“That still doesn’t tell us why you’d marry Cole.” Abbie pushed.
“I got knocked up. Cole might not have been the man I wanted, but he was great in bed, and he kind of reminded me of Errol Flynn. You look just like your father.” Rebecca turned her head to the side.
“Paige looks like you,” Trunk said.
“Yes, but Cole took her away from me. He got mad because I left her with a friend for a month to spend time with Gary.” Rebecca rolled her eyes. “It wasn’t like I left her with a stranger, and she was two, so she would never remember it anyway.”
“You left your child in another province.” Abbie gasped.
“She was getting on my nerves, and I needed to be with Gary. That half-wit left him and took his son. I warned him about her,” Rebecca sneered.
“Have you seen Paige lately?” Trunk asked.
“Very good. You figured out where I got the Ketamine. I went to see her a few months ago. I told her I wanted to rebuild our relationship. She was so happy and asked me to wait while she finished up with her work. It was amazing how easy it was to get the drugs from the cabinet,” Rebecca said with a smirk.
Trunk noticed movement outside the bedroom door and assumed it was either Jerry or Gary since they were both involved. They’d possibly come to help Rebecca search the house but never expected to see Trunk and Abbie. He wanted to kick himself for being so careless.
“So, what happens after this? You and Gary are going to run away together? The man looks like he has one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel.” Trunk hoped the statement would get Gary or Jerry to show themselves.
“More like two feet in the grave now. He wasn’t happy that I got rid of Jerome. He got so upset and started ranting about how Jerome was all he had left of that half-wit. He told me he would never love anyone the way he loved Violet. So I sent him to be with her.” She shrugged.
The woman was out of her mind, and Trunk felt more uneasy knowing she’d already killed four people. Trunk also didn’t like the fact that the person in the hallway could possibly be Jerry.
“I guess you and Jerry will be leaving the province together,” Trunk glanced at the doorway.
“Nope. I wasn’t giving him any of the money. Gary wanted to involve him, and I needed him for a place to stay. Jerry actually thought he’d get half the money.” Rebecca laughed.
Trunk was confused. If she’d already killed Jerry, Gary, and Jerome, who the hell was outside the bedroom door? Who else could be involved? She was ranting about her perfect plan when Trunk saw Cole through the half-opened door.
For a split second, Trunk was concerned Cole was involved, but from the way Rebecca seemed to feel about her ex-husband, she would probably rather see Cole dead.
“Now, it’s getting dark. I’ll be leaving as soon as I tie up these loose ends.” Rebecca lifted the gun and aimed it at Trunk.
Before she could pull the trigger, the bedroom door swung open, slamming against Rebecca’s shoulder. She fell against the wall, and the gun flew out of her hand, sliding across the hardwood floor. Trunk lunged for the weapon as Cole grabbed Rebecca and brought her down to the ground.
“Get off me,” Rebecca shrieked as she swung her fist at Cole’s head.
Cole avoided the blow easily and flipped her over onto her stomach. He pinned her arms behind her back while she flailed and continued to shout obscenities at him.
“What the hell is wrong with you, Rebecca?” Cole shouted.
Before she could answer, Aaron and Cory ran into the room with their weapons drawn. Cory pulled Cole off Rebecca, and Aaron struggled to handcuff the raging woman. She threatened everyone in the room and promised they would all die by her hand.
“Ma’am, our family has survived worse than you.” Aaron chuckled as he and Cory escorted her out of the room.
“I don’t know what you’re doing here, Cole, but I’ve never been so glad to see someone in my life,” Abbie said as she wrapped her arms around Trunk’s father.
“Fatima and I were out to supper, and she suggested we drop by here to see if Abbie needed a hand with packing,” Cole said.
“Packing?” Abbie looked confused.
Trunk’s mother ran into the room, looking panicked. She wrapped her arms around Trunk and squeezed him tightly. She released him enough to pull Abbie into her embrace and held them while she sobbed.
