by K M Morgan
Daisy shot Krystal a glare. “You’re despicable, you know that? I hope you rot in jail.”
With Krystal’s confession, Crumple had more than enough material to arrest Ms. Maddox. He handcuffed her and then hauled her back to the police station where she was booked on a murder charge. It was safe to say that she would be spending a great deal of time behind bars.
Meanwhile, with the case closed, Daisy was able to breathe a much-needed sigh of relief.
Chapter Fourteen
When Daisy told Granny Annie the news about the case being closed, she was incredibly relieved. In fact, Annie gave Daisy a big hug.
“I can’t thank you enough,” Annie said.
“Be sure to thank Crumple too. We were a team,” Daisy said.
“I know. I’m going to bake him something really nice.”
“I’m sure he’ll appreciate that.”
“Do you think I should go with cupcakes? Or would he prefer donuts?”
“I don’t think you can go wrong with donuts. The more jelly in them, the better.”
“A cop who loves donuts? Who would have guessed?” Annie joked.
Daisy chuckled. “I know, right? It’s hard to believe.”
“I’m going to bake him some killer donuts.”
Daisy grimaced. “I’m not sure that killer is the right phrasing to go with.”
“You’re probably right. It was a poor choice of words.”
“It’s okay. It has been a really stressful time. Neither of us are at our best right now.”
“You can say that again?” Annie replied. “Speaking of which, I really owe you one. Is there anything I can do to repay you?”
“I’m just glad that the killer is behind bars.”
“You always say that.”
“It’s the truth.”
“I’m still going to repay you anyway. How about I bake you an extra special batch of cupcakes?”
“You know I’m never going to turn down cupcakes.”
“I figured you’d say that. It’s settled then.”
“Thanks Annie.”
“Are you kidding? It’s the least I can do.”
“I have to say, this case wrapped up just in time. I was getting to the end of my rope.”
“I’ll bet. I’ve been in pretty rough shape too.”
“Naturally,” Daisy said. “I mean, you lost your goddaughter. A blow like that is devastating.”
Annie nodded. “It really is. Especially considering how she survived a death scare just a few years ago. She was able to beat cancer, only to die at the hands of a maniac who has a screw loose in their head.”
“She went through a lot in her life, didn’t she?”
“Oh yeah. Ironically, in the days leading up to her murder, things seemed to be looking up for her. She was the picture of health. She thought she was going to live for a number of years. Charlotte also had all these plans for her life. For example, she wanted to take a big trip to Hawaii.”
“Hearing all of that makes her death even more shocking. What an absolute tragedy.”
“It really is. Honestly, I’m not sure that I’m ever going to be the same after this.”
“Maybe you won’t.”
Annie’s eyes widened. “I didn’t expect to hear those words coming out of your mouth.”
Daisy winced. “Sorry. I know that statement was the opposite of comforting. I didn’t mean for that to slip out.”
“Maybe not, but in times of great stress, the truth always seems to find a way to come out. Besides, at least you were honest with me.”
“If I’m being completely truthful, sometimes I feel like I’m haunted by memories of all the victims I have come across over the years.”
“I hope that’s not my fate,” Annie said. She took a deep breath. “I guess I’ll find out soon enough if that’s what is in store for me as well.”
“This probably won’t give you a huge amount of comfort, but I hope it gives you some peace knowing that justice has been served in this case.”
“It’s definitely better than the alternative. I don’t want Charlotte’s killer roaming the streets.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Daisy leaned in and gave Annie another hug. She then said, “If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know.”
“Daisy, don’t be silly. You’ve already done enough.”
“Maybe so. But let me know if you can think of anything else.”
Annie nodded. “I will.”
Chapter Fifteen
Two days later
What a difference forty-eight hours made. Even though Daisy hadn’t fully recovered from the toll that investigating the case had taken on her, she was ready to take the first few steps toward restoring a sense of normalcy to her life.
That afternoon, her plans were simple. She wanted to have as much fun as possible. She also knew the perfect thing to bring a smile to her face.
She took her husband kayaking in the cove. Luckily, the seals were out in force. And they were as cute as ever.
Daisy couldn’t believe the look in her husband’s eyes when they went out on the water. Then again, it wasn’t every day that Gavin was within arm’s reach of a seal. He absolutely relished the experience. In fact, he seemed to be loving every minute of it.
To the point where it became a shame that they had to return to shore. But after a solid two hours of being out on the water, they had gotten their fill.
When they finished paddling back to shore and got out of their kayaks, Daisy turned to her husband and asked him a question.
“So, what did you think?” Daisy asked.
“I’m surprised that you even had to ask. It was incredible,” Gavin said.
“I figured that. I just wanted to hear you say it.”
“Let me be as clear as day. You were so right about the cove. What an amazing experience.”
“Do you know what the best part is?”
“All of it?”
Daisy smiled. “I agree. But if I did have to pick just one thing, it is the fact that going out there never gets old. I’ve been a handful of times, yet every time I go, I get something new out of it.”
“I’ll bet. Even though we just came ashore, I could easily go out there again.”
Daisy’s eyes lit up. “I have to say, I’m really liking this change of heart of yours. A week ago, the idea of going kayaking in the cove hadn’t ever entered your mind. You weren’t quite sure what the fuss was about. And now you’re ready to go out there a second time.”
“Hey, a lot can happen in the span of a week.”
“Honestly, if this last week has taught me anything, it is that a lot can happen in a split-second.”
Gavin nodded. “True. Which is all the more reason to appreciate the magical moments in your life.”
“This is definitely one of them.”
“I agree. This was a blast. Thanks for taking me.”
“Of course. Although, let’s be honest. I got just as much out of this as you did.”
“The truth is, I’m kind of kicking myself for not doing this sooner.”
“Don’t be hard on yourself. You didn’t know. Besides, we got to do it eventually.”
Gavin scratched his chin. “I know. It gets me thinking, though. Are there any other incredible experiences like this out there that are begging to be tried?”
“I can think of a few things.”
Gavin threw out his arms. “Really?”
Daisy nodded.
“Would you mind telling me about them?”
“Have you ever taken a helicopter tour of Cozy Creek?”
Gavin shook his head. “No.”
“That should be next on our list.”
Gavin’s nose scrunched. “We have a list?”
“We do now. And it’s a great one. Starting with a helicopter tour.”
“All right. That’s good to know.”
“Let me tell you, you’re going to love this helicopter tour.”
&nb
sp; “What makes you so sure about that?”
“Have I ever steered you wrong before?”
“No.”
“Exactly. And I’m not going to start now.”
He leaned in and gave her a kiss.
“I love you so much,” Gavin said.
“I love you too,” Daisy replied.
The End.
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