Chapter 32
Beth was in a fog of misery, trying to get a grip on what had happened. The prosecutor's office brought over a death benefit check, along with his personal belongings. She went through the box, looking at the mementos and finally spying his appointment book. Nothing much except for a curious entry for Friday night. Why would he have scheduled a business meeting .. but maybe she had it wrong? Was it social? She called the number and when a woman's voice answered, hung up quickly.
Had Josh been seeing someone else while he was professing his love for her? She determined to see this woman for herself so she confirmed the reservation.
But the woman turned out to be his jeweler! He had been going to ask her to marry him and had had a family heirloom ring reset.
Now her misery knew no bounds and all she could think of was that she needed to share this with her best, her only friend. She had been so lost in her own grief that she had treated Mick horribly but somehow she knew he would not reject her. And there he was, warm and comforting, inviting her in, instantly knowing she needed a cup of tea and an ear to bend. They were almost back to normal!
Then the bitch -- Coraline -- reappeared. She had reacted viscerally to the vampira's presence and got the hell out the door, not noticing until later reflection that Mick had not returned the woman's embrace. Still it was clear that if Coraline was back, she was after something. It had to be Mick.
Beth spent the day getting ready for Josh's funeral and trying to rest. Finally the morning arrived, and the Prosecutor himself escorted her in his limo to the gravesite.
The minister was about to start when she saw him: Mick. But this man was beaten up, limping, and yet seemed happy, radiating a glow of -- life?
She asked the question and got her answer in a smile and a cryptic "for now". He told her only that Coraline was gone. He'd said it was not meant to be between them! She longed to ask more, but the service had begun and she took her place, eyes downcast.
He was human. He had somehow done it! Through her misery and guilt over Josh, a tremulous hope came unbidden.
And then the minister started talking about seizing the day.
Their human eyes met.
