“That’s the published history of Westerly Cove. Has a whole chapter on the lighthouse.” Vivienne brought two mugs of chamomile to the sitting area. “Completely glosses over the Aldrich smuggling, of course. The author was Gerald’s cousin.”
“Of course.” Brooks set the book aside and accepted his tea. “Agent Porter called me this morning. The FBI is officiallyclosing the case. All the Aldriches are facing federal charges. Winston’s looking at life without parole for multiple murders.”
“What about Gerald?”
“His attorney is negotiating. He’s cooperating fully, giving testimony about the operation going back forty years. Given his age and health issues, they might allow him to serve his sentence in a medical facility.”
“And the others? Jeremy and Tyler?”
“Both accepted plea deals. Twenty-five to thirty years.” Brooks sipped his tea. “It’s over, Vivienne. The empire your family has been fighting for generations—it’s finally done.”
She should feel triumph. Instead she just felt tired. “The town won’t forgive me easily for this. The Aldriches employed half of Westerly Cove through their various businesses.”
“The town will adjust. Some people are already calling you a hero.”
“And others are calling me a witch who destroyed a founding family out of spite.” Vivienne set down her mug. “I heard a customer say to Mrs. Mayer yesterday that I should have minded my own business. Mrs. Mayer told them to leave if they couldn’t be civil.”
“Good for her.” Brooks moved closer on the couch. “What matters is that you did the right thing. That Lily’s family has closure. That other victims were found and identified. That Winston can’t hurt anyone else.”
“I know. I just wish it didn’t come with so much anger directed at me.”
“Give it time. The truth has a way of settling in once the initial shock wears off.” His hand found hers. “You’re not alone in this. Sullivan has your back. Dawn does. And I do.”
Vivienne looked at their joined hands. “Chief Sullivan offered you a permanent position, didn’t he? I saw him talking to you at the cemetery.”
“He did. Detective, full benefits, decent pay for a town this size.” Brooks was quiet. “I told him I needed to think about it.”
She pulled her hand back. “You’re leaving.”
“I didn’t say that.” He turned to face her fully. “I said I needed to think about it because this isn’t just about the job anymore. I need to know if staying here makes sense. If this partnership can work long-term.”
Her breath caught. “Brooks?—”
“I don’t want to go back to Austin. I don’t want to leave Westerly Cove.” He met her eyes. “But I need to be honest—I’m not sure what I’m building here yet. Tell me if that’s not fair to you. Tell me if you need certainty I can’t give.”
“I don’t need certainty.” Vivienne’s voice came out barely above a whisper. “I need a partner who understands what I can do without being afraid of it. Someone I can work with. That’s all.”
“Is it?”
She hesitated. “I’m scared of pushing too hard. Of ending up like my mother. But I’m also scared of being alone with this gift forever.”
Brooks’s expression softened. “You’re not your mother. You have tools she didn’t. Knowledge she didn’t. And you’re not alone anymore.”
“No. I’m not.”
“Then let me stay. Let’s figure out what this partnership looks like. No promises about forever. Just an agreement to try.”
“Okay,” Vivienne said. “Stay. Let’s see where this goes.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah.” She managed a smile. “But we need ground rules. Boundaries. Ways to make sure we’re not pushing each other into danger.”
“Agreed. We’ll figure them out as we go.” Brooks maintained the space between them. “For now, you need to rest. The memorial took a lot out of you.”
She nodded, exhaustion settling over her. The connection between them hummed—not demanding, not overwhelming, just there. A reminder that she had a partner now.
Whatever came next, whatever challenges they faced, they would face them as a team.
