Epilogue

The Return to Routine

The quarantine lifted and residents returned to Glenshee and to their homes. The extent of the damage left in the wake of immortals raised many questions.

Suspicions arose from the evidence of two campsites and several homes were broken into along with the only ski lodge at Spittal of Glenshee incurred extensive damage.

A few days later, on the steps of the city hall, Keith Patrick held a press conference. "It has come to my attention that in the absence of residence, outlaws have violated the quarantine and caused some damage along with theft."

Someone yelled out, "I don't enough money to cover the loss."

Keith responded, "It is within my power to compensate anyone submitting estimates and petitions for repair or replacement."

The reporter asked, "What about the thieves, were they caught?"

A woman angrily accused him, "Why wasn't there more protection?"

Keith held up his hand for silence then answered, "Some of the perpetrators were caught and they will be prosecuted. As for the protection, it was too dangerous to keep guards here full time."

Keith motioned to his secretary and said to the audience, "I'm not taking any more questions. A more detailed statement will be released pending further investigation. That is all."

Just as quickly as he arrived, Keith Patrick slipped back into the building then straight to his office. Already there waiting for him, Frank McFadden held out his hand in gratitude.

Keith shook his head saying, "Sorry Frank, but I'm doing the best I can to clean up this mess and I'm in no mood for pleasantries."

Frank took out a fat envelope and held it out saying, "I know you're upset and I didn't expect this much damage." He laid it on the desk, "I hope this money will help."

Looking at him with exasperation Keith asked, "How am I supposed to record this money? Is this an anonymous donation?"

He paced the floor in frustration then he stopped short and faced Frank saying, "I could be accused of corruption!" Taking the money and throwing it on the floor he shouted, "This is nothing but a bribe!"

Frank slapped Keith soundly and shook him by the shoulders saying, "Keith, you're becoming hysterical. I would never let that happen to you."

Pushing him into a chair, he said in a commanding tone, "Do exactly as I say and soon your town will be repaired. In a few weeks, no one will remember this event."

Keith gave him a sour look then countered with his proposal, "If you personally stay here until everything is back to normal, then I will be in agreement."

Holding out his hand Frank agreed, "On my honor, I won't let you down or abuse your position of power."

"You already have," he said with fatigue in his voice. Nevertheless, this time Keith took Frank's hand and shook it. Then he burst out laughing, "You don't know this town," he said, "They will never forget this week. It will be talked about until our grandchildren have grandchildren."

Frank squeezed his hand back laughing as well. He said, "Now that you mention it, there is a small matter of a burial in the church graveyard and I need documents for an unexpected birth."

Later that afternoon, Deahna and Frank McFadden prepared to stay in Glenshee to help restore order to the little town Keith had entrusted to their care.

Meeting briefly with Duncan, Frank turned over the documents he would need to travel with Evan.

Giving him a firm handshake Frank told him, "Anytime you need me or Deahna, just send word."

Duncan smiled and promised he would. Deahna gave him a hug and then asked, "Do you want some advice?"

"No," he replied with a glint of humor in his eye.

She laughed briefly and said, "You'll do just fine."

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The dead watchers from the special ops force, immortals killed in the gathering, tagged and all accounted for along with arrangements made to ship the bodies back to the United States. Matthew Jameson had the unfortunate task of coordinating the massive interment on Watcher owned property.

The investigation moved forward by the prosecution and a trial date was set for the coming months. The appointment of Steven Gibbons as temporary watcher president of the France Chapter was just a formality. Anyone who knew him said he was a sure bet as the next president.

When all the Gathering reports came in, there was a flurry of excitement with personal messages making the rounds. Video clips and firsthand accounts took on a life of their own and soon…became legendary.

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