If Voss hadn’t “succumbed” to his injuries that night, those women’s families might never have known what happened totheir loved ones. The investigation had already found evidence linking him to three missing persons cases.
I knew how this should feel. I should be horrified that Blake might have crossed a line, taken justice into his own hands. But each time that thought surfaced, I remembered what the women had gone through and what their families had lost. How many more would there have been while police built their case? How many more families destroyed?
I couldn’t bring myself to feel anything but relief that he was gone, even if Blake had helped him along.
“I mean, you dated a monster who systematically poisoned you,” Scarlett shuddered.
“Tell me about it.”
“So, were you sick all along, or was it the poison?”
“Both. My specialist said my original lung infection threw my mast cells into chaos. But when they’d start to calm, I’d unknowingly ingest thallium in a one-two punch. I’d get sick from the poison, which would inflame my mast cells.”
“Bloody hell.”
“Hell is right.”
“And now? Do you still have to get treated?”
“I’ll have to manage it my whole life, but it’s totally doable.”
“And the cyanide? Any permanent damage?”
“Thankfully, I’ve made a full recovery.” I ran a hand through my hair. “So, have you officially applied for that promotion?”
She twisted a strand of hair around her finger. “I have my final interview coming up.”
“But?” I abandoned my shelving and sat in the chair beside her.
“I have this… weird feeling.”
“Like you won’t get the promotion?”
She tossed aside her magazine. “No. Maybe. I don’t know.”
“Scarlett—”
“How are the bookshelves coming?” Blake’s voice from the doorway made us both jump. He leaned against the frame, radiating that quiet intensity that made the earth stop spinning for me.
Scarlett stood, smoothing her pants. The mask of confidence slipped back into place so fast I almost doubted I’d seen it falter.
“And that’s my cue.” She gathered her things, then kissed my cheek. “I’m glad you got your happily ever after, Tessa,” she whispered, then saluted Blake. “Dr. Morrison.”
“Scarlett.” His lips twitched.
“Thanks for saving my bestie.” She headed for the door.
“You’re welcome anytime,” Blake called after her.
“I’m going to hold you to that!” Her voice floated back.
Blake’s arms slipped around my waist, and I leaned against his chest, breathing him in.
“Did you find out what’s wrong?”
I shook my head. “No. But whatever it is, I have a feeling it’s bigger than she’s letting on.”
78
