Olivia’s gaze darkened. “Enough talking. I know what you’re doing. You think if you talk to me long enough, that your friends will get here and save the day.”
I couldn’t argue with that.
She stepped back from Drew. “Here goes nothing.”
I glanced around, looking for something—anything—that I could use to protect Drew. There were no lamps. No knickknacks. Nothing.
And she was too far away to lunge for her gun. By the time we reached her, she could pull the trigger on Drew and on Chase and me.
There had to be something.
I glanced down, my mind still racing.
“Olivia,” Chase started, obviously trying to keep her talking.
The moment of distraction was all I needed.
I reached down and grabbed the rug she stood on. Giving it everything I had, I jerked it.
It slid out from beneath her feet.
She flew into the air, taken off guard. Her gun clattered to the floor.
As she landed on her back, her gaze jerked toward her weapon.
The gun lay on the floor between Olivia and Chase.
I only hoped Chase got to it first.
Chapter Thirty
Chase dove for the gun. His fingers wrapped around the weapon just seconds before Olivia reached it.
He stood, holding the barrel toward her, and ordered, “Get up.”
With her hands raised, Olivia did as he ordered.
Could this really be over? Did I even dare hope that?
Just as the thought entered my mind, the doors burst open. Officers rushed into the room. They cuffed Olivia, despite her grumbling.
As Chase went to oversee her arrest, I hurried to Drew and pulled the gag from his mouth.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
He nodded, still looking pale and shaken. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“I’m so sorry, Drew. I never expected you to get pulled into this.”
“It’s not your fault, Holly.”
I began working the binds at his hands. Chase came over and sliced through them with a pocket knife before I could get the first knot out.
“I’m glad you’re okay,” he told Drew.
Drew rubbed his wrists, his eyes appeared glazed as he glanced around. “Yeah, me too. Good police work back there. You two do make a good team. And you know what? This kind of life . . . it’s not for me.”
We all looked back at Olivia as she was being led away. She’d had everything in the world, yet all she’d wanted was more. That selfishness had led to her demise, and I, for one, was happy to see her go to jail for it.
“Who would have thought a rug could save the day?” Chase asked. “That was some fast thinking, Holly.”
I shrugged. “My Good Housekeeping inclinations are to thank. All I’d been able to think about earlier was how slippery the rug was. Of course, it was still a risk. She could have accidentally pulled the trigger. But I knew I had to do something.”
“You did the right thing.”
I glanced at Chase. “You know, if what Olivia said was true, then your brother could have easily accepted that money from Axon to pay off his debt to the dealers he was working with. I don’t know what was going on in his life when all of this happened, but it sounds like he was trying to do better. To be better.”
“That is how it seems, isn’t it?”
The paramedics came to examine Drew. As they led him away, Chase turned to me and cupped my face with his hands.
“I wasn’t sure how that was going to turn out for a minute,” he said.
“Me neither. To think all those people died . . . for no good reason—other than selfishness,” I muttered. “It seems like the ultimate act of iniquity.”
“Unfortunately, there are a lot of those moments in life.” He stepped back and took my hand in his. Gently, he rubbed my ring finger before planting a soft kiss there. “I’m never letting you out of my sight again. I hope you’re okay with that.”
A grin spread across my face. “I’m more than okay with that.”
“Whatever the world throws at us . . . whatever friction might form between us when we feel passionate about something . . . as long as we decide to be in this together, we can make it work.”
My heart turned into a puddle. “You’re absolutely right. I love you, Chase. Always and forever.”
“I love you too, Holly.”
His lips met mine in a brief kiss, and for a moment everything around us disappeared. As we pulled away, I fell into his arms, glad I had a safe place to fall during those times when life was nearly too hard to comprehend.
It had been a long journey to get here, but things were finally balancing out. Chase and I could finally move on . . . together.
Life didn’t always turn out the way you envisioned. But, when you were open to it, sometimes the detours ended up making the future even better than one could have ever expected.
Epilogue
I’d always thought that spring was the perfect time for a wedding.
I’d also always thought that a traditional wedding in a beautiful church full of stained-glass windows was ideal. I wanted three bridesmaids, a dress with a long train, and roses. Lots of roses.
But more than that, I’d wanted the man of my dreams to be waiting at the end of that long aisle—the man of my dreams being someone who loved God, who loved me, and who loved others.
I’d found all of that in Chase.
I’d abandoned some of my fascination with all things old-fashioned, but not all of them. I’d started wearing my dresses again. I still loved baking, and making meals for people who were homebound, and even showing some of the teens in the neighborhood who were interested how to sew.
Some things couldn’t be taken away from me—they’d only been temporarily put on pause.
After Olivia and Lars had been arrested, the police had found a video in their files. Indeed, they had set it up to look like Chase and I were responsible for everything that had happened. They’d even managed to use effects to make a grainy video that made it look like we’d killed Drew.
Thankfully, their plan hadn’t worked. They’d be spending a long, long time behind bars.
I readjusted the bouquet in my hands as I stared nervously at the sanctuary. In a moment, I’d walk that aisle. Ralph would be at my side. Jamie, Alex, and Sarah would be going before me.
