Chapter 26 - THE KEYS TO FREEDOM
Spring arrived in the Florida Keys with warm turquoise waters and bright sunshine.
A sixty-foot sailboat named The Liberty floated peacefully near the coral reef off Key West.
Ethan sat on the forward deck, wearing a orange life jacket and learning how to tie nautical knots with Marcus.
Nora sat on the stern bench, holding Maya as the gentle sea breeze blew through her long dark hair.
Detective Jackson, now retired from the police force, walked up from the galley holding two glasses of lemonade.
"It's quiet out here, Nora," Jackson remarked, sitting down beside her.
"It's the first time in my life I feel like we can actually breathe," Nora smiled, taking a sip of lemonade.
"All the Vance Enterprise assets have been fully transferred to the Eleanor Vance Children's Foundation," Jackson reported. "The first shelter opens in Charleston next month."
Nora looked at Ethan laughing on the deck with Marcus, his strength and spirit fully restored after months of healing.
May you like
The raw marks on his neck had faded into barely visible lines, replaced by healthy color and joy.
"We did it, Jackson," Nora whispered, wiping a small tear of happiness from her cheek. "We made it home."
