Chapter 14
Whitlock and Foley moved fast, taking Wyatt into custody while the paramedics carried him out on a stretcher.
Roxy watched from the doorway, her face pale, hands shaking.
A few minutes earlier, I’d offered support, and she let me know she’d just called her mother, and she was expected any time, which was a relief.
My mother hovered near me, brushing a strand of hair from my face and offering me a smile. “I told you I’d always have your back. I hope you didn’t mind, an old woman tagging along.”
“You’re not old, and I have to say, I am grateful you were here.”
“It wasn’t the first time.”
And something told me it wouldn’t be the last.
Outside, red and blue lights flashed against a tree in the yard, the glow dancing across the ornaments. A perfect family in a perfect house. That illusion had been shattered now.
As Wyatt was taken away, Foley approached me. “You did good work here. Both of you managed to get a confession and everyone came out alive.”
My mother straightened with pride, soaking in the praise like sunshine.
“Tell me, how did you know it was him?” he asked.
“I didn’t at first. I thought there was a good chance it was him, or his wife, or that the two of them had planned Holly’s murder together. After seeing the way she reacted, I have no reason to believe Roxy was involved.”
I filled Foley in on everything I had learned, and when I finished he said, “Such a shame. Such a needless, senseless shame. Suppose the only upside is the justice we’ll get for Holly. Doesn’t seem like enough, but it’s something.”
As he walked away, I noticed Roxy being embraced by who I assumed were her parents.
She talked with them for a few minutes and then stepped toward me.
“I … I still can’t get my head around what’s happened, but I want to thank you for giving Holly a voice and finding her justice, even though that justice is breaking my heart. ”
“I’m sorry it all happened this way. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for you, watching her grow up without being able to tell her the truth.”
“It was difficult, but it was also a blessing to have her so close by. When Wyatt’s father died and Celia told me she wished she could return home, I have to admit, I was thrilled.”
“I know what it’s like to lose a child too soon, and I’m sure you hoped for a lifetime of memories together, but I’m sure you’re grateful for the years you had.”
Roxy nodded. “I am. It’s just, I can’t help but wonder if she’d stayed gone, maybe she’d still be alive. In the end, my secret killed her, and I’ll have to live with that for the rest of my life.”
“What happened to Holly isn’t on you.”
“Isn’t it? I failed her when she was born, and I failed her again when she came to us seeking answers. I can’t undo that. But thank you again for solving the case.”
She turned and made her way back to her support system.
As my mother and I made our way back to the car, the night felt calmer and lighter somehow, though the air still held the sting of everything we had uncovered.
My mother looped her arm through mine. “You know, when you messaged me earlier, I thought I’d stop by, and we’d have ourselves a quiet afternoon. I have to say, today was the most eventful day I’ve had in some time. It’s not every day a mother gets the chance to save her daughter’s life.”
“Save my life? I had everything under control.”
She swished a hand through the air. “Sure, sure.”
As we settled into the car, my mother turned toward me. “What now?”
“I have some paperwork to fill out, and a few calls to make, including letting Wren know that I’ve solved the case. Giovanni should be home soon, and I’m sure he’ll want to know all about the day we’ve had.”
She reached over and squeezed my hand. “I can see why you enjoy private investigator work. It may be a challenge to offer truths to the loved ones of the victims in these cases, but taking down the bad guys sure feels good.”
“It does.”
As we pulled away from the curb, I caught one last glimpse of Roxy standing inside the doorway, staring up at the sky as the tears still flowed. She would carry this night with her for the rest of her life. But at least the truth about Holly’s death was uncovered in the end.
My mother buckled her seatbelt and shot me a wink. “Next time you need backup, you know who to call, dear.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
She crossed her arms. “You sound doubtful.”
“Not just doubtful … terrified.”
She laughed, pleased with herself. “As you should be.”
I turned onto the main road, the glow of the town’s lights rising ahead as the Sterling home slipped into the darkness behind us.
Case closed.
At least until the next one.
THE END