Next was Barrett, who submitted to the assessment with the tolerance of a man who understood the necessity of protocol even when he felt fine.
When the medic stepped away, Cadie and Barrett were alone for the first time since the confrontation.They stood beside the ambulance with the activity of the crime scene moving around them.
Her hair was still damp.Her clothes were stained with dirt from the floor.She looked exhausted and battered—and more beautiful than anyone Barrett had ever seen.
"How did you get out of the zip tie?"he said, touching her cheek.
Cadie looked at him.A light came into her eyes.
"I'm good friends with Genevieve," she said."She married a cop, you know, and hangs with PI types like you."
Barrett felt the grin spread across his face before he could stop it.
Cadie smiled back."So yeah…I've learned a few tactical skills along the way."
Barrett laughed, and she laughed too.
Then Barrett pulled her into his arms.He held the woman he loved and didn't want to let her go.
Chapter 21
Four days after the arrests, Cadie was scheduled to perform at Stratton House.It was a relief to focus on that, and on the future.She was already dressed for the evening.She relaxed on the sofa while Barrett showered.
Although the restoration of Stratton House would take a year or more, Jaxon Boone had decided to host an impromptu concert that night.He wanted Cadie to play on the grand piano in the performance hall, and she'd readily agreed.
The performance was an informal community event.Jaxon wanted to announce plans for restoration and give the neighborhood a chance to see the space one more time before the renovations began.Cadie agreed that was an excellent idea.While she waited for Barrett to get ready, she thought about recent events.
With the danger handled, Barrett's priority had been Cadie.She swore that her injuries weren't serious, but he kept a close eye on her anyway.The skin on her wrists recovered from the irritation of her restraint.The first couple of days following the incident, Cadie's back and shoulder were sore.The pain improved without need for intervention.The doctor confirmed she had no broken bones, and a couple of days of rest was desirable.Barrett was willing to accommodate her and seemed happy to take care of her needs.
Cadie was grateful to the fire department.Stratton House was largely undamaged.Mineral clay, similar to kitty litter, was spread over the floor and along the wall.It was very absorbent and effective in soaking up the remaining liquid.Then the firemen used soap, like dish soap, to neutralize the gasoline.Throughout the process, industrial-size fans blew to dissipate fumes from the building.When the dish soap and warm water process was complete, the floor and wall finished drying.The smell of gas was gone.
Detective Sullivan shared another fact that was ironic.In a building fire, signs of gasoline doused on the premises would prompt suspicion of arson.Thus, Kal's gasoline spree provided evidence of his crime, despite his intention to wipe out any trace.The list of his crimes continued to grow.Attempted arson was a crime, even though the fire didn't ignite.
But that was the least of Kal's concerns.The district attorney filed formal charges against Kal Davis for a hefty list of offenses, not the least of which was conspiracy to commit murder.And Olivia Stewart didn't fare much better, since she was accused of first-degree murder.She was also charged with elder abuse for her actions.Sullivan was sure that she couldn't evade prison, but she agreed to testify against Kal in exchange for a reduced sentence.
In her final months, Celia Ann Stratton had been lucid enough to know something was wrong and leave instructions with her attorney.She had trusted Barrett to investigate, and he'd methodically followed the trail with the thoroughness of a man who took his promises seriously.
Cadie had honored her aunt in the way that mattered.She'd stayed in Charleston and fought for the truth when it would have been simpler to accept the death certificate at face value.And she had ensured that Stratton House would endure, protected by legal covenants that no developer could circumvent.She had fought for that outcome through the investigation, the threats, and the confrontations with a man who wanted to tear the building down and replace it with luxury condominiums.
Barrett emerged dressed in a dark blazer over a crisp white shirt, looking sexier than ever."I'm ready.Shall we go?"
Cadie touched his lapel."You look handsome this evening."
"I have to look my best," Barrett said."My sweetheart is performing."Then he kissed her, the intimacy holding promise of so much more.
*****
At Stratton House that evening, the community arrived in small groups.
Cadie watched from a window in the corridor as people walked up the front steps of Stratton House.They were neighbors and local business owners and members of the music community who had known Celia Ann and remembered what the building had meant to the city.They came in pairs and in small clusters, talking quietly among themselves, and they filed into the performance hall and took seats in the rows of chairs that Jaxon Boone's team had arranged that afternoon.
It wasn't a large crowd.Jaxon had kept the event intimate, a gathering rather than a production.There were no printed programs and no formal introductions planned.The evening was meant to be simple and meaningful, a chance for the community to once again hear the music that had once filled its rooms.
Barrett appeared at her side."Are you nervous?"
Cadie smoothed the front of her dress.She had chosen a simple black sheath that fell just below the knee, elegant without being showy.She wore a small piece of jewelry her father had given her, a delicate gold pendant that rested against her collarbone.She had not dressed for a performance at a concert hall.She had dressed for a farewell.
She smiled."I'm thrilled to be here."