Sarah . . . who was now living back with her mom. We tried to get together once a week so I could still be a part of her life. I missed her terribly, but I was happy for her—happy that her little family had been restored.
Kari Leblanc was also here. Over the past six months, we’d taken strides in our relationship. She really was my cousin on my father’s side. It would take a long time for me to be able to fully trust her, but I liked our progress so far. My family had also taken her in, and, in some way, I knew my father would be proud if he were here today.
Drew had even said he’d be here today. Our friendship had been able to continue, even though we weren’t a couple. I’d even seen him and Kari talking a few times, and I suspected they’d come to the wedding together.
“You look stunning,” Jamie said, pausing beside me in her wine-colored bridesmaid gown. Her own wedding was coming up in two months, so this would be great practice for her.
“Thank you.”
“And I do believe that Chase is glowing up there on stage. I’ve never seen him look so happy before.”
I grinned at her words. “That’s great to know.”
The song began playing, and Jamie gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. Then she started down the aisle behind the other bridesmaids.
I slipped my arm through Ralph’s, and we waited our turn.
“Dad would be so proud of you right now, Holly,” Ralph whispered. “You know that, right?”
I swallowed back tears. “Thanks, Ralph. I wish he could be here.”
“We all do. At least we know he’s not suffering anymore.”
I tho
ught he was going to take the breakup with Olivia hard, but he’d said he’d actually wanted to end things between them anyway. He seemed content to be by himself, waiting for the right woman to come along. And, if she didn’t, Ralph seemed okay with that also.
As the music changed, I felt my cheeks flush. This was it. This was my big moment.
Everyone rose as I stepped into the sanctuary. But I hardly noticed.
Mostly, I noticed Chase waiting for me.
It had been a long journey for us to get here, filled with a lot of twists and turns. But I had no doubt that this was what I wanted. That Chase was who I wanted.
After Ralph gave me away, I stepped up to Chase. He looked handsome in his classic black tux.
He leaned forward and kissed my cheek.
“Not yet,” the minister joked.
Everyone laughed.
I handed my flowers to Jamie and took Chase’s hands in mine.
The ceremony seemed to be both a blur and something that I’d always remember every single moment of.
Especially when the minister got to the end and said, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Chase stepped toward me, his eyes filled with love. He drew me closer, and his lips covered mine—tastefully so.
But a million fireworks exploded in my head.
Chase and I . . . the fact that we were together wasn’t by random chance. No, it was because God had brought two broken people together.
And I couldn’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him. I’d do my best to stay out of trouble . . . maybe.
Dear Reader,
I hope you’ve enjoyed coming alongside me for Holly Anna’s journey. I know I’ve enjoyed getting to know her and her friends.
The whole idea for this series started with a dream—a dream where someone broke into my house and cleaned it for me. The idea continued to grow from there, and eventually Holly Anna Paladin was born.
You may be asking if this is the last book in the series. The truth is that I hate ending a series. The characters all start feeling like real people to me, and wrapping up their stories is like closing the door on a long friendship.
But it’s time for this series to at least take a break.
Let’s not say goodbye for good; let’s just say goodbye for now. Who knows when she might make another appearance in the future?
Much love,
Christy Barritt
Also by Christy Barritt:
Other Books in the Holly Anna Paladin Mysteries:
When Holly Anna Paladin is given a year to live, she embraces her final days doing what she loves most—random acts of kindness. But when one of her extreme good deeds goes horribly wrong, implicating Holly in a string of murders, Holly is suddenly in a different kind of fight for her life. She knows one thing for sure: she only has a short amount of time to make a difference. And if helping the people she cares about puts her in danger, it’s a risk worth taking.
#1 Random Acts of Murder
#2 Random Acts of Deceit
#2.5 Random Acts of Scrooge
#3 Random Acts of Malice
#4 Random Acts of Greed
#5 Random Acts of Fraud
#6 Random Acts of Outrage
You also might enjoy: the Lantern Beach Series
LANTERN BEACH MYSTERIES
Hidden Currents
You can take the detective out of the investigation, but you can't take the investigator out of the detective. A notorious gang puts a bounty on Detective Cady Matthews’s head after she takes down their leader, leaving her no choice but to hide until she can testify at trial. But her temporary home across the country on a remote North Carolina island isn’t as peaceful as she initially thinks. Living under the new identity of Cassidy Livingston, she struggles to keep her investigative skills tucked away, especially after a body washes ashore. When local police bungle the murder investigation, she can’t resist stepping in. But Cassidy is supposed to be keeping a low profile. One wrong move could lead to both her discovery and her demise. Can she bring justice to the island . . . or will the hidden currents surrounding her pull her under for good?
Flood Watch
The tide is high, and so is the danger on Lantern Beach. Still in hiding after infiltrating a dangerous gang, Cassidy Livingston just has to make it a few more months before she can testify at trial and resume her old life. But trouble keeps finding her, and Cassidy is pulled into a local investigation after a man mysteriously disappears from the island she now calls home. A recurring nightmare from her time undercover only muddies things, as does a visit from the parents of her handsome ex-Navy SEAL neighbor. When a friend's life is threatened, Cassidy must make choices that put her on the verge of blowing her cover. With a flood watch on her emotions and her life in a tangle, will Cassidy find the truth? Or will her past finally drown her?
