Accidental Love

by Lydia Rose

  Finally, Marnie found her voice. “So you think they both did it?”

  “I don’t know which one killed her, but they both took part in the rape.”

  “And you can prove all this?” she asked hopefully.

  “Completely. It’s all here in my report.” Al handed her the file.

  “Thanks, Al. I owe you big time.”

  “It was my pleasure, Marnie.” She stood up and gave him a hug.

  “Say hello to that gal of yours for me,” he whispered in her ear.

  “I won’t be seeing her, Al.”

  “That’s too bad. She seemed like a really nice woman.”

  “She is, Al,” Marnie answered softly.

  “Marnie, every day I see people on this slab who would all tell me the same thing,” Al sighed and pursed his lips. “They’d all ask for more time. You never know when your time is up, Marnie. Don’t waste a single minute on this earth.”

  Marnie nodded quietly. “Thanks, Al,” she said holding up the file. Before she left the office, she turned and said, “And for being such a good friend.”

  The moment she got back to her office, she picked up the phone. “Hello. This is Marnie Winters, may I speak with Ms. Marks?”

  “One moment, please,” the secretary said into the phone.

  “Hello, Ms. Winters.”

  “Hello, Ms. Marks. I was wondering if you had time to see me sometime this week.”

  “Aren’t you back in New York?” the woman asked.

  “I am, but I can make arrangements to come back down.” That is, if someone makes good on his promise to me.

  “When would you like to come?” she asked looking at her calendar.

  “I’ll have to check my arrangements. Can I get back to you?”

  “Please do and I’ll pencil you in.”

  Now Marnie dialed another number again. “Hey, Max, it’s Marnie Winters.”

  “Marnie, honey. How are you?” The big man’s voice bellowed loudly.

  “I’m good, Max. I was wondering if I could use your plane for a short trip south. I’ll be back the same day.”

  “It’s yours, Marnie. I told you when you won my case that anytime you wanted, you could use the plane.”

  “Thanks, Max. Can I use it Wednesday morning?”

  “You know where to go and she’s yours for the day.”

  “I really appreciate this, Max.”

  “For you, honey, anything.”

  *

  Marnie sat alone on this luxury jet anxious to get this case behind her and to go on with her life. She laid her head against the headrest and closed her eyes. As her dreams played in her head, she saw only one face. The woman who had captured her heart and soul. She remembered looking down into her face as they made love, wanting to remember the moment for the rest of her life. She didn’t know at the time that the image would forever be imbedded in her mind and soul. Even if Leslie never answered her text. The plane touching down brought her out of her dreams. Her sunglasses went to her face and she waited for the door to be opened. The car she had ordered was waiting on the air strip. This smaller airport was only ten miles from the special prosecutor’s office. The driver opened the back door for Marnie and she stepped in. “Thank you,” she said as he closed the door. Now she only hoped that the file that was in her briefcase would end the nightmare for Tom. The driver pulled in front of the courthouse and she got out of the car. “I shouldn’t be too long.”

  “I’ll be waiting, Ms. Winters. Take your time.” He bowed and went back to the driver’s seat.

  Marnie was now sitting in Ms. Marks’s outer office waiting for the door to open. She rubbed her hands on the leg of the pants suit she was wearing because her mind kept drifting. The woman she wanted to see was so close, but yet so far. The office door opened and a smiling dark haired woman approached with her hand out.

  “Ms. Winters, it’s so nice to finally meet you in person.”

  Marnie took her hand. “I’m happy to meet you too, but please call me Marnie.”

  The woman smiled again. “Thank you and I’m Sandra.” She motioned with her arm for Marnie to enter her office. “I hope you had a good trip down.”

  “It’s always easy to travel when you’re in a friend’s private jet,” Marnie chuckled.

  “I was going to be calling you this week if you hadn’t called me.” She put her glasses on and glanced at her file. “We’ve found out some things and I’m sure you have also.”

  Marnie opened her file. “We have all the results from our tests.”

