I was sure we’d be asked not to leave the area or even to be driven to the police department where we would be separated and interrogated. Instead, we were told we were free to go as long as we understood we might be contacted with more questions as the investigation continued.
As soon as I turned my car off the dirt road and onto the main road leading away from Long Beach, I asked Ralph why we were driving home and not being detained.
“The Straus family is pretty well known in this area,” he said. “Though they kept to themselves since making the news last year, people in the town kept a close eye on this cabin and the comings and goings of Janet and Thomas. The investigator I was speaking with told me he kept a close eye on this place and was well informed about what happened at Hilburn last year. Apparently, the New York State Police contacted him directly and told him to keep an eye out for a man fitting Alexander’s description. I guess, in the back of their minds, they at least considered the possibility that Alexander wasn’t dead.”
“How much did you tell him about Alexander and his condition?”
“Just enough to demonstrate my lack of medical training and knowledge,” Ralph said. “I simply told them about Alex being kidnapped when he was first born and how he was used as a lab rat out on Long Island. I told them he escaped with the help of his daddy and brother and started whacking people as soon as he got a whiff of freedom. The cops here were more interested in asking me questions about what happened last year than about what happened a few hours ago.”
After Ralph finished filling us in on the conversation at the cabin, Michelle asked to be brought to the nearest Hertz car rental location where she planned on renting a car and driving back to her home.
“Michelle,” I said, “you’re more than welcome to drive back with us.”
“Thank you,” she said. “But I really think I just want to be alone for a while.”
I couldn’t blame her for that.
When I dropped her off, I wanted to tell her how much I admired her for her strength and to express how terribly sorry I was for everything she had been through. But when I started to speak, she leaned into me, kissed my on my lips, turned, waved and walked away.
I knew I would never see her again and that realization hurt a bit. I didn’t have any romantic feelings for her and didn’t think I ever would; but I did love her. I guess when two people share experiences of immense tragedy and stress, their souls are forever bound in some fashion.
Ralph didn’t say anything for quite a long time after we headed back to Piseco Lake. I think he was battling with the memories of what happened to him so many years ago on that island off the coast of Houston.
And me? I was still battling against the memories of losing my wife, Lucy.
That’s a battle I don’t think I’ll ever stop fighting.
And I don’t think I ever want to stop.
Thank you for reading Still Heartless and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Actually, that’s a lie: This wasn’t an enjoyable story to write. In fact, of all the novels I’ve written, this was the most challenging. I guess because this book closes a loop and some loops are better left open.
The first book I published was Heartless back in mid 2014. As of the date of this writing, Heartless has been downloaded over 50,000 times around the world. Alexander Black was the first character I ever created, so I’m sure you can imagine, I’ve grown a bit attached to the heartless guy.
But someone who should have never lived needed to be killed, at least he did in the world of dark fiction.
I’m still amazed at how many readers leave less than stellar reviews or send me emails, telling me it’s impossible for someone to live without a heart. And, despite the fact that I wrote another book with featuring Alexander Black, I am well aware that hearts (and lungs) are pretty important to the whole life thing. But should you feel compelled to tell me this story isn’t realistic, feel free to visit my website, sign up for my newsletter (I’ll send you a free eBook if you do!) and send me a message.
Thanks again and please do me (and all author’s) a favor and take two minutes to leave an honest review.
T Patrick Phelps
March 2016
Other Books by T Patrick Phelps
The Derek Cole Series
Heartless US UK CA AU
Those of the Margin US UK CA AU
The Observer US UK CA AU
The Devil’s Snare US UK CA AU
The Trevor Mac Series
The Demon Senders US UK CA AU
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Still Heartless: The Thrilling Conclusion to Heartless (Derek Cole Suspense Thrillers Book 5) Page 17
