CHAPTER 37
“When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened.”
—Sir Winston Churchill
“. . . and when I read how you’d grabbed that syringe out of the paramedic’s case on a hunch that you could use it like a cross to a vampire . . . Jesus, Ed, what a story. You’ve got some big brass ones for sure,” Undertaker said to Ed over the phone. “It was the first time I’ve ever read a copy of Manifesto Veritas, but wow. I bet your boss was impressed as hell with the story.”
“That he was,” Ed said. “I went from goat to hero with that story; Chief Morley has never given one of his reporters the praise I’ve received. Even got national attention, including offers from some real newspapers, which is probably the actual reason why the Chief’s been so attentive. It’s been a dream come true.”
“So, what happened after Captain Nash arrested Lance. I mean, has Lance come out of that catatonic state he went into at the sight of the syringe?”
“Last I heard, he was beginning to come around a little. They still have to feed him like a baby, but at least he’s eating instead of being tube fed. They also held a hearing for him, in abstentia, and determined him to be, um, legally insane, incompetent to stand trial or something like that. His lawyer explained it to me, but I forget the exact term. Bottom line is that he was committed to a mental institution, probably for the rest of his life, and he’ll never be tried for any of the murders.”
“In my opinion, he got off easy.”
“Better than Captain Nash, for sure.”
“I guess he knew they’d prosecute him for his role in everything.”
“I think he would’ve gotten off fairly light. He didn’t have to follow in Dr. Austin’s footsteps.”
“At least he was buried with full police honors as if he’d gone down in the line of duty. It was a beautiful service.”
“Yeah, it was, but in a perverted sort of way, he deserved that honor. He didn’t really know what was going on. You could make an argument that he did die in the line of duty.”
“I guess, but it’s just so sad that so many people are gone.”
“You still missing Kane?”
“Yeah. Even though I never knew he was my real father, I think I always was closer to him than the man who raised me. He always kept in touch, and I miss talking to him.”
“So, Ed, what are you going to do now? Are you still planning on writing a book about it?”
“They already gave me a six figure advance, so I’d better if I don’t want to get sued. And I took a leave of absence from Manifesto Veritas. Chief Morley thinks it’s only temporary, but I’m seriously considering becoming a freelance reporter after I finish the book.”
“How are things with Torrie and you since you moved in together?”
“Unbelievable. We’re still in that honeymoon stage. As far as that’s concerned, things are perfect. We haven’t told anybody yet, so you’re the first to know.”
“Know what?”
“I asked her to marry me. She said, ‘yes’.”
“Congratulations, Ed! Wow, I guess fairy tales do come true.”
CHAPTER 38
“Hello, Lance, my name is, Scott Steiner. I’m your attorney. I’ve been working on your case for over eight months now, so it’s nice to finally meet you. I’m glad you finally came out of that vegetative state you were in for so long; it’s nice to see you lucid. The doctors weren’t sure that you would ever come out.
“I’m here because I’m sure you probably have a lot of questions for me. The doctors tell me that you’ve been making remarkable progress despite the fact that you have little memory of your past life.”
“Are they ever going to let us . . . I mean, me, out of here?”
“You’ve been involuntarily committed to this institution until such time as your doctors feel that you are no longer a danger to either yourself or others. Legally, they’re required to give you a hearing every six months to determine whether or not you still meet the legal definition of insanity. In reality, given your, ah, past history, the doctors are unlikely to let you out anytime soon. But there’s always a chance. Continue with your therapy, and who knows? All you have to do is convince the doctors that you’ve recovered and are safe to become a member of society again. You have another hearing scheduled in about four or five months.”
“I just have to convince my doctors that I’m okay and they’ll release me?”
“That’s it.”
“I think we might just be able to do that,” Lance said, and smiled.
THE END
The Fringe Dwellers Page 25
