Nigel, Ellen, and Ralphie sat around a borrowed Christmas tree. Although they had few gifts, they were thankful that everyone was free. Nigel’s throat was still bandaged, but in time, it should make a full recovery.
“How about a game?” Ralphie asked.
“What do you have in mind?” Nigel replied.
“Slides and Ladders?”
“Set it up,” Nigel said.
Ellen was pleased that her boys enjoyed playing together, especially after the recent events. For the first time in a long while, she felt at peace. The community had been supportive as well. Mr. Henry gave them the tree; other neighbors provided meals.
The doorbell rang.
“Merry Christmas, Agent Appleton,” Ellen said.
“Is this a good time? I don’t want to intrude.”
“It’s cold out. Please, come inside.”
Ellen took John’s coat and hung it in the closet.
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“What brings you to Milford?”
“I feel that I owe you and your family an apology. I made several terrible mistakes.”
“Why the change of heart?” Ellen asked.
“Nigel opened my eyes in the hospital. I was so focused on a bust, I failed to see all the facts. I was blinded by my bias. Nigel was instrumental in helping me piece together what really happened. After revisiting the evidence, I saw the real truth: Nigel was being set up. The worst part about it was that I inadvertently spoiled some of the evidence. The hacker we caught was let go. Friends at the FBI helped me track down other evidence as well. As it turns out, the hacker group that Gregor led was responsible for your hack as well.”
Ellen felt a rush of emotions. She wanted to claw Agent Appleton’s eyes out, but she controlled her breathing and calmed down. She didn’t want to ruin the day by losing her temper. It was Christmas, and her family was together.
“You don’t know how hard it is to say this, but I forgive you, Agent Appleton.”
John looked astonished. He hadn’t expected that at all. It made what he was about to do next that much more gratifying. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring box.
Ellen gasped. “What is this?”
John opened the ring box. A small key against blue velvet was visible. He also handed her a piece of paper which he had signed.
“This is the key to your new car,” John said as he handed her the rest of the car keys. “I know you had to sell your car to pay your legal fees, so this is the least I can do. The car is nothing fancy, but please use it in good health.”
Ellen was stunned. She couldn’t think of anything else to say. She could feel the tears roll down her face.
“Thank you, John, and God bless you.”
John was startled as Ellen gave him a bear hug. “Will you stay for dinner? I was just about to take it out of the oven.”
John nodded, then followed Ellen to the dining room.
“Boys, we have a dinner guest!”