CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

There were more questions than answers when all the dust settled, yet still, the people of Atlanta were singing the praises of the D.A. and his team. More than three hundred officers had been arrested and charged, with another two hundred willing to make a deal with the D.A. All of it left the door wide open for Gates' opponent, who was making the speech of her lifetime. She was poised, professional, attractive, and intelligent. The state of Georgia made out in this deal.

Alec and Tailor watched as the woman walked off the stage after accepting the position uncontested. There was no one that wanted to step in for Gates.

"I'm so glad you both stayed," she said, smiling at the men.

"Ma'am?" asked Tailor, confused. He looked at Alec, who only shrugged.

"I'm here because of you both," she grinned.

"Ma'am, I believe you're here because Charlie Gates was a pompous asshole who believed he could have everything he ever wanted," smiled Tailor.

"Do you know my name?" she asked.

"Dari Monroe," said Alec.

"That's right. But my full name is Darya. My father's name was Alexei." Alec stared at her for a moment, then looked at Tailor.

"Oh, shit," he whispered. "She's the baby. The baby that Alexei took."

It had been a lifetime. Hell, it felt like two lifetimes. Alexei had once been one of his tormentors in Russia, although reluctantly. In truth, he probably saved his life. Years later, when Lissa was kidnapped, Alexei was there again to save his girl and to save one little girl who didn't have a chance.

"You're all grown up," smirked Alec. The woman laughed, shaking her head.

"Yes. I suppose I am. I have a husband and grown children now, thanks to all of you. My father is still in Idaho."

"He's alive?" asked Alec.

"He's alive and well, but you couldn't blast him off his ranch if you tried."

"Did he ever marry?" asked Alec.

"No. I'm afraid I was Papa's life," she smiled. "He spoke of all of you often. I was in awe at his size, but he said there were men like him out in the world who would always defeat evil. He is a good man. A good father. He provided the best life in the world for me, and I'm exceptionally proud of him. I can't thank you all enough for making sure I could get that life."

"I just can't believe it," smiled Alec. "I mean, talk about a small world. This is a small fucking world."

"My husband and I moved to Atlanta about twenty years ago for his job. Dad has been here a few times but doesn't like the city."

"He must be incredibly proud of you, Darya," smiled Alec.

"Just Dari," she smiled. "It's better if there are no questions about why I have a Russian name. Well, I have to go now."

"If you ever need anything, let us know," said Tailor. She smiled at the two giants, kissing their cheeks as they bent to give her access.

"Same goes for you. If I can do anything for you, let me know." They watched as she was whisked away by a security team and television crew. They had a good feeling about her and knew she would do great things for Georgia.

"Let's go home, brother. This has been one helluva trip."

"We heard it all, brother," smiled Gaspar. "Fate is a fucking wicked jokester, isn't she? Little Darya, the baby that shouldn't have lived. Maybe we are making a difference. That's two women in one week that we saved and are now changing the world for the better, a little bit at a time."

"There are hundreds more," said Baptiste. "We all know it. Adults and children that we've saved. Children who are now adults. Hell, we have Robin to prove that. We make a difference, and this week, it was good to see."

"Are we lucky enough to get a break?" asked Nine.

"I don't think so," smirked Ghost. "We've got at least six more possible cases, and we'll be interviewing the first of them tomorrow."

"What now? Trolls, ogres, or fairies?" asked Ian.

"Don't even fucking joke," said Gaspar. "I don't need any of those on this property."

"Relax," smirked Ian. "Trolls and ogres aren't real."

"You didn't say fairies. You didn't say that fairies aren't real," said Gaspar. "Are you trying to make me have a stroke!"

"Not at all. Besides, everyone knows that fairies are real." The room full of men turned, laughing as they left him standing there open-mouthed.

"Sometimes, I really hate you assholes."