Page 53 of Blackstone's Heart
"Ohhh, he loved to say that." Krista sighed, holding her sides. "So, you think I should move forward and release as scheduled?"
"We dammed well think you should. If you postpone, you're telling this guy that he's getting to you. You want to beat him? Keep going forward." Carl answered firmly.
"He's right. You and Jerry worked hard on this series. He would want you to rock on and release this book in style." Tessa added, a tearful smile on her face.
Krista smiled a little and reached over to squeeze Tessa’s hand. "Yeah, yeah he would. Alright then, I'll release Midnight Green just as we planned. For Jerry."
"That's our girl." Tessa nodded, patting Krista's hand. Tessa stood slowly. “Excuse me.”
Krista quickly pushed back her chair and hurried after Tessa. She found the older woman in the living room, sitting on the sofa and crying quietly. Krista sat beside her and pulled Tessa into her arms. “Sshh. I’m here Tessa.”
“My…Jerry. Oh Krista…it hurts.”
“I know Tessa, but you’re not alone. Jerry is watching us and he’ll give us strength. We’ll catch this guy and when we do he will pay. I promise you that.” Krista whispered.
For several long moments the two sat there holding one another. Tessa finally collected herself and the two walked arm-in-arm back to the table. When Tessa sat next to Carl, he leaned over and kissed her gently. Ethan slipped his arm around Krista’s waist and squeezed her to him. Krista gave him a small smile.
Ethan cleared his throat before asking the question he knew Krista really didn't want to ask. "What will you be doing with Jerry after he's released?"
Carl took a long swallow of his tea. "Tess and I talked about it. We're going to take Jerry home to New York. He said he always wanted to be buried next to Jilly."
"Jilly?" Ethan questioned.
"Jillian. She was Jerry's older sister. When we were freshmen in college she died. She was on the diving team at NYU. While doing a dive from the high dive, she struck her head on the platform. By the time they got her out of the water and to the hospital, the swelling in her brain had gotten so bad. She died an hour later." Krista explained.
"Damn." Ethan breathed.
"Jilly thought the world of Jerry and he her. She would have been so proud of what he accomplished. So we're going to honor his wishes and bury him next to her. We've already started making the arrangements." Tessa said, wiping a tear from her eye.
"Stacey said once I know the details to pass it on. She says the publishing house would like to do something for him." Krista added.
"I'll call her in the morning then. Will you be coming to the funeral?" Carl asked her.
"Yes, but as Krista Jameson, Kris James has no place there." Krista stated.
***
Ethan slipped from bed as Krista slept soundly. He quietly walked downstairs, rethinking the events of the day. It had been tiring for Krista, but after spending the afternoon and evening with Tessa and Carl Summerland, she seemed much better. He slipped into Krista’s office and called up Gage.
"Yeah?"
"Hey. Well, Jerry's parents are taking him to New York. Krista wants to go."
"I would imagine she would. What do you want to do boss?"
"I'm going with her."
"Alright. What about her book release? She still going through with it?"
Ethan laughed. "Yep. In fact, she's going make it a small celebration in Jerry's honor. I heard her, Debbie and Tessa going over ideas for it. I want all five of us there for it. If this fucker doesn't make his move before then..."
"You think he'll try either at the event or after?"
"Yes I do."
"Alright. Once she's got all the plans finalized have her pass them to me. Tony and I will take care of the surveillance. I'll put Lance and Grant on the security. I'm guessing you're going to be tattooed to her ass?"Gage chuckled.
"You're damn right I will be. Well, I'm going to try and get some more sleep. The next week's gonna be hell on her and I probably..."
