Renegade Runaways :: Chapter Twenty Nine
It was morning in the safe house. Bo stared contently at his not so little girl sandwiched between him and Hope. He couldn't believe how much she'd grown in just three years. Guilt swarmed his heart, but he smiled anyway as he watched her. Ciara and Hope were still asleep and he admired their peacefulness. Gratitude washed over him. He was so thankful to be able to have moments like these again.
As much as he didn't want to leave them, he quietly rose from the bed. He was careful not to wake them. They both needed their rest. He glanced once more over his shoulder as he left the room, still thankful they were finally both safe and sound.
He trudged down the hallway. Despite the many blessings he had been counting on the brand new day he was given, he longed to be home in Salem where they all belonged. He found Shane, Steve, John, and Victor in the living room and kitchen. They all held cups of coffee, and for the first time in a long time looked well rested.
"Good morning," Shane greeted. He raised his coffee cup in greeting.
"Morning," Bo replied. He rubbed his face.
"Someone slept hard," Steve greeted and handed a fresh cup of coffee to Bo.
Bo smiled, "Glad to see you're back to your old self."
"Nothing a little R&R can't fix," Steve shrugged, "I've got a hard head, and all of you can keep your jokes to yourself. I've heard them all already."
"We've got good news," John announced.
"Oh yeah?" Bo's eyebrows raised. He could use some. He followed John's gaze to Shane and waited patiently.
"We successfully detonated the building where Ciara was being held captive. The ISA used a drone to bomb the place you were being held prisoner in Peru. We've killed them all." Shane smiled triumphantly.
"How can you be so sure?" Bo questioned. It sounded too good to be true.
"Well, the mafia there is huge, but we're sure we've killed the ones that had any connection to you or knowledge about your search for Caroline's cure. The building and everything in it is destroyed. There's no records of you, your family, or Caroline left there. All the people who tortured you are dead."
Bo stared at them dumbfounded. He could finally breathe again. He wanted every word to be true.
"I know it's hard to believe, but we're safe." John encouraged, "We can go home."
"What about Stephano?" Bo questioned.
"What about the old bat?" Victor chimed in, "We've been living in the same town with the bastard for years. I'll take care of him."
"No, you won't…" Bo scolded, but he fought a smile as he stared at Victor.
"There's word that the Salem P.D. has evidence that Stephano was involved in Caroline's kidnapping." Steve replied, "Who knows if they'll actually have enough to charge him.
"They never do," Victor retorted, "That's why you people should let me handle it."
"Can you handle it old man?" Bo challenged, "You just ended up tied to a chair in a warehouse."
"I never said I could handle some damn Peruvian Mafia," Victor argued, "But I can handle Stephano. We go way back."
"Whatever happens," John sighed, "You know Dimera. As soon as the law is on his trail, he is on his best behavior. Besides, if he knows you never had some miracle cure for Caroline what's the point in chasing you? There's no money where there's no product."
"What about Hope's trust fund?" Bo questioned, "He sent that asshole Aiden after her money. Do the cops know about that?"
"Maybe we can use Aiden's cell phone for evidence. Hope is a witness. It's worth a shot." John shrugged.
Bo rolled his eyes. The whole process annoyed him. He took a sip of the fresh coffee he held. It didn't matter. It was a start. Their running days were over. He stared at his coffee in disbelief as he had trouble letting it sink in. It was finally safe for them to return home. He couldn't wait. He'd been longing for the day he could be free and safe in his hometown.
He stared at the men in front of him as a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
"What?" Steve questioned, "I know that look. You're up to something."
Bo's smile spread, "I'm going to make Hope my wife again. I need all of your help."