Chapter 13:


The expedition was finally done and over with. Ryan was extradited for both Lynne's and his partner, John's meaningless slaying. Cassie had one thing to do before she left this ritzy town, say goodbye to her parents.

She placed a single white rose right beside their grave stones and lingered their like a depressing figurine. Her eyes dripped tears, smearing the makeup plastered on her china like face.

"Mom....Dad, I'm sorry that I haven't visited you and I hope you understand this." Her voice shook as she paused for a brief moment. "You don't know how much I miss you and wish you were here during the moments when I need guidance...like right now. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I turned down Brad. Maybe you guys would still be alive. I don't know but I've come to say goodbye. I have a family of my own...I may never come back to Chicago again. I live in New York....what I'm trying to say that you guys will always be in my heart and there's not a moment that goes by when I don't think of you...I love you so much."

She sobbed alone in the wintry afternoon. Cassandra longed to not attend Lynne's funeral next week....

The female sensed a small caress on her shoulder. Turning around, she greeted Fraser with a warm squeeze. She nuzzled her head in his broad, black coat as her tears soaked into it.

"Thank you so much...I'm sorry for being such a pain in the ass." Her words were muffled by the surrounding cloth.

"You're very welcome." A grin escaped his adorable visage.

Her red face confronted his and they departed the large cemetery together. The duo spent as much time together before the woman headed off to Upstate New York once again.

She definitely found a friend in Constable Benton Fraser.

The End