She blinked. “I know.”
“Rachel, I want more than a teammate. I want a life mate.”
A breath left her. She closed her eyes as her lips curved into a small smile. “Me too, Ben.”
He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. “You’re it for me, Rach.”
She squeezed his fingers and bit her bottom lip. “I’m glad because you’re it for me too.”
“So, we’re good?”
“Yes.”
“As much as I want this to be over, we’ve still got a little more to do.” He quirked his brows. “You need to call Chad.”
She pulled out her phone and called her boss. As the phone rang, she put the call on speaker. “Rachel, please tell me you’re on the way with my witness.”
“Good morning, Chad.” She took a deep breath. “I’m afraid not.”
“Excuse me? I’ve got two US Marshall’s staring at me right now.”
“He hung himself, Chad, before we got to the jail to pick him up this morning.”
“How the hell did that happen?”
Ben held up a finger to signify he was fielding that question. “We’re pulling the video from last night. I stayed until he wrote his full statement and signed it. I personally put him in an area that should have kept him safe, but when the guard took him breakfast this morning, he’d hung himself.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?”
“No, and he’d written ‘my choice’ in blood on the cell floor.”
“Will we have enough with his statement?”
“Yeah, it’s pretty damning. He even told us before he started writing it that he was signing his own death wish.”
An exasperated breath came through the phone. “Rachel, have you been to serve Nobles yet?”
“We’re on the way.”
“Stop by here when you’re done and bring that statement.”
“Yes, sir.”
She disconnected the call and looked at Ben. “You know it may come down to you testifying if Theo won’t admit to anything in court.”
“There were two witnesses, Rach. Sam was with me when I talked to him the day we arrested him.”
She nodded.
“When did you decide to turn the case over to Chad?”
“After we got the warrants.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I wanted to surprise you.”
He nodded. “Why’d you do it?”
She shrugged. “Just in case anyone can connect us together personally, I didn’t want the case tainted.”
“Because of the way I acted when you got hurt in Charleston?”
“That and let’s just say neither of us tried too hard to hide our feelings at the engagement party.”
“Our evidence is by the book, Rachel. What happens away from work is nobody’s fucking business.”
“I know that, and you know that, but the media has a funny way of deciding what’s everyone’s business.”
He shook his head. “You’re right, but I wish you would’ve told me.”
“I know. Let’s just get this over with.”
They pulled into the Charleston County jail. Ben flashed his badge and Rachel her credentials. “We need inmate Theodore Nobles brought to an interrogation room, please.”
Ben looked around, then asked, “Is Sheriff Murphy in?”
The man nodded as he placed a call to the jail guard. “Bring Theodore Nobles to interrogation room one.” When he hung up, he called back to the Sheriff’s office. “Sheriff, I have a Sheriff Stevens here, and he’d like a word.” The man nodded at Ben. “He’ll be right up.”
They sat on the cushioned bench along the far wall where they could watch the comings and goings of the office. A tall, husky man walked toward them. “Sheriff Stevens?”
Ben stood and shook the man’s hand. “Good morning, Sheriff. I’m here with assistant DA Rachel Davis.” Ben held out his arm to Rachel.
“Good morning, Sheriff.”
The man nodded his greeting. “’Mornin’, ma’am. What brings y’all in this early?”
“Assistant DA Davis is here to serve one of your inmates with additional charges.”
Sheriff Murphy raised his brows. “May I see that?” Rachel handed him the warrant. “Aren’t you the assistant DA who Mr. Nobles tried to run over?”
“Yes, that’s why Sheriff Stevens is with me.”
The man behind the desk stood. “Excuse me, Sheriff Murphy, the inmate is in the room.”
“Thank you, Bob.” He handed the warrant to Rachel as he turned his attention toward them. “Let me show you back. Do you want one of my officers present?”
Rachel put the warrant back into her bag. “That won’t be necessary, but we’d appreciate our conversation videoed to turn over to DA Chad Morrison.”
As they approached the room, Sheriff Murphy stopped an officer and asked him to set up the video camera. “He’s through that door, and we’ll be in here if you need anything.”
“Thank you,” Ben said.
They opened the door and sat across from Theo. He rolled his eyes and yelled, “Guard!”
Rachel pulled out the warrant. “Sorry, Mr. Nobles, but they aren’t coming back in, right now.”
“What are you doing here? Come to gloat because I spent a few days in here. This is club med compared to where I’ve been.”
“I’m glad you feel that way because you’re going to be spending more time here.”
“What are you talking about?”
Rachel slid the warrant toward Theo. “This is a warrant for your arrest. Since you’re already here, this will keep you here.” She pointed toward Ben. “Sheriff Stevens is going to Mirandize you before we talk anymore.”
“Theodore Nobles, you have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney…”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. You can stop now, Sheriff. I know my rights. That’s why I’m not saying a thing until I call my attorney.”
Rachel swallowed. “That’s going to be kinda hard, Theo. See, Martin is in jail in Columbia on almost the same charges as you. Would you like us to get you a court-appointed one?”
“Fuck no. I’ll call Matthew. He’ll get me one.”
