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Chapter 9: Epilogue

Myles was in the hospital for another week, then spent a second one at home. When he finally walked back into the Bullpen, he was more than ready to jump into a case, and he suffered the applause for only a minute. "Okay, okay," he said, holding up both hands and dropping back into his characteristic scowl, "can we get back to work here, please? I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready for anything they want to throw at us."

"Well, I think we can accommodate you there," Jack replied with a grin. "We're currently in the middle of trying to shut down a smuggling operation."

Myles perched himself against Tara's desk. "Fill me in."

"Now, just hold off there a minute, mate," Bobby declared. "You can't expect to just waltz in here, after pretty much coming back from the dead, and not have some kind of a welcome."

The blond agent just looked at the Aussie for a minute, then shook his head as he surveyed his colleagues. "Guys, I just want to get back to work right now. Can't we do whatever you have planned, later?" He stretched, and let a smile play across his face. "That's a word I'm rather enjoying right now."

There was laughter all around at that, and Dimitrius came over and clapped him on the shoulder. "Almost all of it can wait till later, " he said. "But there's one part of it that I think you need right now. Come with me."

Myles raised both eyebrows, but allowed D to lead him out of the Bullpen and down the hall to a conference room. Dimitrius motioned the younger man toward it. "In there. Enjoy."

The sideways glance let D know that Myles was fully expecting something to jump out at him, but he simply said, "Okay," and turned the knob. He stepped inside hesitantly, letting the door close behind him. Then he stopped short.

On the table was a small framed piece, and a single red rose. He walked over to it and picked up the frame, reading aloud the verse written there:

A knight is sworn to valor;

His heart knows only virtue;

His blade defends the helpless;

His might upholds the weak;

His word speaks only truth;

His wrath undoes the wicked.

The writing was hand-done calligraphy, and below the verse was a beautifully inked dragon. Suddenly, he heard soft footsteps behind him. He turned.

Elizabeth Dillingham stepped over to him, a brilliant smile lighting her face. "Welcome back," she said softly.

He took a step back. "Elizabeth? What are you doing here? I thought…"

She held out her hands to him. "I know. And I decided I wasn't going to keep you in suspense indefinitely. I knew you'd want to dive right back into work, so I allowed myself just two weeks to work all this out."

He took a deep breath, and drew her into his arms. The decision was hers, after all, and he was ready to accept whatever she'd chosen. "And what did you find as your answer?"

The smile softened, but didn't diminish. She put her arms around his neck, and stretched up on her toes until her lips were right next to his ear. "'Let peace begin'… with us. Whatever the cost."

His arms tightened around her, and he let out the breath he'd been holding. "You're sure?"

She pulled back to look into his eyes. "I'm sure. The 'Old Code' didn't necessarily apply just to the knights."

Myles smiled at her. "You're going to have to fill me in on all this knights and dragons stuff. I think I missed something. But I like the analogy – I used to imagine being a knight when I was a kid."

"Now, that doesn't surprise me at all."

He gently touched her cheek, then let his fingers tangle in her hair. He drew her closer, leaning down to touch her lips with…

"Myles! We gotta roll – we've got a lead on that smuggling ring." Bobby's voice preceded him through the doorway.

Elizabeth let go of him immediately. "Go. I'll see you later."

Myles took her face in his hands and gave her a quick, passionate kiss. "Yes," he replied with a smile, "you will." And he headed out the door.

FINIS