  “We found DNA also on Jess’s clothes, but we don’t know yet who it belongs to.” She removed her glasses and dropped them on the table. “I always felt that the sheriff rushed to judgement when it came to Tom Reynolds.”

  “Well, I have evidence that Tom was at the lake when the murder took place.” Sandra just nodded. “I also know who the DNA belongs to.” This got Sandra’s interest and she leaned forward toward Marnie. “It belongs to Rodney Kane and Steve Henderson. I don’t know who actually committed the murder, but they were both there at her death. You should also try speaking with Pat Simmons. She knows something, but I could never get her to speak with me.”

  Sandra nodded. “I don’t know how you managed to get their DNA, but we will be testing that ourselves. I’ll be sure the Sheriff picks up Pat and have a long talk with her. The charges against Tom Reynolds are being dropped.” She handed the paperwork to Marnie so she could read and sign. Sandra now picked up the phone and called her secretary. “Tina, the arrest warrant you were working on. I have the names.” She gave Tina Steve and Rodney’s names and now said, “Find out from Judge Harvey if he has time to see me this afternoon. Say around three.” She now looked at Marnie. “If you want to stay around, I’m sure you would like to see them arrested.”

  “I wish I could, but I’ve got to get back to New York.” Marnie stood and took Sandra’s hand. “I’m glad this worked out. I appreciate your office being open to the possibility that a mistake was made.”

  “I knew once I heard you were involved in the case, I’d have my answer to who committed the crime,” she said with a smile. “Thank you for coming down and bringing me this information.”

  Marnie left Sandra’s office and went to find a quiet place so she could make her phone call. “Hi, Tom. It’s Marnie.”

  “Hey, Marnie,” he said looking at his sister. “What’s up?”

  “It’s over, Tom.” There was silence on the other end of the phone. “Tom, are you there?” He mumbled something into the phone. “The charges were dropped.” Now Marnie didn’t hear anything. She almost hung up when someone else took the phone.

  “Marnie, it’s Leslie. Why is my brother laughing and crying sitting on the floor?” she asked, scared as to what it could be.

  “It’s over, Leslie. The charges against Tom have been dropped.”

  “Are you sure, Marnie?” Leslie still unsure of what she was hearing.

  “Yes. I just left Sandra Marks’s office and signed the paperwork.”

  “You’re in Georgia?”

  “Yes.”

  “Will I see you?” Leslie asked almost in a whisper.

  “I’m sorry, but I’m headed back to the airport. I borrowed a private jet from one of my clients and I have to get back.”

  “I want to thank you for what you did for Tom and my family. We will be indebted to you always,” she said sincerely as emotion filled her voice.

  “It’s my job, Leslie. You and your family don’t owe me anything.”

  “We love you and owe you everything.” Leslie looked down at her brother. “Tom stopped crying and now he looks stunned, but he wants to speak with you again. Goodbye, Marnie,” she said almost too emotional to speak.

  “Marnie,” Tom said. “Thank you so much. I’ll never forget you.”

  “Stay in touch, Tom,” she said, but her mind was still tumbling as to what the petite woman had told her. Is it love or is it just because she was overwhelmed wi
th joy? “I hope you have a good life.”

  “You too, Marnie.” Tom disconnected the call.

  Marnie sat there staring at the wall. It was a voice calling to her that brought her out of her trance. “Yes, Sandra.”

  “I’m glad I caught you. May I speak with you again?”

  “Is there something wrong?”

  “Not at all.”

  Marnie followed Sandra back to her office. “Have a seat, Marnie. I know you are in a hurry so I’ll get right to the point. The DA is retiring and I will be taking his position.”

  Marnie looked at her and thought why is she telling me this? I’m happy for her, but…

  “My positon is open and I thought maybe you might have fallen in love with our way of life down here.”

  Marnie laughed now realizing what Sandra was telling her. “I appreciate it, Sandra, but New York is my life.”

