Chapter 86

Alan passed the precious envelope to Jessie. Jessie opened it and looked at the troublesome photographs and empty USB stick. She smiled and turned to Denman.

"Thanks, Linda. I don't know what I would've done if you didn't do this," she said gratefully. "Thank you."

"It was the right thing to do," Denman replied. She turned to the rest of the group. "I know you don't trust me, but I'd like to reassure you, for what it's worth, that I have no intention of harming or betraying you. I would like to thank you for allowing me here to witness this, in your safe haven. I know I'm not here lightly,"

Denman's speech was met with nods and a murmur of acknowledgement. The tense atmosphere seemed to relax slightly. The group moved towards a large patch of dirt at the end of the village buildings. The kids with lightning powers were allowed to practice at this place only – as not to catch the island on fire accidently. Jessie placed the envelope on the ground and stepped back.

"Would you do the honours, Rikki?" Jessie asked. Rikki nodded and stepped forward. Stretching her hand out, she called a lightning bolt from the sky, setting the dangerous photos on fire. Flames soon enveloped the folder and soon it was no more than ashes mixing with the dirt. The USB was a molten pile. Satisfied smiles stretched across everyone's faces, including Dr Denman's. Cleo used her control over the wind, gently blowing the ashes away, scattering them across the island. Denman felt excitement throughout the informal ceremony; their powers fascinated her – it was not only this driving her emotions, however. She felt an amazing sense of privilege at having permission to be there, especially in spite of her past sins against them. She felt peace, knowing that this was the right thing to do. The evidence now burnt from existence.

The group had been unsure of Denman's intentions but in seeing her genuine reactions they felt reassured- at least, more assured than before. Hesitantly, Denman approached Rikki.

"Thank you for letting me be here, Rikki. I want you to know how sorry I am for what I did in the past, for what I did to warrant such distrust. I'm not going to betray you again. There is too much at stake," Denman looked over at Alan for the latter part of the sentence. He was in an animated discussion with Jessie, Anna and Lewis. Rikki was not sure how to react to the scientist's open statement.

"I…" Rikki began, "Thanks, I guess," she paused trying to formulate a response. "Look Denman, I appreciate that and I really hope its honesty, but I don't know if I will ever trust you,"

"For that I am sorry," Denman smiled sadly.

"But…I think I forgive you, after what you've done for Jessie. I know that would be hard as a scientist – having an accessible subject and evidence. I think you really have changed. I forgive you, but I'll never forget," Rikki admitted reluctantly. Denman smiled gratefully.

"That means a lot, especially coming from you," Denman replied.

"Having said that, if you have some ulterior motives and end up doing something stupid, let me remind you that I can burn you to a crisp in the blink of an eye – and no human policemen would ever find out what happened," she threatened.

"Of that I have no doubt," Denman smirked. "But Rikki, I don't think that will be necessary,"

With a nod of agreement, Rikki moved off to talk to Zane. Denman walked over to Cleo and thanked her again. She felt a little like a stuck record. She started a basic conversation, mainly talking about work – Denman was interested in Cleo's stories from the marine park and working with the dolphins there. After a few minutes, Denman's boiling curiosity took over.

"I'm sorry, but I'm just so fascinated – how did you make your village?"

Cleo froze momentarily. As soon as the question was out of Denman's mouth, she regretted it instantly. Alan had warned her not to, and she just got on the mermaids' good sides again.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked," Denman backtracked quickly. Cleo was not used to this Denman, one who backed off from questions she knew that she desperately wanted the answers to.

"No, no. It's fine – as long as you don't tell anyone about it," Cleo said.

"My lips are sealed,"

"It's just mermaid magic," Cleo admitted. "Those of us with water moving abilities moulded it, and Bella used her gelatine powers to set it. It's cost-free and quick to put up – rather handy really," Cleo smiled.

"Well its looks great – you really have made this place incredible. Definitely feels magical, like stepping into another world,"

"Thanks," Cleo responded.

"I'll try to curb my curiosity," Denman grinned. "It's just hard to do with all these things I don't have answers to," The idea of magic fascinated her, it made her want to figure out how it worked scientifically; no doubt it was not a simple answer. She would find a willing participant someday but at this point, she was satisfied in enjoying these nice people's happiness – not everything needed researching right away. Wow, a possible future family member was going to be a mythical creature.

OoOoO

A little while later, Alan, Denman and Jessie departed from Mako back to the mainland. Everyone was happy that Hunter had not been able to hurt them this time. Alan went with Jessie back to her apartment.

Alan was sitting on the couch when Jessie returned from the kitchen, two hot chocolates in hand. She passed one to Alan before sitting down next to him. When they had arrived back, she had changed into track pants and an oversized t-shirt for comfort. Alan thought that she looked positively adorable. He mused that when she dressed like this it made him fall for her more.

"Have you decided on a movie?"

"Not yet, you have too big a collection," Alan replied.

"A genre then?" Jessie replied.

"Hmm, I'm thinking nothing sad,"

"Well, that narrows it down," she raised her eyebrows amused.

"How are you feeling, Jess?" Alan asked seriously.

"Relieved," Jessie replied with a sigh. She placed her mug on the coffee table and snuggled into his side. "But it's not over yet. Hunter knows and he is my work colleague,"

"What are you going to do about it?" Alan asked.

"Anna recommended Hunter for a transfer. He will probably be moved, but I am not sure how long it is until he is officially gone. I can't avoid him forever,"

Alan sighed.

"Hopefully he acknowledges his agreement with Linda enough to not try anything. As long as you don't let him get more evidence, no one will believe him,"

"We hope,"

"We hope," Alan agreed. They fell into a solemn silence. Alan comfortingly rubbed his hand up and down Jessie's upper arm as she rested her head on his shoulder. They stayed like that for a few minutes, just enjoying each other's company. Jessie lifted her head and looked up into Alan's eyes. He smiled and leaned down to capture her lips in a tender kiss. Once again, Alan was overcome with just how much he loved the woman in his arms.

"I love you," Alan blurted out. Jessie giggled and reaching up stroked his cheek with her thumb.

"I love you too," she echoed gently before she kissed him again.

"Now, you goof, are you going to pick a movie or am I deciding?" Jessie demanded affectionately.

A/N: Hey everyone! I hope you have enjoyed this chapter! I really enjoyed writing the last part :-) There is more of that next chapter. Tell me what you think of the plot and everything. All feedback is welcome! I hope that you think that I have done the characters justice. Hopefully I'll update again soon.

Thanks so much to all of you who follow this story, particularly those who review. You all inspire me to do better :D Thanks so much to The Writer Es, zikki 3, CrazyHayniac, Mermaids Forever, YaleAceBella12, bethy679, HybridsRose, secretsmarts1, Acgisme, and Greenday luuver for reviewing the previous chapter.

See you all next time!