CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Krauss and Yulia were gone, but the team knew that more would be waiting for them. Although they tried to remove themselves from cases like these, this one just happened to fall in their lap. They didn't regret it at all.

The wives had shown themselves to be more than capable and effective. Just to be sure no one saw them, they stayed a few days in Charleston, pretending to be on a group couples trip. By the time they were home, the party to send Hayes on his way was already in full swing.

"He's gonna do great, Hoot," smirked Ghost.

"I know. I'm gonna miss the kid," he said. "I never thought I'd say that, but he's been amazing to be around. I've learned a lot from him."

"Kids will do that to you," smiled Ghost. "Did someone let Nelly know that she's safe now?"

"Yeah. We went out there yesterday and told her. She's doing fine, but I think she's okay staying right where she is. Sor should be here in a week or two. Hopefully, he can check in on her to be sure all is good as well."

"Those two seem fine," said Tailor, nodding at Hayes and Victoria on the dance floor.

"Yep. They're gonna miss each other," smiled Hoot.

They watched as Hayes and Victoria danced and danced. Every song made them happy, smiling with one another.

"It was really great of your mom and everyone to throw this dance for you," she smiled up at him.

"It wasn't for me, Victoria," smiled Hayes.

"What do you mean? It's part of the going away party."

"No. The dance is for you. At my request," he said, holding her in his arms.

Victoria just stared up at him, realizing how very tall he was. She was always going to be petite and tiny. He was probably only going to get bigger.

"For me," she whispered.

"I asked them to give you a dance. It's like your senior prom. Our senior prom."

"Hayes, it's perfect," she said, hugging him. "I'm going to miss you so much."

"I'll be home before you know it. In the meantime, you get better, and when you're feeling like it, come and see me. I'll be waiting."

"I promise, Hayes. I swear. I promise."