Epilogue
Noah gave Caitie’s hand a squeeze. It’d been crazy the first couple of weeks after returning from New York, what with his family visiting and all.
They’d loved her, which he’d known they would.
Her father had intimidated Noah for only a little while.
Once the man had accepted the new relationship, he’d become much friendlier.
Joe stepped into the interrogation room at the police station and took a seat behind the table. He glanced up at the two-way mirror and winked at it. He’d offered to be the spokesperson since it was much less likely Keven would attempt any retribution against him. Joe pulled out a tablet.
“What’s that?” Caitie whispered.
“The proof to show Keven. That’s quite a list. Seeing as he’s due to graduate in January and hoping for a good job, he’ll not be wanting this to be spread all over the internet.”
Before returning home, Noah had texted Keven about not needing a ride back from the airport.
It hadn’t been an easy message to send, with many deleted and rewritten words to explain why.
In the end, he’d settled on forwarding the picture of Caitie’s battered face.
Keven had responded almost immediately with a vulgar rant against her.
Noah had been tempted to respond in kind but took the high road and sent a last text of four words.
You’re dead to me.
He’d then blocked Keven’s number.
Noah wasn’t sure how things would play out once fall classes started. Zoe had provided names of people who’d heard the disparaging lies Keven had told about Caitie. Joe had also got a copy of the police report.
“Have you decided whether you’ll do the video?” Noah asked to give her something else to think about.
Caitie let out a long breath. “You know, all I wanted when I finished chemo was to go back to being me, so I tried to keep my cancer a secret. At first, the idea of doing a recorded interview about my experience terrified me.”
“I hope I’m hearing a but in there. Did you talk to Sona?”
“I did. I hadn’t known about her granny dying of cancer and how Sona is now involved with a local cancer support group.
I didn’t know so many women struggle through it alone,” Caitie met his gaze, her beautiful blue eyes full of hope.
“She thinks my talking about it could help other women to get to the doctor sooner, so I agreed.”
“That’s my Caitie girl.” Noah was about to kiss her when a tentative rap on the door to the other room drew their attention. He laced their fingers again, offering support.
Joe rose to open it and said, “Take a seat, Mr. Ornn. My name is Joseph Brooks, and I’m a private investigator.”
“He is?” Caitie whispered.
“Aye. He got his license just for this.”
“Are you a cop? Because I’ve never noticed you here before,” Keven said with a belligerence Noah had never seen before.
“And that’s because you have so much experience with the local police?
” Joe’s tone was wry as he went to the table.
He woke the tablet before turning it for Keven to see.
“I have here fifteen signed affidavits that you have been making slanderous claims against one Caitlyn Hahn, who is considering a defamation of character lawsuit against you.”
Caitie’s fingers tightened around Noah’s at the same time Keven, his face now pale, slowly sank into the chair.
“Let me explain what this could mean to your own reputation.” Joe then reviewed the list they’d put together.
“But that would ruin me.” Keven’s voice had taken on a whine.
“On top of your history of assault? It certainly wouldn’t help,” Joe said flatly. “You need to understand you aren’t in grade school anymore, Mr. Ornn. There are consequences for your actions. However, what Ms. Hahn wants most is for your attacks on her character to stop.”
“That’s it?” Keven asked, disbelieving.
“In a perfect world, you would take back your lies. That would be impossible, as we both know. All Ms. Hahn asks is that you behave as though you do not know her. You won’t look at her or speak to her.
You also won’t speak about her to anyone else outside of this room.
If you agree to this, she will not pursue her lawsuit. ”
“I’ll sign whatever you want,” Keven said, his voice earnest.
“Joe did it,” Caitie breathed as the big man produced a written contract and a notary stepped into the room. Then she jumped to her feet and threw her arms around Noah’s neck.
“And what were you wanting to do to celebrate, Caitie darling?” Noah asked, wrapping his arms around her.
“I think if we put our heads together, Mr. Kelly, we could think of something.” Caitie went up on her tiptoes to kiss him.
If Noah’s mouth hadn’t already been busy, he would have roared Kelly-abo, his family victory cry. Not only had he helped defeat Keven, Noah had won his Caitie back. He thought he might sail right out of the room.