Chapter 23 - THE JOURNEY HOME
Two days later, the Ford Ranger pulled back up the gravel driveway of their suburban Ohio home.
The federal crime scene tape had been removed, and the lawn was quiet under the warm autumn sun.
Ethan stepped out of the truck, taking a deep breath of the familiar, crisp midwestern air.
He opened the passenger door, helping Lily step down onto the pavement with her stuffed rabbit in hand.
Lily looked up at the house, her wide brown eyes filled with a quiet, childlike resilience.
"Are the bad guys gone forever, Daddy?" Lily asked softly, tugging on the sleeve of his olive green shirt.
"Forever and always, bug," Ethan reassured her, picking her up and spinning her around in a joyful embrace.
They walked up the front steps, unlocking the heavy wooden door and stepping inside their peaceful home.
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The American flag still sat neatly on the corner of the home office desk, untouched by the chaos that had transpired.
Ethan walked over, straightening the flag's brass base with a quiet, respectful touch.
