Ezra (New Carnegie Androids #6)

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Loving Katrina isn’t something I anticipated. Now that I have her, I’m never letting her go.

When Robert Carson stepped down, it was the end for Humanity First. Despite being dissolved, they’re still around, but they’re all smaller groups claiming to be the real movement and fighting among one another. Zoey Meyer was charged with murder, kidnapping, obstruction of justice, and domestic terrorism. She’s looking at life in prison, but it’s not a sentence we can celebrate. Her family suffers greatly from her lapse in judgment, and as the trial drags on, her remorse is clear.

Deion and Rashelle have been nothing but supportive. When I stopped coming home with Deion every day like I always did, it was difficult for the kids at first. But we make time for them often and visit every week. Rashelle and Katrina have become fast friends. Jayne as well.

The museum has reopened with a permanent display in remembrance of the bombing victims. Katrina has resumed her position of assistant curator, and her application to New Carnegie South’s doctorate program has been accepted. She’s excited for classes to begin, a welcome respite from all the doom and gloom we constantly face with TerraPura lurking in the shadows.

Commissioner Winters still doesn’t trust me. Neither does Jacobs, but to a lesser degree. With Kat waiting for me at home every night, I can bear their criticism. They’ve commissioned something called a BNP101 to work alongside me, a sort of backup in case one of us becomes compromised again. I’ve seen her blueprints. Carmen is her name. It’s a small step, but a step nonetheless in the right direction. Deion convinced the precinct to provide me with a regular officer’s leave. Surprisingly, they agreed, mostly because I don’t have any kind of salary. I’m still growing accustomed to having time I can use the way I want to when there are things that need doing. Katrina is helpful in that regard.

We are the odd pair no one expects. I’ve come to enjoy the curious looks, the surprised faces when people learn I’m dating Katrina Carson. We’ve learned to laugh at the irony, while never explaining more than we need to.

Marriage is on the horizon, and once I find the perfect ring, I’ll make it happen. For humans, life is too short—and I’m not immune to destruction either. We’re eager to take the step together, to belong to each other in all ways, and she’s grown used to my schedule. She’s much stronger than she thinks, and I’m proud that such a woman is mine.

She continues pursuing her passions and seems happy to be independent, which suits me perfectly. At home, we gossip about work, play with Charlie, revel in each other’s company, make love, cuddle, and talk. Her newest entertainment is binge-watching bad cop shows. I shout at the inaccuracies. A lot.

I don’t doubt there are greater challenges in store for us than the ones we’ve already faced. McKinley’s orders continue to constrict the liberties of other androids. It’s becoming more difficult for me to do my job without constant interference. Trouble is brewing.

Whatever comes, we’ll be ready. Katrina and I have weathered plenty of storms, large and small. Nothing can tear us apart, manmade or otherwise.

I am Ezra.

I am a brother. A seeker of truth. A protector.

And I am alive.