Chapter Twenty-six
Noel had never felt such joy in his life. His family given back to him by a miracle he couldn’t in a million years have foreseen.
Once Mary had welcomed Harry with her own brand of gentleness, and made sure everyone was comfortable with drinks, they all resumed their seats to listen to the update from Bill.
“We’ve arrested Duggan and his crew of misfits.
Your own Deputy Taylor is holding Ralph, who’ll be remanded into the custody of the Justice Department.
We’ve filed your charges of attempted murder, Noel.
You having witnesses to confirm that he pulled the trigger, even if the gun failed to fire, will prove fatal for him when it comes time for his sentencing.
In fact, they’ll all go to jail for a very long time.
And it’s thanks to you taking the opportunity during the forklift fiasco to get us the evidence we needed to make the arrests. ”
Harry piped up and added, “It must have looked bad when you thought that Dad and I had cooked the books and embezzled money from our own company. I’m sorry, Bro, that we didn’t share the situation with you.
By the time we were aware there was a problem; you were deeply involved in the lawsuit and working fifteen-hour days.
We believed we were doing the right thing by keeping quiet and letting the FBI do their undercover criminal investigation.
We knew the crooks had subverted one of the board members, but we didn’t have evidence as to which one they’d gotten to.
Turns out, one of our newer members was being blackmailed and had helped them infiltrate the business to the extent they were able to. ”
Rory asked, the enthusiasm on his face making him look happy for the first time since Noel had met the man, “Does this mean the plant will reopen and the townspeople will get their livelihood back?”
“Yes. We’ll be resuming business in a very short time. Bedford Falls will be able to put this bad time behind them and resume their small-town wonderful way of life.”
Noel held Mary’s hand and lifted it for a kiss. He grinned at his brother and felt unmitigated happiness when their eyes connected and Harry grinned back.
Suddenly, he heard the sound of a tiny bell ringing in the distance. Looking over to where he knew the tinkling came from, he winked and whispered, “Atta boy, Clarence.”
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If you enjoyed reading this book, there are four others in the Angels with Attitudes Series… please check out those, plus all the other available stories on my website at:
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