Page 188 of Rags's Awakening
Rags twisted the throttle, and together they disappeared into the night air.
Epilogue
Three months later
Casey retreated tothe deep shade of the backyard oak tree. She sipped her drink, the sharp, icy lemon cutting through the heat of the afternoon. From her quiet vantage point, she watched the frenetic energy of the club’s family barbecue. Thick smoke rolled off three massive grills as the brothers laughed and flipped burgers, charred ears of corn, and slathered sauce onto racks of ribs. A few yards away, children chased iridescent bubbles, bounced impatiently in line for the inflatable castle, and scrambled over the jungle gym. The large patio of the president’s house offered shading beneath its wide canvas awning, but she’d needed a break from the noise and chaos of the crowd.
Her phone rang, and she glanced down at the screen, which flashedOffice of the District Attorney. Casey’s breath caught in her throat.
“Hello,” she said.
“This is Deputy District Attorney Daniel Hayes. How are you Ms. Reese?”
“I’m okay. I’m surprised you’re calling on a Sunday.”
He laughed. “I’m a workaholic. I wanted to let you know that Devin Murray took the plea bargain.”
Relief rushed through her, the final piece of the nightmare finally falling into place.
“Are you there?” the attorney asked.
“Yes. Sorry. I’m just so relieved.”
“I can understand that.”
“Did he admit that he killed his mom and sister?”
“He didn’t have to,” Hayes said. “His mother’s body was found in the basement under concrete. His sister was buried in the backyard. He confessed to everything just to avoid a trial.”
Casey’s stomach turned. “Do you know how old she was? His sister.”
“She was about eight or nine,” the DDA said. “It’s not uncommon for psychopaths to take a plea like this. They want to control the narrative until the very end. By confessing, he gets to dictate the exact details of his crimes—how he outsmarted people and the police, and why he killed those women—making it a final act of narcissistic control.”
“I can’t believe I didn’t pick up on any of this,” Casey murmured. “We were friends. Or at least I thought so.”
“Don’t beat yourself up, Ms. Reese. Predators like him are skilled at appearing normal to others. That’s part of the high for them.”
“Can you tell me what he agreed to?”
“Basically, life in prison without parole,” he replied. “He won’t be hurting anyone anymore.”
A heavy knot in Casey’s chest dissolved, leaving behind a profound, hollow quiet. It was over.
“Thank you, Mr. Hayes for everything. I appreciate the call,” she said.
“You’re very welcome, Ms. Reese. Take care of yourself.”
The line went dead. Casey lowered the phone and let out a breath she’d been holding since the day Devin attacked her.
A pair of strong, familiar arms wrapped around her waist from behind, a warm kiss pressed into the side of her neck. All at once, the scent of leather and cedar grounded her. She leaned back into his hard chest.
“You look like you’re deep in thought,” he murmured against her skin.
“I just got off the phone with the Deputy DA. It’s over. Devin took a plea. He’ll be locked away forever.” She placed her hands over his. “He confessed to everything. I’m so relieved that I don’t have to sit in a witness box with him staring at me, and testify.”
She felt the sudden, rigid shift in his muscles and looked up at him. A scowl raced across his face as his jaw tightened.
“What’s wrong?” she asked. “I’m thrilled with the news.”
