Page 81 of Seeking Evil

“Congratulations.” Cooper gave them both a hug. “I knew it would all work out. You should have seen this guy moping around after you, Sierra.”

“I did not mope.” Zeke got in the back with Sierra.

“You kind of did.” Cooper grinned at him.

“Congratulations,” Patrick told them as they drove through the early afternoon traffic until they reached the hospital.

Deb had given them Henry’s room number. The four went inside to where Henry stared into space. When they entered the room, he turned toward them.

“I’m glad you’re here. I want to confess everything.”

Henry barely let Patrick get his recorder ready before he told the tale much like Inez had shared in the basement. “I should have known she needed more help than I could give her. I thought I was helping her by keeping her secrets and in the beginning, I confess, I enjoyed killing, too.” He hung his head. “But soon, the thrill faded, and I felt awful. When I met Maggie, she was such a beautiful person inside and out. She made me want to do better. I couldn’t be that awful person again.”

“What happened to cause Inez to want to kill again?” Patrick asked when Henry grew silent.

He glanced at Patrick. “Terrance, her husband, discovered the place where she kept Colleen hidden right before Dawn was taken. He threatened to turn her in. She killed him.” He shrugged. “That brought her desire to kill back. I thought I could change her. If I took the women and then let them go. . .But I only helped make her worse. I’m sorry to all those women’s families. I’d like to apologize to them personally.”

Henry swallowed before continuing. “Their cars are all hidden in my mine. There’s a shaft that’s been closed off. You’ll find them all there.”

That explained why they hadn’t found any of the victims’ vehicles. Henry took care of them.

Zeke noticed Henry had been reading the Bible. Was it possible for a serial killer to become a Christian? God’s grace was available to them all. Henry’s time on earth was limited. As a Christian, Zeke didn’t want to see anyone die without receiving eternal life.

“Do you believe what you’ve read there?” He indicated the Bible.

Henry smiled. “I do. I just don’t think it applies to me. I’m not worthy of God’s grace.”

The human part of Zeke wanted to agree with him. But in God’s sight, Zeke’s sins were no different. “God’s grace is a gift.” Zeke went over as Patrick ended the recording. “God doesn’t want anyone to perish, Henry. Ask Him for forgiveness. Trust Him. He keeps His promises.”

Henry broke down and wept. “I want that for real this time. I want to see my Maggie again.”

“And you will.”

When they left the hospital a short time later, Zeke was certain Henry was now part of the family of God. It didn’t mean that his crimes here on earth wouldn’t have to be paid for, but when he left this earth, Zeke believed without a shadow of doubt heaven would welcome him home.

Epilogue

Three months later, U.S. Marine Memorial Chapel, Quantico, Virginia

Sierra didn’t ever remember being this nervous or excited. She couldn’t wait to marry Zeke. They’d settled on the perfect location. The weather had decided to cooperate, and the predicted rains had gone away. Only one thing was missing to make this the perfect wedding day. Her mother.

“You look beautiful,” Hannah told her soon-to-be sister-in-law. “That dress is gorgeous.”

“Thank you.” Sierra had wanted to wear her grandmother’s wedding dress since the day she’d found it tucked away in a garment bag in her grandmother’s closet. Her mother had worn it as well. Even though Mom’s marriage had ended in divorce, Sierra didn’t hold it against the dress. Her grandmother had been a huge fan of Jackie Kennedy and had her wedding gown made to look exactly like the one Jackie wore when she married JFK.

An ivory silk taffeta gown with a portrait neckline and bouffant skirt, though, like her grandmother, Sierra chose not to wear a veil.

Her grandmother’s dress was something old. Hannah let her use her pearl necklace for something borrowed. And her sapphire ring served as something blue and new.

Hannah and Megan were her bridesmaids. Cooper and Jack served as Zeke’s groomsmen while Jack would also give her away.

“Are you ready?” Megan asked and fussed with Sierra’s hair. “There. Perfect.”

“I’m ready. Let’s do this.”

Both women laughed.

“You’re not working a case, Sierra,” Hannah said, still laughing. “Although marrying my brother is probably going to be more challenging than any case you’ve ever worked.” Hannah handed Sierra her bouquet. A mixture of white tulips, pink and purple peonies, lilacs, and yellow daffodils.

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