The judge found that Tom Watson was simultaneously at fault and a hero so he dropped the charges of manslaughter and charged him with negligence instead. Neil spoke in support of Tom, which helped. He also threatened to quit the radio station if they sacked Tom. Neil felt that not only had Tom saved his life but also that he had learnt his lesson and he would never make the same mistake again.
The radio station agreed with Neil and reinstated Tom as the security guard but they placed him on probation for a year. It was a wise move that they retained Neil’s service because his profile was sky high after the attempted murder and the radio station was getting requests for Neil’s show from all over the country.
I was pretty happy that Tom Watson kept his job because he was a great guy at school and I didn’t want him to suffer because of my husband’s actions. It must have been hard on Tom because he was a friend of Jason’s and he’s the one that had to shoot him. I was extremely proud of Neil and the dignity and calmness throughout what must have been a gruelling ordeal.
I stayed away from the inquest because I didn’t want to be caught up in the media hype, which surrounded it. The month after the incident was terrible and I didn’t want to go through that all again.
My life settled down after the inquest and people stopped staring at me and whispering as I went past. I couldn’t go back to work in the first month because the media were stalking me everywhere. My boss was very understanding and she let me have as much time as I needed to recover. I had to move back with my parents until I could get back on my feet again. They loved having me at home and they were very protective of me, which I really appreciated. I changed my surname back to Jones to try and escape some of the stigma that was attached to being the wife of Jason Preston.
I still listen to Neil Finn’s radio show and it is so good hearing his voice again sounding better than ever. Even though I knew that we would probably never see or talk to each other again because of what my husband did I took comfort in knowing that Neil is able to carry on doing something that he loves and is so good at.
Therefore it was a surprise to hear Neil’s special message over the air one night almost a year after the shooting.
“I want to dedicate this next song to a lady who I promised to take out on a lunch date a year ago but due to unforeseen circumstances I’ve been unable to carry out that promise but I’ve checked my diary and I’ve now found some free time. Here’s the song and so I’m really hoping that if that special lady is listening to me right now that you please ring me here at the show and make your special request because you know that if your request is something I can do I will do it. Ciao baby.”
My heart skipped a beat and I felt the butterflies causing chaos in my stomach. I thought there was no way he could be talking about me but when I heard ‘You’re once twice three times a lady’ I started crying.
I rushed downstairs to find the phone. Mom was concerned.
“What’s the matter dear you look all flushed and out of breath and are those tears in your eyes that I can see?”
“It’s alright mom I’ve just swallowed something the wrong way. If you can get me a glass of water I’ll be fine. I’m just taking the phone upstairs because I need to talk to an old friend in private.”
I heard dad say something to mom.
“That’s how she acted when she had a boyfriend to ring. If you ask me she’s back on the dating scene thank God.”
“I wonder who it is.”
“Whoever he is he’s got to be a lot better than the last bastard.”
I smiled at dad’s words and yelled out to him.
“Don’t worry dad he’s in a different universe from that last bastard.”
I rushed back upstairs, lay down on my bed and rang the radio station’s request line.
“It’s about time you rang. I’ve been sitting here by the phone thinking that I’d have to play Lionel Richie over and over again until you rang. Before you say anything Mary I love you and I always have from the moment you first spoke to me at High School. It broke my heart when you married JP. Now you are single and I want you in my arms forever and I promise you I will treat you the way you truly deserve. Please Mother Theresa give me a chance.”
All of a sudden I felt like I was back at High School again and this boy on the other end of the phone was my first and only High School sweetheart.
“Yes dad,” I thought to myself, “this guy is definitely from a whole better universe than the last bastard.”
“Hello, hello, Theresa are you still there?”
“Okay Neil I’ll give you a second chance but you better not leave me waiting any longer for our first lunch date.”
“Tomorrow at dawn through till dusk and I know where your parent’s place is.”
“Don’t be late!”
In an instant I knew my life was going to be fantastic from now on.
By Krystal Kelly
Copyright 2013
Kindle Edition
Other books by Krystal Kelly:
The Rapid Romance Short Stories Collection
Last Minute Bride
One Lucky Bride
Saving the Bride
The Kama Sutra Project five book series features university students Alexa’s and Sara’s erotic adventures in exploring the Kama Sutra. These strictly adults only books have sexually explicit content and are guaranteed to steam up the windows:
Book 1: The Experiment
Book 2: The Research
Book 3: The Climax
Book 4: The Finals
If you would prefer the whole five books in one collection so that you can enjoy Alexa and Sara’s sexual exploration in one volume then you will be relieved to know that the ultimate collection is available now under the following title:
The Karma Sutra Project Collection 1 to 5
Note that the concluding book 5 can only be found in this collection.
An Uncommon Woman
A romance set during the building of the Panama Canal involving a woman who must survive her husband, the disease and jungles of the Panamanian jungle and the consequences of a forbidden love.
Saintly by Name
The first of a trilogy about a young woman who sets out on a voyage of discovery about her own sexuality and the highs and lows that this journey delivers.
Second Chance Bride (Rapid Romance Short Stories) Page 3
