Chapter 10 - The Horizon
Six months later, I stood on the deck of a massive naval aircraft carrier.
The salty ocean breeze whipped across my face, pulling at the collar of my uniform.
I had been promoted to Rear Admiral, a recognition of my long, dedicated service.
But the stars on my collar were not my greatest achievement.
My phone vibrated in my pocket.
I pulled it out and smiled as I saw Maya's face on the screen.
"Hey, Mom," Maya's cheerful voice filled the receiver.
"How is the new job going?" I asked, leaning against the steel railing.
"It's amazing," she replied enthusiastically.
Maya had used her own strength to rebuild her life, starting a foundation for victims of domestic abuse.
She was no longer the frightened, broken girl in the hospital bed.
She was a warrior, just like her mother.
"I'm looking at the stars tonight, Mom," Maya said softly.
"They look beautiful."
I looked up at the vast, endless sky stretching out over the Atlantic Ocean.
"They always do, sweetheart," I replied.
The Kensingtons were a distant memory, rotting in their respective prison cells.
Their legacy had been entirely erased, swallowed up by the consequences of their own arrogance.
They had believed that money and politics made them untouchable gods.
They had underestimated the fierce, unstoppable power of a mother's love.
And they had drastically underestimated the United States Navy.
"I'll be home in a few weeks, Maya," I told her.
"I'll have a care package waiting by the door," she laughed.
I hung up the phone and looked out at the horizon.
The water was calm, reflecting the brilliant light of the moon.
My daughter was safe.
May you like
My duty was fulfilled.
I turned around and walked back down the deck, ready for whatever mission came next.
