“I am,” Frankie agreed. “What’s going to happen to them?”
Cope had seen it all, courtesy of his gift. “Angie will plead guilty to your murder and testify against Oliver on the condition she remains free until her child is born. The baby, a daughter she’ll name Verity, will be raised by her sister in South Carolina. Angie will serve a life sentence. Oliver will go through a splashy trial and will be found guilty on all three charges. He’ll spend ten years in jail and will be murdered by his cellmate. A man named Gideon Wells.”
“Oh, Gideon,” Frankie whispered, sounding heartbroken. “He used to come into Sea Witches with his mother and would carry her shopping basket. I’d heard rumors that he sold drugs, but he was so kind to his mother.”
Cope nodded. “Gideon loved seeing you at the food pantry. You never once judged him or his mother. Killing Oliver is his way of avenging you.”
“I’m not sure how I feel about that.” Frankie paused. “No, that’s not true. I’m Italian, I want Oliver to rot in hell for hurting me and our daughter.” As Frankie spoke, the white light appeared.
Cope felt the warm glow on his face. A small girl stepped forward wearing a purple flowered dress. She wore her blonde hair in pigtails and was the spitting image of Frankie. “Come on, Mommy, heaven’s waiting for us.”
“Amelia?” Frankie’s smile lit up her entire face. She rushed toward her daughter and scooped her up. “My sweet girl.” Frankie set her daughter down and turned to Cope. “Promise me you’ll tell my parents we’re okay.”
Cope, too overcome with emotion to speak, placed his hand over his heart and nodded.
With a laugh, Frankie grabbed Amelia’s hand and ran into the light.
Cope felt tears dripping down his face. A hand on his shoulder startled him. He looked up to see Jude standing beside him. “How much of that did you see?” Cope reached for a clean napkin and dabbed at his teary eyes.
“I heard laughing and saw the light fade. Then there was this feeling of peace. I can still feel it.” Jude wore an awed look.
“That’s always my favorite part.” Cope stood from his seat and wrapped his arms around Jude. “Thank you for letting me work on this case.”
“I’m so proud of you.” Jude held his husband tight.
“Let’s go see Dante and Sofia Conti. Then we’re going home to our kids. I’m gonna hug the stuffing out of them!”
“Me too!” Jude agreed, leading Cope out of the house.
Walking outside, Cope saw two Salem Police cruisers pull away from the house. One carried Oliver Adams, the other Angie Melton. Other officers stood in the driveway with Fitz and Ronan. Several more police cars lined the street.
Oliver and Angie were going to spend the rest of their lives behind bars, while Frankie spent eternity with her daughter. Justice had finally been served.
EPILOGUE
Jude
Several days later…
“Happy Birthday, dear Lizbet! Happy Birthday to you!” Everyone sang to the birthday girl, whose mouth was smeared in orange frosting.
Lizbet started to cry when Jude pulled the cake away from her.
“Welcome to the terrible twos,” Ronan said, grabbing cake plates, while Jude sliced up the Nemo cake. “Here you go, Lizzy B!” He set the first piece of cake in front of the birthday girl, who dug in with both hands. Soon all of the kids were served. Cope ran around the table scooping the ice cream.
Jude took a piece of cake and was taking a bite when Ronan burst out laughing. He hauled Fitzgibbon into his arms and started dancing him around the kitchen.
“Do I even want to know what this is about?” Jude asked, when Ronan let Fitz go.
“You definitely do!” Ronan said, slapping Fitz on the shoulder.
“Are you getting promoted? Don’t tell me Cisco’s stepping down and you’re taking his place with Ronan taking yours?” Jude knew Ronan would be a kiss ass captain.
“This is better than that!” Fitz laughed.
“Oh! Ronan’s leaving.” Jude swiped a hand over his brow. “Phew! Imagine how much more we’ll get done when we don’t have to listen to his whining.”
“I don’t whine.” Ronan rolled his eyes. “I’m just dramatic.”