  “Is it?” she asked then lowered her voice. “I know the town of Waterville fell in love with you. Everyone spoke very highly of you and believe me they don’t take well to Northerners.” She laughed. “Especially people from New York.”

  “I liked everyone I met very much too, but this isn’t where I belong.”

  Sandra raised an eyebrow and took a chance. “Not even with that little café owner?”

  Marnie’s mouth opened, but closed again. How could she possibly know?

  “Small towns,” Sandra said with a shrug. “Everyone talks if you stop to listen.”

  “I really appreciate the offer, Sandra.” Marnie stood up. “I just couldn’t possibly.”

  “Think about it, Marnie.”

  Marnie chuckled. “I will, but please don’t hold the position open for me.”

  CHAPTER 14

  Marnie went back to her life in New York City. She handled her cases, but tried to get the senior partners to stop overloading her. Her only salvation was she and Sheila would disappear on the weekends together. They would just get in Sheila’s car, since hers was still in Georgia, and drive until they stopped for the evening. They were having fun trying foods from different states and visiting all the tourist attractions. On one of these trips her phone rang. She looked at the screen and smiled. “Hey, Tom. How is it going?”

  “Good, Marnie. I just wanted to let you know that Steve and Rodney are locked up in jail. Their bail was set so high that neither of their parents could bail them out.” He laughed. “If they even wanted to. I heard that they don’t want anything to do with them.”

  “I’m glad that the real killers are behind bars. Sandra Marks sent me a text the day they were arrested.” They both stopped talking for a moment. “How is everyone in town?”

  “Everyone misses you. Hank said your car should be ready soon.”

  She wanted to ask about Leslie, but the words never left her mouth. “How is my friend Buddy doing?”

  “He’s good. He asks about you all the time.”

  “Well tell him to give me a call sometime.”

  “Is there anyone else you want to call?” he asked softly.

  The words were so close to her lips, but she swallowed them back. “Tell Wilma I said hello.”

  “Okay, Marnie. I guess I should let you go.” Tom knew he wasn’t going to get anywhere with subtle hints.

  “Say hi to your family too, Tom.”

  “I will,” he said before disconnecting the call. As he put the phone back in his pocket, he walked over to his sister. “Marnie said to say hello to you.”

  Leslie looked up from her computer. Ordering supplies could wait. “When did you speak with her?”

  “Just now. I wanted to tell her about Rodney and Steve, but the prosecutor already told her.”

  “I think when she got the charges dropped on you, she knew who the killers were,” Leslie said ignoring Tom’s words.

  “She really is good at her job, isn’t she?” Tom asked watching his sister closely.

  Leslie nodded her head. “Yes, she is.” That’s not the only thing she is good at. Leslie thought, but knew thinking about Marnie would only be more torture to her. Marnie had a life in New York with a wonderful job and she would never give that up for someone like her.

  “It’s a shame she couldn’t stay in town and help other people here.”

  Leslie laughed. “Tom, murder is a rarity in this town. Marnie wouldn’t have enough work to make a living.”

  “Have you ever thought what it might be like to live in New York City?” Tom pressed on.

  Leslie shuddered. “I know it wouldn’t be for me. I love the slow pace of Waterville.”

  “But how are you going to find someone to love if you stay here?” Tom asked, sitting next to his sister.

  “Maybe I’m not destined to be with someone, Tom.” She smiled at him and cupped his face. “I’m happy with my life and that’s all that matters.”

  “But...” he began.

  “No buts. I’m fine, Tom. Please don’t worry about me.”

  Tom nodded his head. He knew he may be a kid, but he knew the two women liked each other. “I’ll always worry. Just as you will always worry about me,” he said with a grin.

  “I will always, Tom.”

  *

  “Who was that?” Sheila asked as she approached Marnie.

  “Tom. He wanted to make sure I knew that Steve and Rodney were arrested.”

  “That was nice of him.” Sheila turned and looked at her friend. “Has Leslie called you?”

  “No.”