“I’m so glad we came when we did,” his mother wept.
“Are you all okay?” Aaron asked when he returned.
“A little shaken, but I’m fine,” Abbie said.
“We’re good, A.J. Thanks for getting here in time.” Trunk reached out to shake Aaron’s hand.
“Your mom called emergency services, and I heard the dispatch. Cory and I were leaving an elementary school. We booted it over here,” Aaron told them.
“I can’t believe Rebecca is responsible for all this.” Cole shook his head. “I knew she had problems, but if I hadn’t seen this, I never would have believed it.”
“She said she killed Lydia, Sharon, Jerry, Jerome, and Gary,” Trunk told Aaron.
“That will keep her locked up for a long, long time.” Aaron nodded.
“I certainly hope so,” Cole said.
“Let’s get out of here and go back to Hopedale.” Trunk slammed Abbie’s suitcase closed and tugged it off the bed.
“Let’s go home.” Abbie smiled up at him.
Chapter 34
It was over. Rebecca had gone through psychiatric evaluation and deemed fit to stand trial. Thankfully she pleaded guilty to five counts of murder, one count of kidnapping, and three counts of attempted murder. The judge gave her life in prison and told her he’d never met anyone so evil.
The dog in the house had turned out to be stolen from a family and was returned to them. According to James, once the dog was reunited with his owners, it was as if he was a different animal. Abbie was glad the poor thing wasn’t euthanized.
A month had passed since Rebecca’s sentencing, and Abbie was glad it was finally over. It meant she and Trunk could move on with their lives together. Especially since she’d put her house on the market, and it sold in two weeks, mainly because Trunk’s brother bought it.
The O’Connors were also celebrating. Cora’s daughter Pam had given birth to, Tara Pamela and Evan Damon during the last week of May. A week later, Billie, Nick’s wife and Aaron’s wife all announced they were expecting babies in the late fall. Abbie was happy for them and hoped someday soon to be announcing her own joyful news.
Abbie walked out on the front deck of her new home and took a deep breath. When she turned her head, she was surprised to see Paige sitting on the wicker chair staring off into space. Abbie’s heart went out to Trunk’s sister. Paige hadn’t seen her mother but a handful of times over her lifetime and was heartbroken when she found out Rebecca was responsible for everything.
“Hey, why didn’t you come inside when you got here?” Abbie sat next to her.
“This view is beautiful,” Paige said softly.
“It really is.” Abbie smiled as she scanned the horizon.
Trunk’s house was on an elevated part of Hopedale, and from the front of the house, she could see most of the town. At the end of the front porch, she could see the beach and watch the sun rise and set.
“It’s kind of therapeutic,” Paige whispered.
“Paige, are you okay?” Abbie asked.
“I can’t believe my mother would do such terrible things. How can you even talk to me, knowing what she did?” Paige had tears in her eyes.
“You had nothing to do with anything your mother did. None of it was your fault,” Abbie told her.
“Dad tried so hard to involve her in my upbringing, but she always had excuses. The few times I did see her, all she wanted to do was talk about being with the man she loved.” Paige shook her head. “Then, she kills him.”
“I can’t pretend I understand what she did, but I’m not going to let it ruin my happiness. You sho
uldn’t either. Paige, you’re a wonderful person, and you’ve got a great family. Not to mention two new overbearing brothers.” Abbie smiled.
“They’re a lot like Dad. I just don’t want to remind you of her every time you see me.” Paige dropped her head.
“Paige.” Trunk’s voice startled Abbie.
Paige looked up with tears running down her cheeks. Trunk sat next to her and took both her hands in his.
“We’re not responsible for what our parents do. I’m thrilled to have a sister. You’re part of my family, and I don’t care who your mother is.” Trunk smiled. “By the way, we need to talk about that dude who was hugging you outside the courthouse.”
Paige seemed confused at first but then started laughing hysterically. She held her stomach as she tried to tell them who she was hugging.
“He’s my cousin. I guess your cousin, too.” Paige laughed. “He’s Chad’s older brother Anton.”
