Chapter 23 – The Next Day

Amanda hated to say goodbye to all their new friends. She was really going to miss Sara and Claire who she had enjoyed baking with. They both promised to come visit once the season slowed down. Sara had been very upset to find out that Dan had really been murdered. She was grateful for Lee in tracking down the truth though so that her husband would die with honor and not be accused of being part of a treason conspiracy.

Dennis had no idea that anything had been going on at all. He had worked for Spencer for many years but everyone knew he was an honest man so no one had tried to get him to be involved in any way.

In the meantime, Margaret had opened up a safe that Mary kept on the property and gone through some of her documents. She could barely believe it when she came across a legal looking form that signed over the ownership of the amusement park and the entire farm to Margaret if anything should happen to her. Margaret was in the process of finding out through a lawyer if the document was legit and would be undisputable but it looked like the place would keep going under Margaret's and Bubba's leadership. They were still keeping their marriage a secret but had announced their engagement and would be taking wedding vows the following summer so they could be official and live together as man and wife.

Sam had stopped by to see Lee and Amanda off too. He got to share the news that the authorities had rounded up Spencer along with the entire staff at the Falls Village Inn who it turned out were all on the payroll for helping with the lodging of the Russians that had been moved into the state through the years. Lee had the pleasure of capturing Nico as he was leaving the inn last night. The group had decided to go check out the inn after they left the falls and it was perfect timing to find Nico in the process of trying to leave. Lee took it as an honor being able to put handcuffs personally onto Nico.

The highway patrol had intercepted the vehicle carrying Ivan to Falls Village and had him also in custody. He had not come without a fight though and two Officers were in the hospital from the beating he gave them as they tried to detain him. He would stay in a jail in Rhode Island until they could deport him.

As Lee was putting their luggage into his car, Bubba came up to give Amanda a hug goodbye.

"Little Lady, it sure was a little more cheerful around here since you arrived. I hope you will come visit us another time."

"I would like that." Amanda said.

Margaret whispered to her "Maybe you will come back after your marriage."

"Oh, I'm not going to marry Dean, I don't think."

"Dean? Who is Dean? I meant when you marry Lee."

Amanda blushed and said "Lee? Nah, we are just business associates. I'm really not his type."

Margaret winked and said "Well we'll see. Stay in touch Dear."

Lee helped Amanda into his car and they waved goodbye to everyone as he drove off. As they were driving away, Lee said "Oh no, I think I forgot something."

"What did you forget?" Amanda asked.

"I forgot to say goodbye to Patti in the office and get her phone number."

Amanda shook her head "That would be a long distance affair and even you are not up for that long of a distance."

Lee's dimples came out as he smiled and said "yeah, you are probably right. Should we go home?"

"I would like that" Amanda said.

TBC