Rachel looked at Ben, then closed her eyes. “Theo, you need to know something. Um, Matthew turned over state’s evidence yesterday, and he, um…” She cleared her throat. “Before we picked him up this morning, he’d hung himself. I’m sorry.”
Tears formed in the man’s eyes, and he seemed to physically break right in front of them. “Who’s going to tell his mama? She’s going to be lost without him or me.”
Ben’s head bobbed. “Someone will tell her.”
Rachel inconspicuously wiped a tear from her eye. “Is there anything you want to tell us that may help you?”
A sad chuckle left Theo. “You can’t help me. I’ve been up to my eyeballs in this for years. Matthew did the smart thing.” He looked at Ben. “I guess we’re even now, huh?”
Ben held the man’s gaze. “This was never about revenge. It was always about justice.”
40
The following morning, Ben and Rachel drove toward Columbia with three stops on their agenda—the first being his parents’ home.
“Relax, Rach. They’re going to love you.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because you make me happy. That’s all they’ve ever wanted for me.”
She nodded. “I hope you’re right.”
He smiled as they turned in the driveway. “She’ll be out the back door before we open our doors.” He’d just turned off the car when the screen door at the rear of the house flung open. A knowing smile stretched his face, and he tilted his head. “I’ll come open your door.”
His mother was halfway to the car by the time Rachel got out. A bright smile lit up her face, and Ben knew everything would go smoothly. He leaned down to kiss his mother’s cheek when they
stopped in front of her.
“Mom, you remember Rachel.”
His mother looked at Rachel. “It nice to see you again.”
Rachel smiled and held out the bouquet of flowers she’d brought his mother. “Mrs. Stevens, these are for you. It’s been a long time.”
“Oh, how beautiful. Thank you. Let’s go inside. Ben’s father is waiting in the den. He thinks I’m silly for meeting Ben outside when he comes home.”
Rachel giggled. “It’s not silly. It’s heartwarming.” She glanced at Ben. “He expects it.”
Ben held the door for the two most important women in his life. His heart was happy, and his life was complete.
* * *
Several hours later, they left with the hardest stop to make ahead of them. Pulling into the driveway of his former in-laws, he became visibly nervous. He reached for Rachel’s hand. “I never thought I’d be doing this, or that they’d want to meet the woman in my life. I don’t know what to expect, but if you feel uncomfortable at any time, let me know, and we’ll leave.”
A comforting smile curved her lips. “Let’s go see them. They raised someone you loved, so they can’t be all bad.”
Ben nodded before he stepped out of the car. He opened Rachel’s door and greeted her with a peck on the cheek. “We’ll get the dress later if that’s all right with you.”
She placed her hand along the side of his face. “It’s perfect. Breathe.”
They rang the doorbell and waited on the front porch. A small-framed woman opened the door. Her eyes lit up at the sight of him. “Ben.”
He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Sally, how are you?”
“I’m doing well. Come in, Homer is out back chopping wood. I’ll get him.”
“Sally, before you go, this is Rachel.”
The older woman turned toward Rachel. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise. Thank you for inviting me to your home.”
Sally patted Rachel’s hand. “Let me get Homer. He’ll want to meet you too.”
Before the woman left the room, a door slammed at the rear of the house. “Sally, is that them?”
“Yes. Come say hello.”
The tall man walked into the room. “Ben, it’s good to see you again. Is this your lady friend?”
“Hey, Homer. Yes, sir. I’d like you to meet Rachel. You may remember her from...” His eyes darted between Sally and Homer.
The older man stepped closer, laying his hand on Ben’s shoulder. “It’s all right, son.” He turned toward Rachel. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m sorry I don’t remember too much of our last meeting.”
Rachel nodded. “That’s understandable. You were grieving.”
Sally waved her hand. “Why don’t we have a seat?” Ben took Rachel’s hand in his and led her to the sofa while the Johnsons sat in their recliners.
Homer looked at Ben and Rachel with compassion in his eyes. “Rachel, I know this may be awkward, but Sally and I are glad Ben found someone. He deserves to be happy. I’m just sorry we had to lose Maggie for it to happen.”
Tears pooled in Rachel’s eyes. “Me too. I truly meant it when I said thank you for inviting me. I want you both to know that I do love him, and I know that his parents, you, and Maggie helped make him the man I love.”
“We wish you both the best, and hope one day y’all will get married. I think Maggie would have wanted Ben to have a family.”
Ben nodded. “There’s more to this visit than y’all meeting Rachel as my significant other.”
Sally cocked her head. “Oh?”
He cleared his throat. “It took ten years for all of my memory to come back from that night.” He swallowed and looked at Rachel. “Another case was brought to Rachel, which led us back to the night of the accident. How do I say this?” He blinked and looked the Johnsons in the eyes. “Theodore Nobles wasn’t driving the car that struck Maggie and me. It was Senator Martin Pickens. Last night he was arrested, and you should see it on the news today. He will do time for obstruction of justice and vehicular manslaughter.”
“What about the man who went to jail back then?”