“Good, because not just any guy is going to be good enough for my baby sister,” Trunk said.
“Good Lord, the poor girl doesn’t have a chance.” Abbie scoffed.
“I’m a big girl.” Paige smiled.
“I have a great idea. Why don’t we have a dinner party and invite everyone so you can all get to know each other?” Abbie suggested.
“That sounds like a great plan,” Trunk leaned forward and kissed Abbie’s cheek.
Abbie left the planning of the party to her mother and Fatima. They were more than happy to put together a family dinner for everyone, and Abbie took the time to get back into the routine of working again.
Cole had been a great help and sent her a ton of clients. It was great to have a boyfriend whose father had connections. She was also relieved the money Jerome scammed was returned to the finance companies. She wasn’t on the hook for it, but she didn’t want to have anything like it connected to her company.
“It’s so good to be back to normal.” Abbie sat in the chair across from Billie’s desk.
“Yes, it is. It’s also nice to see that smile on your face.” Billie smirked.
“I have no idea what you mean.” Abbie fluttered her eyes.
“It’s so great to see you happy, Abbie.” Billie smiled.
“I never thought I’d be so content with someone. Ben makes me feel like… like…” Abbie couldn’t think of a word to explain it.
“Like you’re home?” Billie returned.
“Yeah.” Abbie sighed.
“I’m so happy for you.” Billie’s eyes filled with tears.
Abbie finally had her forever.
Chapter 35
Trunk, Chris, and his mother walked into Mrs. Maher’s room to return her ring and jewelry chest. James brought it to Trunk that morning so he could return it to Mrs. Maher. His mother was glad to have something good to bring to the older woman. The last time she’d seen them, they had to tell her about Gary and Jerome.
Trunk walked into the room, and Mrs. Maher smiled when she saw them. Trunk and Chris started visiting her once a week because she was family to them. With the deaths of Gary and Jerome, Mrs. Maher had no family left and they hated to see her alone. His mother suggested the older woman move in with her, but she refused.
“It’s so nice to see you all,” Mrs. Maher said.
“You too, Mrs. Maher.” Chris kissed her cheek.
“We’ve come to return your jewelry chest. The police dropped it off today,” Trunk told her as he placed it on her lap.
She stared at it with tear filled eyes before she touched it. She smiled as she ran her fingers across the etchings and the letter on the top.
“This is the original ring.” His mother handed it to Mrs. Maher.
The older woman took it apart and placed the two pieces in the locks. She turned them in opposite directions until there was a soft click, and a drawer popped out of the front.
“Ambrose worked on this box for years before he could get that to work right.” She chuckled.
“It’s amazing.” Chris sounded awed.
“He could have made a fortune making these, but he told me he made it for his one and only.” Mrs. Maher pulled the drawer out and placed it on top of the box.
She lifted a piece of velvet and reached inside the drawer. She removed two rings and a pair of earrings from inside and for several minutes, she held them in her hands before she finally looked up at Trunk’s mother.
“I have nobody to pass these on to, and you’re like a daughter to me. I want you to have these, Fatima.” Mrs. Maher placed the earrings in Trunk’s mother’s palm.
“I can’t take these, Mrs. Maher. They look very old and expensive.” His mother gasped.
“They are. They’ve been in my family for generations. I’m the last of them. They should go to another family to enjoy, and I know you’ll take care of them.” Mrs. Maher closed his mother's hand over the earrings.
“I’ll take good care of them.” His mother hugged Mrs. Maher.
When Trunk’s mom stepped back, Mrs. Maher looked up at Trunk and then Chris. She held up a ring in each hand and smiled at them.
“These rings have also been in my family for a long time. They were supposed to go to my children, but I never had any. I wanted to give them to Gary and Lydia, but I was afraid because I knew they wouldn’t take care of them. You can give this to that lady friend of yours, Ben.” Mrs. Maher raised an eyebrow.
