Page 59 of One Last Goodbye

“She was very helpful to us, ma’am,” Dubois adds in my defense. “In fact, we would never have discovered who killed your husband without her. Miss Lacroix was not on our list of suspects, to say the least.”

Catherine nods. Then she surprises me by saying, “Thank you, Mary.”

I smile at her. “You’re welcome, ma’am.”

“And the Geneva Police thanks you as well,” Dubois adds. “You’ve done a good thing, Miss Wilcox. I commend you for it.”

The children grin, and even Hugo smiles. “She’s a tough woman,” he says, “I’m glad I wasn’t in her sights for long.”

It occurs to me that I haven’t thanked him for saving my life, so I do. “Thank you, Hugo. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you.”

He shrugs, then says—a little drily—“I wouldn’t be here if not for you.”

Sean chuckles. Everyone turns to him, and when he sees no one else is laughing, he clears his throat and says, “We’re glad to put this behind us.”

“I think that’s something all of us can agree on,” Catherine says. “I’d have Sophie make you something for dinner, but considering the circumstances, you’ll all have to settle for boxed mac ‘n cheese. You’re welcome to stay, though.”

“Thank you,” Dubois replies, “but I should get back to the station. I’d like to get ahead of some of the paperwork I’m going to have to fill out. I’ll be in touch, though.” He tips his hat to me. “Goodbye, Miss Wilcox.”

“Goodbye, Detective.”

Catherine turns to Sean, who says, “Ma’am, there is nothing on Earth I’d love right now more than a bowl of boxed mac ‘n cheese.”

The children giggle at this. Hugo and Catherine don’t seem to find the humor, but Catherine smiles tolerantly. I consider offering to make the meal myself, but I think it’s probably best that I take up as little space in Catherine’s mind as possible until I leave.

She heads to the kitchen, leading Hugo with her. I imagine they’ll be glued to each other’s side for a while. I look pointedly at Sean, and after a moment, he gets the message. “Right. I’m going to grab a smoke. Back in a minute. Terrible habit, by the way, children. Don’t pick it up.”

He walks out of the dining room, and I turn to the children. “Olivia, Ethan…”

Ethan looks at me hopefully. Olivia smiles sadly. She knows what I’m about to say.

“I’m afraid I will be leaving you when the storm passes.”

Ethan lowers his eyes. I see tears forming, and a lump builds in my throat. I take his hands and say, “You are a strong young man, Ethan. You’ve endured the worst pain a boy can suffer, andyou’ve come through. Never be afraid to show your feelings. You can handle them. I promise.”

He lifts his eyes to mine and smiles. I turn to Olivia. I take her hands and say, “Olivia, you have a wonderfully creative mind. Let the light inside of that mind from time to time. After all, it’s the light that casts shadows, not darkness.”

She laughs at that and says, “All right, Mary. Sounds good.”

I open my arms, and they come willingly to my embrace. I feel a pang of grief as I hold them. It’s moments like these when I most wish that I could forget about my drive for justice and simply live the life that I’m given.

But I can’t. I can never rest until I receive answers for Annie. And if I meet others whose voices cry to me for justice, then I will take up their cause as well. Someone has to care for those no one else cares for. I will speak for them when others remain silent.

Even if it costs me happiness.

EPILOGUE

“So we’re not going to talk about it?”

“Talk about what?” I ask innocently.

He folds his arms across his chest. “We’re going to talk about it.”

“So talk,” I say.

I meet his eyes and dare him to bring up the kiss I give him when he saves my life in Geneva. He holds my gaze for a moment, and I realize once more how strikingly blue his eyes are. They remind me a little of Annie’s eyes.

He sighs and unfolds his arms, then reaches for his beer. He sips, then says, “Have you found another job yet?”

---