Rachel looked at Sally. “He’s going back to jail for obstruction of justice. We’ll also charge him as an accomplice to vehicular manslaughter, but he’ll probably get time already served for that since he’s already served seven years.”
Homer’s brows furrowed. “What does all that mean?”
A sad smile crossed Ben’s face. “It means Maggie has finally gotten justice and can rest in peace.”
A sob came from across the room. “Thank you, Ben. Thank you both.” Sally crossed the room to hug Ben. “Be happy.”
Ben whispered, “I am.”
Before they left, Ben retrieved Maggie’s wedding dress and gave it to her mother. “It hasn’t been taken out of the bag. Thank you for taking care of this.”
She kissed his cheek. “You’re welcome. Y’all come back anytime.”
Ben got back in the car and looked at Rachel, who had tears streaking down her face. “Thank you, sweetheart. I’m glad you were here with me.”
“They’re nice people. They deserved to know the truth.” She looked at him. “They love you, ya know.”
He nodded. “I want to go see your mom while we’re here.”
Rachel turned in surprise. “Why?”
He cupped the side of her face. “Rach, you didn’t know your dad, and she needs to know that you’re taken care of.”
She squeezed his hand to her cheek, then kissed the palm. “She doesn’t know me anymore, Ben. It’s really hard to go see her.”
“I know, but we’re already in town.”
“We can ask if it’s a good day and go from there.”
The drive to the assistant living facility was quiet. Ten minutes later, they pulled into the parking lot. Rachel’s gait was hesitant, but Ben held her hand, giving her strength. She punched in the code to the door, and it clicked open. They signed in and walked toward her mother’s room. Just as they’d turned the corner, a nurse stopped them.
“Miss Rachel? Your mother isn’t in her room. The Methodist Church came today, and they’re gathered in the main hall for singing. Do you want me to get her?”
Rachel smiled. “Don’t disturb her. We’ll check on her from the door.” She and Ben walked to the main hall and watched the group from the door. Her mother was smiling and swaying in her chair to the music. She looked at Ben. “She’s happy. Let’s let her enjoy herself.”
He smiled and kissed the side of her head. “Okay.”
41
Two Weeks Later
“You’re going to be late for your meeting with Mayor Sinclair.”
Rachel hopped on one foot as she pushed the other into her pump. “I can’t believe the Governor appointed me acting prosecutor until a special election can be held.”
“Are you going to run for office?”
Her eyes danced with excitement. “Depends if I like it.”
“You’ve got a hundred and twenty days to decide. That’s when the election will be.”
“After all that’s happened, you’re a shoo-in for Sheriff.”
“I like it here, Rach, but if you don’t want to stay, I’ll move closer to the county line. That’ll cut down on drive time for you.”
She burst out laughing. “You make it sound like I’m just moving in.” She stepped into the bathroom so she could use the mirror put her earrings on. When she turned, Ben was down on one knee, holding an opened jewelry box to her.
“I hear husbands and wives are supposed to live together once they’re married.” Rachel’s hands cupped her mouth. “Rachel, you’ve been my best friend, lover, confidant, and champion. You understand and complete me. You fought for me when I couldn’t fight for myself, and you stood beside me until I was strong enough to stand on my own. Your patience and love healed me and made me whole again. My love for you has no end. Thank you for waiting for me to catch up. Would you please do me the hon
or of being Mrs. Benjamin Stevens?”
Her eyes stung with the tears threatening to fall as her head bobbed up and down like a bobblehead doll. Her hands shook as Ben held her left hand and slipped on the ring.
“Am I going to get a verbal answer?”
“Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you. Oh, Ben…”
He held her tight and spun her around. “Oh, sweetheart. I love you.”
She laughed and cried at the same time. “I love you, too.”
He kissed her thoroughly before he sat her down and wiped the tears from under her eyes. “Now, go meet the Mayor with confidence. We’ll celebrate tonight.”
* * *
Rachel walked into the Mayor’s office a half hour later full of confidence and a smile that couldn’t hide her joy. No matter how this meeting went, she was marrying Ben. Nothing could dampen her spirits.
“Hello. I’m Rachel Davis, and I’m here to see Mayor Sinclair.”
“Yes, ma’am, right this way. He’s expecting you.”
The lady tapped on the door, then opened it. The mayor stood and met Rachel halfway across the room. “I’d recognize you anywhere. You’ve had a lot of TV time lately.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I was quite surprised when I got the call that you would be filling in for us.”
Rachel nodded. “I was surprised when I received the call myself. I mentioned it in passing to Chad, and I had no idea he called the Governor.”
“I would’ve thought you’d want someplace bigger. This exposure has to be good for your career.”
“Mayor, to be honest, there’s a certain Sheriff that’s a much bigger draw than a paycheck.” She held up her hand.
“I see congratulations are in order.”
“Thank you.”
“Will that be an issue if the two of you don’t agree in the courtroom?”
“No, sir. He knows I’ll investigate everything fully. If he’s wrong, I don’t mind telling him.”
The mayor laughed. “Spoken like a wife already.”
She giggled. “Thank you.”
“Rachel, if I may call you that…”
Uncovered Secrets: A Riverton Crossing Novel - Book 7 Page 19
