Chapter 17
Ethan set his Lego block down, wiping his hands on a napkin as he accepted the silver box from the housekeeper.
"Thank you, Martha," Ethan said quietly, placing the box in the center of the kitchen island.
He used a small brass key from his pocket to unlock the dual latches, lifting the heavy lid.
Inside rested a gold-plated medallion and a formal letter signed by the United States Attorney General.
"What is that, Daddy?" Lily asked curiously, tilting her head as she looked into the box.
"It's a citizen's commendation for helping the government clean up bad people," Ethan explained gently, lifting the heavy medallion.
"Does that mean the bad people are all gone forever?" Lily asked, her big blue eyes holding a trace of lingering childhood caution.
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Ethan pulled her close into a warm, comforting hug, resting his chin gently on her soft blonde hair.
"They are gone forever, princess," Ethan whispered with absolute conviction. "Nobody will ever hurt you again."
