Just as he thought-


    The lead officer nodded at Owen Reynolds. "We''ll take them in now."


    "Good. I''d rmend a drug test."


    "Don''t worry, sir. We know the procedure."


    Fabian and Jay''s faces paled as they finally realized they had picked a fight with the wrong people.


    The police cars arrived and departed with impressive speed.


    Corley smirked. "First time I''ve seen the local police move this fast."


    Owen Reynolds offered noment.


    Mamie nced between them, a look of dawningprehension on her face.


    So, the professor had beente because he was also pulling some strings. Mr. Sullivan worked the angles from the shadows, while the professor operated through official channels. It was a two-pronged attack, cutting off every possible escape route for Fabian and Jay.


    That evening, the Smith family''s home was as festive as a holiday celebration. Mr. Smith had been busy since the afternoon, preparing a grand feast, seemingly determined to turn every ingredient they owned into avish dish to express his family''s gratitude.


    He even unsealed a special bottle of wine he''d been saving for Gail''s wedding.


    Everyone tried to protest, insisting he shouldn''t go to so much trouble, but Mr. Smith wouldn''t listen. He''d been in the kitchen since the afternoon and only emerged as dusk fell, smiling as he called everyone to the table.


    "Come and sit! Dinner is ready!"


    They gathered around therge family dining table, which was only brought out for special asions. Roast Turkey and Honey-zed Ham took center stage, surrounded by Pumpkin Pie, Green Bean, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, andCranberry Sauce.


    Mamie couldn''t help but swallow hard. She''d been smelling the tantalizing aromas drifting from the kitchen for hours a fragrant, spicy scent that tickled her nose.


    "I made a few local specialties," Mr. Smith said. "I hope you find it to your liking..." Mamie was the first to nod enthusiastically. "It''s delicious! Absolutely delicious!" "You''re an amazing cook, sir," Roseanne said with genuine admiration.


    Scales added, "You could open a restaurant."


    "We used to have a small diner," Ms. Smith said, speaking up. The good news seemed to have lifted her spirits, and herplexion looked much better. She was even able to sit up on her own to join them for dinner. I was doing quite well. Just a little family-run ce, so we didn''t have to hire anyone. It was tiring, but as long as we were making a living, we had hope."


    She sighed. "Then my health gave out. I was diagnosed with kidney problems, and the doctor told me couldn''t overwork myself. The diner''s profit margin was too sim to afford help, so my husband, Carl, tried to rumit alone for a while. It dist wasn''t sustainable. In the end, we had to close it down, and he went to find work elsewhere."


    Mr. Smith patted her hand under the table, a silent gesture offort. Then, he raised his ss and stood up, his voice heavy with emotion."1 want to thank every single one of you. If you hadn''t stood up for us, my family might have..." His voice broke. "Carlson is fucky to have such good ssmates, friends, and a great mentor. It''s a blessing for our whole family."


    He took a deep breath. "I''m not a man of many words, but all my gratitude is in this ss!"


    With that, he tipped his head back and downed the drink in one go.


    Carlson and Gail followed suit, each raising a ss to their guests.


    After three rounds, Roseanne was feeling a little tipsy. Resting her chin on her hand,


    she looked from the colorful, aromatic dishes on the table to the simple, honest faces of the Smith family. In a daze, her eyes met Owen Reynolds''s gaze from across the table, and she froze for a second.