Page 140 of Concrete Evidence
“My heart’s fine. It’s my dad-blasted arm that hurts. Hush, so I can say my piece. We weathered a horrible storm, and it nearly destroyed us. Now you know the truth, and it does set us free.”
Sobs rose in her throat and spilled out onto her cheeks. “I wanted to be strong for you, and stuffing my emotions keeps me from crying.”
A tear slipped down his cheek. “Tears are not a sign of weakness but love.”
“I love you, Granddad.” She tried to smile but the gesture seemed impossible. “To the moon and back.”
He drew his hand from hers and reached up to hug her. “We Elliotts ride together.”
A hand encircled her waist, and she sensed Marc’s presence. Strong. Supportive.
“What can I do?” he said.
“Never let her go.” Granddad closed his eyes. “Avery is the most precious gift this old man ever was given.”
“I can’t think of anything better.” Marc kissed her forehead. “And I won’t ever let her go.”
Later that evening, the group shared dinner on the patio, although Avery had no appetite and neither did the others. She glimpsed Granddad in a wrist-to-shoulder cast, reminding herself of how she’d nearly lost him. Marc, Tessa, Donita, Roden, Craig, Leanne, and Mia had faced insurmountable dangers. Answers to the horrible crimes should have brought a celebration, but instead they all mourned reality. Good people were dead, while Jake would be the one facing a judge and jury for the murder of Bruce Ingles, Liam Zachary, and attempted murder of three other people. Lieutenant Shipley’s body had been recovered farther downstream. Granddad had relayed the news to Shipley’s wife, who now had a heavy burden to bear.
“I’m establishing a trust for the Shipley family’s medical needs,” Granddad said to the group. “Makes sense to help where I can.Tomorrow I’ll talk to the Army Corps of Engineers about repairing the dam.”
Marc and Roden had pulled together the evidence to prove Craig had nothing to do with the crimes. He and Leanne snuggled close together.
Donita and Tessa sat on each side of Marc like guards protecting a fearless leader. In the midst of today’s turmoil, Tessa’s grandmother had passed through heaven’s gates. Tomorrow Marc and Donita would help the girl plan a memorial service. Tessa would move in with Marc in his two-bedroom apartment until he purchased a home. The girl had so much of life ahead of her, and the ordeal of the past few weeks would strengthen her if she allowed it. Donita had remained quiet, and Avery assumed relief and exhaustion had drawn her inward.
Roden sat at the end of the table, the space reserved for lefties. He’d been on the phone to his family for nearly an hour. In the morning, he’d drive home.
The FBI in conjunction with the Army Corps of Engineers planned a press release for eight o’clock this evening to exonerate Granddad and Craig for the crimes. She hoped the corps showed compassion for Lieutenant Shipley and the tragedy of Huntington’s disease.
Avery caught Marc’s attention. Unspoken words passed between them. They had yet to talk, but for now their feelings for each other were sealed.
79
SIX MONTHS LATER
AVERY FINISHED UNLOADINGthe last box of dishes into Marc and Tessa’s new home. The three had worked all day putting the two-story house together. She admired the choice of a traditional style, open floor plan, and huge kitchen.
Marc set the last box on the counter. “Where’s Tessa?”
“Organizing her bathroom.”
“She’ll be another two hours.” He grinned. “But she’s my favorite sis. What’s the senator up to?”
“Spending the day teaching fatherless boys how to ride.”
“He’s smiling more since the dam’s been repaired. Can’t say I blame him.”
“What a nightmare.”
“What about your dad? Are the two talking at all?”
Avery shook her head. “Granddad tried but my loving father saidhe wasn’t interested in a relationship until he and Saundra were back in the will.”
“Hey, I’m sorry.”
“Nothing we can do. Granddad and Craig are planning a hunting trip in Canada.”
“They invited me, but I have a case to work on.”
