Chapter Seventy
Quinn stares at the stage of the ballroom.
Jules walks slowly in that way of hers to the podium again.
He would’ve never agreed to come tonight if it had been anyone other than Jules Delaney holding the event.
That’s not entirely true. He turns and looks across the table at the other special guests: the Agbayani family.
Quinn wondered at first whether it was a good idea for ten-year-old Minnie to appear at the fundraiser tonight.
The press attention on her over the past year has been nothing short of harassment.
But Mr. and Mrs. Agbayani said that Minnie insisted.
That she wanted to be here tonight to help other girls, to thank Quinn.
Jules looks beautiful in her sparkly dress.
But that’s Jules Delaney for you. And tonight she projects a confidence he hasn’t seen in her since high school.
He’s noticed glimmers of this change over the past year as they’ve rekindled their friendship.
As he’s put himself out there more, hanging out with Jules, Carrie, Lucy, and their circle of friends.
He’s been a loner for so long that the contentment that comes from laughing with friends, from having someone to talk to about books, from just going on a walk, has been a revelation.
But it’s something more with Jules. And he’s decided he needs to do something about it.
Follow the advice of an old-timer from the VFW and get out of his own way.
Still, tonight is bittersweet, having no family here. Uncle Pat said he’d attend, but the seat next to Quinn’s is empty. That’s Pat for you.
Quinn feels someone squeeze his shoulders from behind.
“Sorry I’m late, Q,” Pat loud-whispers under Jules’s opening remarks. Pat made it, and he’s even wearing a sports jacket. “But looks like I got here just in time,” he says, staring up at the stage as he slides into the empty chair.
Quinn pats his uncle on the back, turns again to Jules at the podium.
“And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for, the presentation of the inaugural Find Them Heroism Award, presented to individuals and organizations that exemplify our mission of giving a voice to the lost. Tonight, the award goes to Midwest Investigators, which not only donated their services to a case that had gone cold, but also broke the lead that resulted in the return of one of our lost.”
The crowd breaks into applause.
“Accepting the award on behalf of Midwest Investigators is a truly special person and an old and dear friend of mine, Quinn Riley.”
The crowd roars again, and Quinn feels a rush of emotion when Minnie jumps to her feet, followed by her parents, then a cascade of the two hundred people in the ballroom.
Quinn walks slowly to the stage, trying to mask the limp as much as possible, the applause not letting up. He’s promised himself not to get emotional, but he’s feeling a tremor in his chest.
He gestures with his hands for everyone to sit down. When the applause finally fades he leans in to the microphone.
“On behalf of Midwest Investigators, I want to thank you all. And thank you to Find Them for this honor. I’m not one for giving speeches, but I do need to single out some people.
” Quinn adjusts the microphone trying to get the words out over the lump in his throat.
“First and foremost, I want to honor Minnie Agbayani. Her bravery is hard to comprehend.”
There’s another swell of applause.
“And to Mr. and Mrs. Agbayani who never lost hope.”
More applause.
“Thanks also to Midwest Investigators and my mentors and colleagues there.”
Loud whoops and whistles come from the P.I. firm’s table.
“Thanks to my Uncle Pat.” His eyes lock on Pat. “I wish Mom and Dad and George could see this.”
He’s trying to hold back the tears but feels his eyes welling.
“And thank you, Jules Delaney. Who would’ve guessed that the girl who used to pester me during study hall would’ve made such a difference in the world.” Quinn looks over at Jules at stage left. “Who am I kidding? Everyone would’ve.”
He collects himself now. “Last, I hope you all will open your checkbooks tonight and donate what you can to Find Them. Because Jules, Lucy, Carrie, and everyone with this fine organization have proven that mysteries can be solved. We can find them. And when we’re lucky, we can even bring them home. Thank you and goodnight.”