  “Why not?” Sheila asked putting her arm around Marnie’s shoulder. “I thought you two were friends.”

  “We are, we were,” Marnie said with a loud breath.

  “So you’re still in love with her.” Sheila didn’t ask, but instead phrased it as a comment.

  “It is going to take a long time to forget her. My only salvation is that she is so far away.”

  Sheila slipped her arm through Marnie’s and kissed her cheek. “I’m here if you ever want to talk.”

  “Thanks. You are a good friend.”

  “The best,” Sheila said with a laugh.

  *

  Wednesday afternoon Marnie got an unexpected call. “Hi, Hank. Have you kidnapped my car permanently?”

  Hank laughed heartily. “The car is ready, Marnie,”

  “Great. I’ll arrange a transport to pick her up.”

  Hank cleared his throat. “Well, I had another idea.” Marnie waited. “My friend in New York has been bugging me to come visit for years. I was thinking I could bring you your car and go see him.”

  “How are you going to get back?”

  “A flight,” he answered.

  “One way tickets are expensive. Tell you what, I’ll pay for your ticket home. It will be a lot cheaper than if I had the car shipped.”

  “I couldn’t ask you to do that,” Hank insisted.

  “You didn’t. I offered to pay. So when are you coming up?”

  “I’ll leave Friday late. I’m going to drive straight through.”

  “That’s a long drive, Hank. Are you sure you want to do it in one day?”

  “Sure. It’s only about a fifteen hour drive. I may bring someone with me to share the driving.”

  “Whatever you think is best, Hank. I’ll pay for your friend’s ticket too. I’ll have my secretary call you to get the names so I can get your tickets.”

  “Will you be home?”

  “I will. I have some work to do so I’ll be here all day.”

  “Okay, Marnie. I’ll see you Saturday.”

  CHAPTER 15

  Marnie’s car was pulling into the underground garage Saturday early afternoon. The gate called her and she took the elevator downstairs to meet Hank. As the car door opened, her jaw dropped. “Leslie. What are you doing here?”

  “Well, hello to you too,” she said with a smirk. “I came up with Hank to share the driving.”

  “Where is Hank?” she asked looking into the car.

  “I dropped him off at his friend’s place.” Leslie
clicked the trunk open and removed her bag. She dropped the bag on the ground and turned to Marnie. “It’s good to see you again,” she said turning toward the exit.

  “Where are you going?” Marnie asked moving closer.

  “To the airport,” Leslie answered hiding her emotions just under the surface.

  “Uh,” Marnie said stumbling over her words. “Don’t you even want to see my place while you’re here?” she asked, trying to find a reason for Leslie to stay. “I mean you haven’t seen anything of New York.”

  “I saw a lot driving through town, but I would like to see where you live.” Leslie followed her to the elevator dragging her suitcase behind her. She had planned on getting a room for the night and flying out tomorrow, but calling around she found the rooms too expensive. The best thing for her to do was go home because seeing Marnie again brought the same ache she felt when Marnie had left Georgia. Who knew seeing her face would cause such pain.

  Marnie opened her apartment door and they both stepped into the room. Their eyes met and they both rushed into each other’s arms. Marnie had her pressed against the apartment door as their mouths explored. Desperate for closeness, their bodies came together. When they had to break away to breathe, Marnie looked down into the small woman’s face. “Why did you leave me that morning without saying goodbye?”

  “It would have been harder if I stayed. We both knew what we were doing when we agreed to have sex. I knew it couldn’t be more.”

  Marnie released Leslie from her arms. She didn’t want to hear her words any longer and watched as Leslie walked toward the large glass windows.

  “I can see why you love it here,” Leslie said with her back to Marnie. Her eyes closed tightly to keep the tears she felt at bay.

  Marnie moved closer to her, but didn’t touch her. “Maybe you can love it too.”

  Leslie turned and faced blue eyes watching her so intently. “This is where you are happiest. You know I could never get used to living in a city such as this,” she said as her hands waved at the view in front of the glass.