I grab my purse and stand. “Luckily, Cooper knocked the science book off the bed, and Aunt Carol had Uncle Frank followed, providing the proof we needed. Two things a murderer could have never planned for. But it’s such a shame Tina had to die like that.”
“Yes, it is,” the Admiral says, “but do you remember when we were trying to figure out how Tina died, and we googled that website? The cause of death generator.”
Madge snaps her fingers. “That’s right! It said the death was caused by native blowguns or some such. In a way, it was right! Isn’t that a similar poison to what Emily got from the frogs?”
“Yes, very similar.” I smile as we all head to the parking lot. “I’ll have to tell Dylan about that website. Maybe it’ll save him a ton of trouble from now on.”
Madge chuckles. “If only it were that simple. See you tomorrow, everyone.” Madge raises a hand and then shuffles to her car.
I walk slowly toward my sister because I need a ride home. She’s still on the phone. It might be about a patient, so I keep my distance until I realize she’s talking to her husband, Dylan’s brother, Lance.
Meg hangs up, tucks her phone away, and then does a happy dance. “Lance said he and the kids really missed me, and they’ll be here first thing tomorrow morning. To see Dylan too, of course.”
“So all is well again.” I give my sister a hug. “Did you promise to make more time for Lance and the kids?”
Meg leans away and nods. “I did, and I will. This has been the longest week of my life without them. How did it go with Dylan?” Meg digs her keys out, and we start walking to her fancy Beemer.
“Good. I’m excited to get started with a new chapter in my life. It’ll be tough to leave Mom’s hard work behind, but in the end, her scheming worked just as she’d hoped. I forgave Dylan, am going to marry him, and have the kids she always told me I’d be great at raising. I can’t believe she pulled all that off even after she was gone.”
Meg throws her arm around my shoulders. “Never underestimate the powers of a mother. Or those of an older sister.”
“What do you mean?” I stop walking and cross my arms. “I told you I’m not taking money from you for a restaurant. I’ll figure that out on my own.” Finding out Meg was in cahoots with my mom about Brittany and the “Reunite Dylan and Sawyer” plans makes me leery.
“You’ll just have to wait and see.” Meg beeps her car open. “For once in your life, just sit back and enjoy the ride, Sawyer.”
I slide into the buttery-soft leather seats and buckle in. Maybe my sister is right. So far, listening to her and my mom hasn’t been such a bad deal.
Epilogue
It’s the day before Thanksgiving, two weeks since Emily’s arrest, and I’m still waiting for that other proverbial shoe to drop as predicted by my sister. So far, things are about the same. Except today, I’m handing the keys to my store and house over to my uncle. By giving in to him, I’ll walk away with a bit of cash in my pocket at least, along with my mom’s old car—both good things to make a new start with.
Dylan is already back on the job after staying in bed for only four days instead of two weeks, like the doctor advised. Albeit with an almost shaved head to match his wounded side. The Frankenstein stitches will soon be covered by his usual thick hair again, hopefully wiping out all the horrible memories of that day. And he’s finally going to show me the house he’s building this afternoon. I think he picked today because he knew I’d be sad and wants to cheer me up.
I’ve just packed up the last of my personal things from the bookstore when the bell above the door rings. I’ll have to remember to grab that too on my way out. My mom loved that bell. She used to say every time it rang was a new opportunity to make a friend. Or visit with an old one.
When I glance up, I’m surprised to not only see my uncle but my Aunt Carol too. Along with Meg, Lance, my niece Alexandra, my nephew Collin, and my dad. My family must’ve arrived a day early for our planned Thanksgiving at Dylan’s house. I’m still hopeful Brittany will make it, but she hadn’t made up her mind the last I spoke with her.
The bell rings again, and in come Dylan, Renee, Gage, and then Madge brings up the rear. Looks like the gang’s all here.
They all have huge grins on their faces, so I ask, “What’s going on?” It’s hardly a party, if you ask me. I’m pretty sad about what I’m about to do.
Aunt Carol says, “They’re all here to watch the mighty fall of your selfish uncle. We’ve made a deal to speed up our divorce. So let’s get started, shall we?” Carol slaps a stack of papers on the glass countertop. “Hope you brought your fancy pen, Frank. You’re going to need it.”
My uncle won’t look me in the eyes as he growls, “Enough with the dramatics. Let’s get this over with.”
Aunt Carol winks at me. “Let’s start with the deeds for the bookstore and the space next door.” She turns around. “Did you all know that Sawyer totally outsmarted Frank? She fooled him into believing a mystery chef would lease the space he’s going to build out for the restaurant. Now the trust is going to finish out the space, and it’ll belong to Sawyer. As it should.” Aunt Carol points to the deeds. “Sign right
