Chapter 9 - The Arrest in the Rain-9
Red and blue lights flashed through the thick fog outside the red barn, illuminating the falling rain like a twisted carnival.
Six Oregon State Police cruisers and two SWAT vans skidded onto the gravel driveway, their heavy doors opening as armed officers spilled out, weapons drawn.
"STATE POLICE! EVERYONE PUT YOUR HANDS ON YOUR HEADS!" the lead tactical commander bellowed through a loudspeaker.
Inside the bunker, Marcus cut the thick ropes securing Jocelyn to the chair. Spencer gently wrapped his wool coat around her shoulders, helping her stand up on her weak, trembling legs.
"Can you walk, Jocelyn?" Spencer asked softly, holding her arm to support her weight.
"I can walk," Jocelyn wept, wiping her face. "Just... take me to my baby. Please, Spencer, let me see my boy."
Two state troopers rushed into the vault room, handguns raised, but lowered them instantly when they recognized Spencer Warren.
"Mr. Warren?" the lead trooper asked, surprised. "We received an automated federal emergency distress signal from your encrypted account, along with an audio stream recording."
Spencer pointed at Julian, who was cowering against the desk with his hands raised above his head.
"Officer," Spencer stated clearly, his voice steady as iron. "That man is Julian Warren. He is responsible for the kidnapping of Jocelyn Cooper, felony grand larceny, corporate espionage, and the attempted murder of my infant son."
"That's a lie! It's a family dispute!" Julian screamed as a broad-shouldered trooper forced his arms behind his back, snapping heavy steel handcuffs around his wrists. "My brother is framing me! He's mentally unstable!"
"Save it for the judge, Mr. Warren," the trooper barked, shoving Julian forcefully toward the door. "We listened to the entire live audio feed. You confessed to throwing an infant into a dumpster."
They escorted Julian out into the freezing rain.
As Spencer helped Jocelyn step out of the bunker, she saw the black SUV parked near the trees.
The back door opened. Dr. Pamela Ortiz stepped out, holding baby Dexter wrapped securely in his warm fleece blanket, while Charlee stood beside her, shielding the baby with her small umbrella.
Jocelyn fell to her knees in the wet gravel, tears pouring down her face as she reached out her arms. "Dexter... my baby..."
Pamela walked over, her own eyes filled with tears of remorse, and gently placed the sleeping baby into Jocelyn’s waiting arms.
Jocelyn pulled her son close to her heart, kissing his tiny forehead over and over, crying tears of unspeakable joy.
Charlee stepped forward, holding up the fluffy blue teddy bear.
"I kept him safe for you, lady," Charlee said softly, offering her warm smile. "I promised him he'd never be cold again."
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Jocelyn looked at the brave little girl, then looked up at Spencer, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you... thank you so much..."
Spencer reached down, picked Charlee up into his arms, and pulled Jocelyn and baby Dexter into a tight embrace under the falling rain.
