Laurie had edited the show so many times, she knew every word by heart. She even knew that when Alex began his closing narrative, it would last exactly ninety-four seconds. “As one former FBI profiler told us, Nick Young was motivated by hate-a hatred for the romantic love he was sure he would never have. It seemed that the only women who rejected him were drawn to his friend Jeff Hunter. Tonight, Nick Young will sleep behind bars, charged with the murder of two different women and the attempted murder of another, in three states. And perhaps all women can sleep a little more safely.”
The credits had just begun to roll when Laurie’s phone started to buzz. Brett’s, too, apparently, because he exclaimed, “Twitter’s blowing up. We’re trending. This is the biggest special yet.”
The text messages on Laurie’s screen meant more to her than any viral hype. The first note was from Kate Fulton: I’m crying for Amanda, but am so glad you finally brought some peace for her family and friends. Thank you… for everything. No one had found out about the time she spent with Henry Pierce years ago at the Grand Victoria. As far as Laurie was concerned, no one ever would.
Even Austin Pratt sent a note: My engagement is being announced. She’s a technological wiz, my kind of woman. Will change “Lonesome Dove” to “Lovebirds.”
The next one was from Jeff: We’re still in shock, but we’re trying to move on. Thank God Meghan is doing well and we can’t wait for the baby! Thanks to all of you for everything.
The Pierce family had insisted that Jeff accept his inheritance from Amanda’s trust. She would have wanted “Saint Jeffrey” to have it. Jeff had thanked them profusely and had told them that this money would allow him to remain at the Public Defender’s office-where his heart was. He could support his family without going into private practice.
As Sandra and Walter rose from the sofa, Laurie couldn’t help but notice that they’d held hands the entire night.
When the Pierce family left, Charlotte whispered a thank-you in Laurie’s ear. “Still on for drinks Thursday?”
To Laurie’s surprise, Charlotte had invited her to lunch when they returned from Palm Beach. She said she sensed that they were both busy women who could use some company outside the office. She’d been right. It was the first time Laurie had made a new female friend since Greg died.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” Laurie said.
Alex gave Timmy an especially long hug at the apartment door. Laurie tried to act as though everything was normal, but she felt the lump in her throat when she told her father she’d meet them in the lobby. When she was the last guest remaining, Alex give Ramon and Andrew a look that had them scrambling toward their respective bedrooms.
“So…,” Alex said sadly.
“It’s not like you’re moving thousands of miles away.”
“No, but as I’ve told you, I have accepted a number of cases in federal courts, which will mean a lot of traveling in the coming months.”
Laurie looked down at the floor. For the first time she noticed how beautiful this hallway rug was. Would she ever see it again?
It was just as she had told her father: if it’s meant to be, it will happen naturally. They shouldn’t have to overthink it. But deep down she knew that wasn’t true. She wasn’t letting it happen. And Alex wasn’t leaving the show because of his law practice. He was leaving because he was in love with her. She was holding back and she knew why. She still missed Greg so much. She just wasn’t ready to replace him.
“Did you see Walter and Sandra tonight?” She knew she was looking for something to talk about so she wouldn’t need to say good-bye. “It looks as though they made it through. Some couples are soul mates, meant to be.”
“And sometimes people have more than one,” Alex said. “Look at Jeff. He loved Amanda, and now he loves Meghan. You see how happy they are.”
His point wasn’t lost on Laurie. “Good night, Alex.” They held each other in the foyer, his only kiss a gentle one on her lips.
Laurie had no idea what Alex was thinking about as she walked out the door. It was a line from his favorite song: God speed your love to me.
Timmy was waiting in the lobby, trying to mask an involuntary grin. She couldn’t imagine anything else that could have made her smile at that moment.
“Mom, I feel sorry for all my friends,” he said mischievously.
“And why is that?” She looked to Leo for some hint of the punch line she sensed was coming, but he was sporting his poker face.
“Because their moms aren’t nearly as cool as you are. You catch the bad guys.”
When he hugged her, she thought it might be the best hug she’d ever had. She found herself looking forward to tomorrow. She had already found their next case. A young woman was in prison for a crime she didn’t commit, and Laurie was going to prove it.
And Alex-when I’m able to open my heart again, please, God, let him be there.
About Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke
MARY HIGGINS CLARK, #1 international and New York Times bestselling author, has written thirty-five suspense novels; four collections of short stories; a historical novel, Mount Vernon Love Story; two children’s books, including The Magical Christmas Horse; and a memoir, Kitchen Privileges. With her daughter Carol Higgins Clark, she has co-authored five more suspense novels, and also wrote The Cinderella Murder with bestselling author Alafair Burke. Her books have sold more than 100 million copies in the United States alone.
ALAFAIR BURKE is the New York Times bestselling author of eleven novels, including Long Gone, If You Were Here, and the latest in the Ellie Hatcher series, All Day and a Night. A former prosecutor, she now teaches criminal law and lives in Manhattan.
