Thank you to everyone for the kind feedback. It has been appreciated. As with all good things, they must come to an end and this is the final chapter in the story. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I had enjoyed writing it. Who knows, there might be a sequel. You'll just have to stay tuned. Julia
Chapter 12
The two weeks since the shooting passed quickly. Randy's arm healed over those two weeks to almost what it once was. During those tow weeks, Joy had made progress and Randy and Amy White decided that she was stable enough to identify Julie's killer. Randy showed up at the time Amy indicated and brought the pictures of the two shooting suspects.
"Joy, I have some photos to show you. I would like to see if you recognize any of them," said Randy. "If you feel uncomfortable at any time, let me know."
"Ok," Joy nodded.
Randy held up a lineup photo of the man he had shot and killed. Joy gazed at the photo, long and hard but no look of recognition was on her face. Then she looked at Randy and said, "I don't recognize him."
Next, Randy held up a photo of Clive. This time, Joy gave a response to the photo that gave Randy hope. Joy started trembling, out of fear and anger.
"That's him," said Joy, almost inaudibly.
"Yes!" crowed Randy, slapping the table. "Don't worry, Joy, I'm gonna nail the bastard."
Tears ran down Joy's face as she silently relived that awful day, a year ago. She then did something that she hadn't done in a year, Joy looked at Randy and smiled.
"Thank you for finding Julie's killer," said Joy.
Patting her shoulder and giving her a hug, Randy held back his tears. Rising, he thanked Amy White for her help and left to tell Captain Stottlemeyer the news.
Joy's identification of Clive led to his lawyer to plea bargain. Clive got life in prison, with no parole, despite Randy's fervent wish for the death penalty.
Randy asked Sharona out on another date and asked if Benjy might stay at a friend's house, hinting that the night might end at his place. Randy took Sharona to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, where they had a wonderful dinner. Walking to Randy's car, Randy invited Sharona to his house. Sharona readily agreed and Randy drove home.
After opening the door to his house, Randy was shoved in by Sharona, her mouth hungrily devouring Randy's. Randy led Sharona to his bedroom, closing the door.
The next morning, Randy awoke, curled around Sharona's body. Randy looked at Sharona's sleeping form and smiled. Today Joy was getting out of the hospital and they were going to visit Julie and Trent's graves.
After fixing breakfast, Sharona kissed Randy goodbye, with the promise to call later. Randy showered and dressed, in casual clothes, and drove to the hospital to pick up Joy. After climbing into Randy's car, Randy asked Joy if she was ready.
Steadying her breath, Joy nodded her head. Ten minutes later, Randy pulled into Memorial Estate cemetery. Finding where the Robertsons were buried, Randy parked and got out. He gave Joy some time with her family alone, before walking over to Trent's stone.
"I'll keep my promise until I die, Trent. Joy is such a great kid. I only wish I could have saved Julie," said Randy, quietly.
Joy snuck up behind him and gave him a hug. "I think Trent would be proud of you, Randy," said Joy and the two stood there in silence, each in their own thoughts.