Pretending to be insulted, Angie groused, “Yeah? But I’m a really strong mite. Come on, let me help you.” She put her shoulder under his arm and between the table and her support, John succeeded. The dog watched them carefully, making sure that the girl didn’t upset her idol.
And once John stood steady, she ran to lean against his knee, shivering, whimpering in her joy to see him upright. Slowly, he bent over to pet her, and said. “You’re a good doggie, my girl. It’s Milk Bones for you, as many as you can eat.”
Angie also petted the happy animal and agreed, “First chance I get, I’m buying her a big fat chewie bone and a stuffed play toy. She’s wonderful, Poppa John.”
He hugged Angie to him and added, “No better than my other girls. You are all heroes, especially poor Kayla.” The two joined arms and walked toward where Charli and Kayla were still entwined.
Angie stepped closer to add her support. “You did good, girlfriend.” She tentatively touched Kayla’s back and looked pleased when the girl reached for her hand. “But you said you weren’t going to take one of the guns after you knew I’d snuck into Blake’s stash.”
Kayla’s grin was sickly, but a good start. “See, I’m a liar.” She flipped her hair back over her head in her Kayla way. Then she looked toward where the EMT’s were rushing at Dylan. “But at least I’m not a killer.”
Charli laughed and ruffled her hair before moving to where Bill Newton stood next to his boss. He helped Blake rise after getting the signal and led him to the stack of pillows to use as a leaning post. Bill gave Charli the eagle eye, and in a mock-mad tone, he said, “The boss waved off the paramedics, Agent Madison, he said it’s only a scratch. But the stubborn man needs attention.”
“I’ll make sure he gets it, don’t you worry, Lieutenant.”
“It’s Bill, ma’am. Bill Newton. I’m very pleased to meet you at last.” He held out his hand, and they shook. “It’s a good day when a killer is stopped and heading for prison. Thank you for what you and the girls did.”
“Like they say in the movies, it was all ad lib. Nothing went as planned.”
“You’re right. I’ve never seen anything like what just happened – an academy performance.”
Blake grinned, “Meet my new family.”