Epilogue
A week later, most of the truth was documented for the police. James Mackey had been tricked inside Felix Zenger's apartment, there was a struggle, and James killed in self-defense. Axel Eichel and Peter Newkirk were witnesses. Eichel had been working with Zenger to hurt the Engländers in order to have some pay back for the war and their father's deaths. All Peter supposedly did was track down Eichel so that he could confess. The other details of Peter's involvement in the issue were covered up by M16. Inspector Matthias Knight was gladly sentenced to silence. The truth was what he had wanted, and that was what he got and swore to at the trial.
The matter was resolved at a trial that was quickly brought up. The issue was sped up by MI6 who had no wish to dwell on it any longer. Not while one of their own (Peter) was behind bars for still being suspected of the murder. MI6 couldn't do everything without causing some suspicion. But Newkirk was quite happy to do it as long as he kept James on the other side of the prison wall. That was what he had committed himself to do from the beginning.
But the trial went perfectly. Robert Hogan testified about Eichel confessing his plans to them. Rob also testified about Eichel holding, he, an American General hostage. That in itself was to put Eichel in prison for quite some time. Then, Everley Blackwell came to the stand to explain how Peter had told him to say that he was the one in the building. Finally, James testified, explaining that Eichel was to pay him money if he killed Zenger. Eichel had supplied him the gun. And Eichel had told James that if he shouldn't kill Zenger, Thom Mackey wouldn't be getting a job anytime soon.
If Eichel had not been pinned down earlier, that sealed the deal.
So, it was a happy ending.
And it went further. General Butler let Peter off for awhile, giving him a "much needed vacation to travel wherever you like". It was said with a conspicuous look in Rob's direction. But Butler was a little late. Peter and Rob had already discussed their plans. They would spend half of Rob's vacation time here in Europe to see more of Louis LeBeau, Marie, the Bachmeiers and Hammelburg, and of course the Schultz Manor and its residents. The other half would be spent in the states where Rob would guide Peter around to see Andre Carter and James Kinchloe—who everyone still called Kinch. Peter had even persuaded Marie to come with them.
The reunions were as good as they could get. Andrew was engaged to Mary Jane. Peter had a few choice words for that, but Marie kept him in check. Kinch had a lovely family, and number two was on the way, but not for some time. Rob was more than happy to finally introduce is parents and siblings to Peter and Marie.
Afterwards, all the old team could talk about was the day they could all get together for a reunion. But with Louis' firstborn on the way soon, and Andrew's wedding date fast approaching, the grand reunion would have to wait awhile, much to everyone's disappointment.
However, shortly after Peter and Marie returned to Europe, everyone in the states got an answer to when they should have the reunion:
they were all invited to a wedding in France.