He lets out a breath. “We have a long way to go to close this case, but all the steps are in place, and I feel good about things.”
“Me too.”
A large white truck pulls up, drawing our attention to the street.
“What’s this?” he asks, motioning toward the truck.
“New furniture.” I shrug. “It’s all part of the moving forward phase.”
He pulls me into a hug, placing a kiss on top of my head. “I’m proud of you.”
I sigh into his embrace, not wanting him to leave. I could stay out here like this all day.
When he releases me, stepping back, I miss his touch instantly.
“I’m going to be busy for the next few weeks, working with the force to close these cases.”
I nod.
“When it’s all over with, I want to take you out.”
He lifts his hand, running it over my scar. At one point, that would’ve been enough to send me spiraling, but not anymore. I know that he sees it like I do. A warrior’s mark. A reminder that I’ve been through hell and survived. It’s a representation of my strength.
I lick my lips, grinning up at him. “Take me out where, exactly?”
“On a date. Somewhere nice.”
“Will that date end in a kiss? Maybe more?”
I’m flirting something fierce, which is new. Nick brings out a playful side in me. One that’s entirely new. Based on the way he’s smiling and shaking his head, he likes it.
“I’d plan on it.” He smirks.
“Well... you better get busy, wrapping this case up.”
He leans in and places a chaste kiss to my lips. “I’ll see youlater.” He basically jumps off the porch, forgoing the stairs entirely. I have to cover my goofy grin with my fist. He’s only a few feet away when he turns back over his shoulder. “You four stay out of trouble. No sleuthing for a bit.”
I offer a three-fingered salute, which earns an eye roll and smile in return.
There’s no doubt that things are about to get interesting between me and the sexy detective next door. And I’m here for it.
Ten of Cups
ONE MONTH LATER
TODAY IS Aday for celebration, and I’m doing that by going on my first official date with Nick. We’ve hung out several nights, but this will be the first time out on the town, where other people will see us together. The rumor mills will be buzzing by tomorrow.
The entire town has been jonesing for new gossip. Apparently, talk of murder is growing old.
Rumor has it the prosecution offered Richard a plea deal if he’d testify against Bernas and Wells. There’s no doubt in my mind he took it. Several pieces of jewelry were recovered from Jenna’s home that were insured by Richard. Not to mention the apartment itself and her car were both in Richard’s false name, Carrhid Durban.
Santos is set to testify that Richard brought in the truck and paid him off to total it and discard the evidence, incriminating him further. A handwriting expert confirmed that the note found by Mrs.Garet, which was supposedly written by Billy, was in fact not. There was DNA pointing to Richard. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg on what the DA has from Jenna’s phone.
Nick spoke on behalf of Charlie, asking for a reduced sentence for his help in solving the case. He left off that alcohol played a major part in his admission. Either way, he’ll serve time for vehicular manslaughter.
Wells offered the DA details on where Amanda could be hiding, and when she’s brought in, she’ll face attempted murder charges at the very least. He also supplied information on Jenna’s murder weapon and details on how Bernas killed her, for his own deal. They’re all sinking their own cases, and it couldn’t be sweeter to watch.
Not for everyone. The Red Hatters were hoping for a trial worthy of a Netflix documentary and are very public with their disappointment on how quickly it’s being wrapped up.
