Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed novel Chapter 896

Just as he thought—

The lead officer nodded at Owen Reynolds. "We’ll take them in now."

"Good. I’d recommend a drug test."

"Don’t worry, sir. We know the procedure."

Fabian and Jay’s faces paled as they finally realized they had picked a fight with the wrong people.

The police cars arrived and departed with impressive speed.

Corley smirked. "First time I’ve seen the local police move this fast."

Owen Reynolds offered no comment.

Mamie glanced between them, a look of dawning comprehension on her face.

So, the professor had been late because he was also pulling some strings. Mr. Sullivan worked the angles from the shadows, while the professor operated through official channels. It was a two-pronged attack, cutting off every possible escape route for Fabian and Jay.

……

That evening, the Smith family’s home was as festive as a holiday celebration. Mr. Smith had been busy since the afternoon, preparing a grand feast, seemingly determined to turn every ingredient they owned into a lavish dish to express his family’s gratitude.

He even unsealed a special bottle of wine he’d been saving for Gail’s wedding.

Everyone tried to protest, insisting he shouldn’t go to so much trouble, but Mr. Smith wouldn’t listen. He’d been in the kitchen since the afternoon and only emerged as dusk fell, smiling as he called everyone to the table.

He took a deep breath. "I'm not a man of many words, but all my gratitude is in this glass!"

With that, he tipped his head back and downed the drink in one go.

Carlson and Gail followed suit, each raising a glass to their guests.

After three rounds, Roseanne was feeling a little tipsy. Resting her chin on her hand, she looked from the colorful, aromatic dishes on the table to the simple, honest faces of the Smith family. In a daze, her eyes met Owen Reynolds's gaze from across the table, and she froze for a second.