call.
Zach answered the ring, and after a greeting, he listened, and slowly arched his brow in surprise.
“Sure. Great. No problem!” he said, hanging up.
He looked at Skye, bemused.
“Well?”
“Looks like Lieutenant Gavin Bruns is going to be coming with us. He isn’t going to be Lieutenant Bruns anymore. He’s going to enter the academy.”
“Ah! A candidate for …”
“For whatever we are,” Zach said. “I heard a rumor that they’re starting to call us The Crows, because it was Jackson Crow who brought us all together. And it’s good, because …”
“Because there will always be another devil in the woods?” she asked softly.
He nodded, then drew her into his arms.
More deadly situations would arise, and they would work them. They would always do anything they could to save innocent lives from the “witches” and the “devils” who lurked in human form around the world.
But for now …
They had a few hours before the plane was due to leave.
And the beautiful hours could be precious indeed.