Page 73 of Resolutions

Maybe.

Epilogue 1

Cameron

The jail wing feels colder than the rest of the building. Or maybe it's just knowing that the one who's biding his time in the cell has a heart of ice. I follow Deputy Rogers to the first cell. Sitting at the end of the corridor is an armed deputy and an extremely large man, whom I recognize as one of Law's. He nods his head in acknowledgment.

“Like I said, don't approach the bars,” Deputy Rogers reminds me. “The cameras are manned.” She motions with her head toward the camera mounted in the corner above the cell door. I'd seen another one behind me. Law told us that Tobias had the state inspectors in to comb the place for bugs. They found six listening devices. He also had the entire security system changed and a new one put in, all within twelve hours. Law said Mouse and Keyboard are monitoring the system to ensure its safety. All of this to effectively wipe out all of Michael's handiwork. It would appear Tobias isn't taking any chances. Rogers steps backinto the hall we'd just come from. Her hand resting on her gun handle.

Michael's cell has one bunk, a toilet, and a sink. Law said anything and everything Michael might be able to use was taken from the cell. He's seated on his bunk, still managing to look smug despite the orange jumpsuit. His smile falters slightly when he sees me. The sight of seeing him in the orange Crocs cracks me up.

“Nice footwear, damn, the new look suits you,” I say in a snarky tone.

“Bro, you finally come to help your best friend?”

“No.” The words ooze from my mouth. “You're no friend of mine. Don’t think you ever really were.”

He stands, moving to the bars. “Come on, bro. How long have we known each other? Since kindergarten? You're really choosing her over me?”

“I thought you were supposed to be smart. Of course, I am. She’s telling the truth. I'm fucking choosing the truth.” I meet his eyes steadily. “I don't even know who the hell you are. The women you tortured. The lives you destroyed. The families you tore apart.”

“Oh, please, don't be so damn melodramatic.” He waves dismissively. “Those women, all of them, knew what they were getting into and they liked it, begged me. And Melanie?” His smile turns cruel. “Poor little snot-nosed Cameron, she'll leave you again, bro. She needs the hand of a real man.”

“I'm sure it’s your cellmate who will want the hand of a real man.” I stepped a half step closer. “You lose, Michael. I came here to tell you that Melanie and I are getting married this afternoon. I win. Even with everything you did, she's still with me.”

The mask slips. Just for a moment, but I see the rage beneath. “She turned you against me. After everything I've done for you—”

“Everything you've done?” I laugh, but there's no humor in it. “Oh yeah, you've done a lot. You tortured and killed women. You terrorized them for what? Money? Fat lot of good that got you. Then again, maybe you'll be able to pay off your cellmate, so he won't want to be the big spoon.”

He starts to speak, but I cut him off. “You know what the worst part is? I defended you. Every time Melanie said something felt off about you, I made excuses. When my sisters-in-law warned me about you, I ignored them. Some best friend I was. I couldn't even see you for what you really are.”

“And what's that?” His voice drops dangerously low.

“A coward who preys on women because you're too weak to face real men.”

His face contorts with fury. “I could kill you right now.”

“But you can't.” I step closer to the bars. “You can't hurt anyone anymore. The FBI's coming for you. You're heading to prison. Soon it will be just you alone with your sick fantasies until you die. Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot, I guess you’ll be able to play with your cellmate.”

“I'll get out.” His eyes gleam with madness. “And when I do.”

“You'll what? Come after us?” I shake my head. “You're nothing, Michael. A bad memory we'll forget while we build our life together. Melanie's stronger than you ever imagined. And me?” I straighten to my full height. “I'm not that naïve kid you manipulated anymore.”

“Time's up,” the Deputy calls.

I turn to leave, then pause. “You know what the funny thing is? You actually taught me something valuable, what real friendship looks like. By showing me exactly what it isn't. Enjoy being the little spoon.”

Outside in the parking lot, I text Melanie: “It's done.”

Her reply comes instantly: “You okay?”

“Better than okay,” I type back. “I'm heading home. This time, nothing's stopping us.”

“YES! Bring cheeseburgers. I'm starving.”

I laugh. “You got it on my way.”

Epilogue 2

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