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Christopher stirred from his stunned silence. “I don’t ... I can’t ... she wouldn’t. And Keith’s dead?”
“I know this is hard,” the detective said, compassion coating her words, “but it’s true.”
“Deb?” The other detective stood at the entrance to the den holding a spiral notebook. “This goes deeper than we thought.” He turned his gaze on Christopher. “Sir, you’re going to have to come with us for questioning.”
That pulled Simon out of his almost-paralyzed state. He sat up. “What? Why?”
“Because it looks like Mr. Christopher Baldridge has been helping your son Keith hide the fact that he’s a serial killer.”
Simon swung his gaze to Christopher, who’d gone white. “What is he saying, son?”
“Nothing, Dad. It’s not true.”
Detective Garrison waved the notebook. “It’s all documented right here. Names, dates, everything. And how his brother is always there for him to clean up his messes.”
CHAPTER
TWENTY-SIX
FRIDAY MORNING
Vince stood in the suite’s kitchen while Raina talked to her parents, making plans to visit. His heart was full for her. Fullofher. He loved her, he just wasn’t sure she was ready to hear it after the crazy past few days. He’d wait and let her get her bearings, find her equilibrium before springing that on her. He glanced at the clock. It would soon be time to head to the lodge to breakfast, but he didn’t want to rush her.
She chose that moment to look up and see him watching, then noticed the time and stood. “I’ve got to go, Mom, but we’ll see each other soon. You and Dad are welcome to come my way anytime.”
After another round of goodbyes, she hung up and swiped her fingers under her eyes. “I’ve got to get ready. I don’t want to be late.”
“They’ll wait.”
She disappeared into the bathroom and emerged ten minutes later refreshed and looking like a million bucks in spite of everything.
He went to her. “You look amazing. Michael is going to love you. His parents already do.”
A shaky smile curved her lips. “You know just what to say, don’t you?”
“You ready?”
“Not even close.” She swallowed. “So many what-ifs going through my head right now.”
“Just take it one step at a time. And hold on to me.”
She nodded and gripped his hand. “I can do that.”
Together, they walked to the restaurant where they found Michael and his parents waiting just outside the entrance. When Michael saw her, he raced to her and wrapped his arms around her.
????
Raina couldn’t move, couldn’t think, and didn’t know how to even feel really, but holding Michael was a cherished gift she’d never forget as long as she lived. When he stepped back, she let her arms drop to her sides.
“I’m so glad you’re okay,” he said. “Thank you for what you did. I was so scared for you, but we prayed for you and here you are.”
She finally found her voice. “Yes, I’m fine. And I’d do it all over again if I had to.” She cleared her throat and introduced Vince.
After handshakes all around, Michael took her hand. “Mom and Dad shared your letter with me.”
She froze. “So, you know...”
“That you’re my birth mother.” He nodded. “I’m very happy to meet you.”