Storm Surge
A storm is brewing hundreds of miles away, but its effects are devastating even from afar. Laid-back, loose, and light: that’s Cassidy Livingston’s new motto. But when a makeshift boat with a bloody cloth inside washes ashore near her oceanfront home, her detective instincts shift into gear . . . again. Seeking clues isn’t the only thing on her mind—romance is heating up with next-door neighbor and former Navy SEAL Ty Chambers as well. Her heart wants the love and stability she’s longed for her entire life. But her hidden identity only leads to a tidal wave of turbulence. As more answers emerge about the boat, the danger around her rises, creating a treacherous swell that threatens to reveal her past. Can Cassidy mind her own business, or will the storm surge of violence and corruption that has washed ashore on Lantern Beach leave her life in wreckage?
Dangerous Waters
Danger lurks on the horizon, leaving only two choices: find shelter or flee. Cassidy Livingston’s new identity has begun to feel as comfortable as her favorite sweater. She’s been tucked away on Lantern Beach for weeks, waiting to testify against a deadly gang, and is settling in to a new life she wants to last forever. When she thinks she spots someone malevolent from her past, panic swells inside her. If an enemy has found her, Cassidy won’t be the only one who’s a target. Everyone she’s come to love will also be at risk. Dangerous waters threaten to pull her into an overpowering chasm she may never escape. Can Cassidy survive what lies ahead? Or has the tide fatally turned against her?
Perilous Riptide
Just when the current seems safer, an unseen danger emerges and threatens to destroy everything. When Cassidy Livingston finds a journal hidden deep in the recesses of her ice cream truck, her curiosity kicks into high gear. Islanders suspect that Elsa, the journal’s owner, didn’t die accidentally. Her final entry indicates their suspicions might be correct and that what Elsa observed on her final night may have led to her demise. Against the advice of Ty Chambers, her former Navy SEAL boyfriend, Cassidy taps into her detective skills and hunts for answers. But her search only leads to a skeletal body and trouble for both of them. As helplessness threatens to drown her, Cassidy is desperate to turn back time. Can Cassidy find what she needs to navigate the perilous situation? Or will the riptide surrounding her threaten everyone and everything Cassidy loves?
Deadly Undertow
The current’s fatal pull is powerful, but so is one detective’s will to live. When someone from Cassidy Livingston’s past shows up on Lantern Beach and warns her of impending peril, opposing currents collide, threatening to drag her under. Running would be easy. But leaving would break her heart. Cassidy must decipher between the truth and lies, between reality and deception. Even more importantly, she must decide whom to trust and whom to fear. Her life depends on it. As danger rises and answers surface, everything Cassidy thought she knew is tested. In order to survive, Cassidy must take drastic measures and end the battle against the ruthless gang DH-7 once and for all. But if her final mission fails, the consequences will be as deadly as the raging undertow.
LANTERN BEACH ROMANTIC SUSPENSE
Tides of Deception
Change has come to Lantern Beach: a new police chief, a new season, and . . . a new romance? Austin Brooks has loved Skye Lavinia from the moment they met, but the walls she keeps around her seem impenetrable. Skye knows Austin is the best thing to ever happen to her. Yet she also knows that if he learns the truth about her past, he’d be a fool not to run. A chance encounter brings secrets bubbling to the surface, and danger soon follows. Are the life-threatening events plaguing them really accidents . . . or is someone trying to send a deadly message? With the tides on Lantern Beach come deception and lies. One question remains—who will be swept away as the water shifts? And will it bring the end for Austin and Skye, or merely the beginning?
Shadow of Intrigue
For her entire life, Lisa Garth has felt like a supporting character in the drama of life. The designation never bothered her—until now. Lantern Beach, where she’s settled and runs a popular restaurant, has boarded up for the season. The slower pace leaves her with too much time alone. Braden Dillinger came to Lantern Beach to try to heal. The former Special Forces officer returned from battle with invisible scars and diminished hope. But his recovery is hampered by the fact that an unknown enemy is trying to kill him. From the moment Lisa and Braden meet, danger ignites around them, and both are drawn into a web of intrigue that turns their lives upside down. As shadows creep in, will Lisa and Braden be able to shine a light on the peril around them? Or will the encroaching darkness turn their worst nightmares into reality?
Storm of Doubt
A pastor who’s lost faith in God. A romance writer who’s lost faith in love. A faceless man with a deadly obsession. Nothing has felt right in Pastor Jack Wilson’s world since his wife died two years ago. He hoped coming to Lantern Beach might help soothe the ragged edges of his soul. Instead, he feels more alone than ever. Novelist Juliette Grace came to the island to hide away. Though her professional life has never been better, her personal life has imploded. Her husband left her and a stalker’s threats have grown more and more dangerous. When Jack saves Juliette from an attack, he sees the terror in her gaze and knows he must protect her. But when danger strikes again, will Jack be able to keep her safe? Or will the approaching storm prove too strong to withstand?
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