“I’ll do just that.” Ben smiled.
Mrs. Maher placed one ring in his hand and gave the other to Chris. The one Trunk had was truly beautiful with a square emerald in the center and surrounded by small diamonds. It didn’t look like a traditional engagement ring, but it was the first thing he thought about when he looked at it.
“It may be time for, do, do, dodo.” Chris hummed to the tune of “Here Comes the Bride.”
“I think you’re right.” Trunk decided to propose at the dinner party.
“You better talk to Darren first. I’ve got a feeling he’d kick your ass if you didn’t ask for his blessing.” Chris chuckled.
Trunk knew it was the right thing to do. It might be old-fashioned, but it would show Darren Trunk respected him.
Two days later, Trunk’s house was bursting at the seams with people. His mother and Claire invited Cole’s family, as well as the O’Connors and his co-workers. It made it hard for him to get a second alone with Darren.
While everyone was busy eating and getting to know each other, Trunk pulled Darren aside and asked to speak with him privately. Darren looked concerned as they both stepped outside.
“Is everything okay?” Darren asked.
“Yes, I wanted to ask you something before I ask Abbie.” Trunk reached in his pocket and pulled out the ring.
“You’re proposing?” Darren stared at the ring.
“I’d like to, but I’d love to have your blessing before I do,” Trunk said.
Darren lifted his head and stared directly into Trunk’s eyes. He didn’t say anything; he simply reached out and shook Trunk’s hand.
“I’d be honored to call you my son-in-law and thank you for showing me the respect to ask for my blessing.” Darren smiled.
“You’re welcome, and I promise to take care of her for the rest of my life.” Trunk told Abbie’s father.
It took almost an hour to pull Abbie away from the group of women chatting in Trunk’s living room. He stood in the middle of the crowd with Abbie smiling next to him. although she had no idea why they were both standing in the middle of the room.
“Everyone, I hope you enjoyed the evening. It’s wonderful to get to know my father’s family and introduce them to my extended family. There’s nothing more a person could ask for than great family and great friends. Except for one thing.” Trunk turned to Abbie and took her hand in his. “Abs, I know we’ve only been together a short time, but I’ve loved you since the first day I saw you. I thought letting you go was the best thing, but it was hell not being with you. I must have an angel on my shoulder helping me, because
I got a second chance with the love of my life. Abs, nothing would make me happier than having you with me for the rest of our lives.”
Trunk pulled the ring from his pocket and dropped down to his knee. He lifted his eyes to meet her surprised face and smiled as he asked the most important question he’d ever uttered.
“Abigale Martin, will you marry me?” Trunk held up the ring.
“I’ll marry you tomorrow if I could. Yes,” Abbie shouted and pounced on him knocking him to the ground.
The room erupted in cheers while Trunk slipped the ring on Abbie’s finger. He pulled her to her feet and kissed her with all the love he had in his heart. She was completely his.
Epilogue
Bruce Hulk Steele stood on the front step and waited for the door to open. It was his house, but his current tenant didn’t know he was the landlord. She would never have accepted the offer if she knew. She already thought he did way too much for her, but he couldn’t help it. Caroline Baker had a hold on him, and she didn’t even know.
The first time he saw her at the café all those years ago, pregnant, he felt an unexplainable connection to her. It was why he was so pissed when the guy she served that day thought it was appropriate to grab her.
Hulk quickly put the asshole in his place, and from that moment, he would check on her every week. He missed a few weeks when he was shot trying to protect Nick’s wife, but when he recovered enough to go back to the café, she was on maternity leave.
The next time, she was arguing with a man outside the café where she worked. He was both excited to see her and pissed because the guy was giving her a hard time. When the man slapped her, Hulk saw red.
Luckily, she stopped him from beating the hell out of the guy. The man was her landlord and refused to do something about the mold in her apartment. She had two kids and her mother living with her. Which was when Hulk went into protection mode and did everything he could to help. That included a job with one of the best restaurants in Hopedale and his house.
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