Page 118 of Is Anyone Listening?
I took another breath, then said, "Natalie's killer was Jeff Holloway, the brother of the sheriff, Tom Holloway. Before you ask, no, I don't believe the sheriff had any knowledge of his brother's crimes. I also believe those crimes extend back many years, and other women besides Natalie have lost their lives because of him. I'm very happy that tonight Jeff Holloway is behind bars, and I pray that he stays there for the rest of his life."
I could see the comments lighting up with shock, amazement, and concern for my physical injuries.
"I'm okay. I'm in a little pain. I'm shocked. Exhausted. Exhilarated. So many emotions are coursing through me. I spoke to Natalie's family today and gave them the news. There are a lot of details to come in the future, and I can't go into all those tonight, but in the coming days and weeks, we'll get into all the twists and turns that led to this day. I'll be back tomorrow with an additional recap. But for now, I'm signing off."
I shut everything down and leaned back in my chair, allowing myself to feel for the very first time a deep sense of satisfaction. I'd actually done it. I'd solved the mystery of Natalie's disappearance. I was a little shocked at that fact. Despite my optimism and determination, I had never been sure it would actually happen.
My phone buzzed. It was Morgan.
"Hi," I said. "I wasn't sure you were still up."
"We're both here," Morgan said as Tessa joined the group call. "We couldn't wait for you to do the podcast. It was great, by the way."
"I know it wasn't very long."
"It was perfect," Tessa said. "You gave them just enough detail to want more, and I'm sorry to say you looked like shit, but that made it so much more real."
"Happy to add to our authenticity," I said dryly.
"Are you really okay?" Morgan asked. "You downplayed your injuries when we were texting earlier."
"I'm starting to ache all over, but happy to be alive."
"You did it, Cassidy," Tessa said. "You found Natalie's killer, and you got him put away. It's unbelievable."
"I know. It feels surreal. But then I look in the mirror, and I know it was all too real."
"Where did Jessica end up?" Tessa asked.
"Downstairs with Ellen in her apartment. They invited me to sleep on the couch, but I think I need a bed tonight."
"Will she be safe there?" Morgan asked.
"Ray is standing guard. And Tom said that he'd have an officer in the parking lot tonight. They'll try to get some official protection for Jessica in the morning."
"And you have a sister," Tessa said. "Who would have thought?"
"Certainly not me."
"Have you spoken to your father?"
"Not yet. I'm going to need all my strength for that, and it's probably something I should do in person, so maybe in a few days."
"He might hear about you on the news."
"Maybe. If he does, I'll answer his call. But he doesn't pay much attention to anything but financial or sports news."
"The podcast is blowing up even at this late hour," Morgan commented. "What's your plan for the next one?"
"I think we should do it in New York with all three of us. Oh, by the way, Finn's friend, the one who flew us to Pinehaven in his helicopter, said he could take you and me to New York tomorrow, Tessa."
"Seriously? We don't have to drive?"
"Nope. Do you know when you're getting discharged?"
"The doctor said by ten a.m."
"I'll be at the hospital then, and we'll head back together. We should be home by dinnertime."
