Hello, my loves! I know it's been a hot minute since I've updated this story. But I've been working on my book and my other story, A Chosen Love, tugged on my heartstrings first. Please lots of life things going on. But I'm back! First, as always, love to my girls Tm12Brady, ClaymoreQueen1976, GoldenGirl1920 and wwechristina for your support! It means more to me than you know!

Speaking of my book, you'll be introduced to one of the main characters in it in this chapter! And some of the others will be mentioned by that character. I've actually dropped an Easter egg about the main couple once in the chapter when Drew and Cherry attended the Midland concert (go back and read it if you need to). Well let's see the fallout of Cherry's trip back to the night of Shelby's murder. Enjoy!

Scooter's

Moxy Hotel, Downtown Louisville

Denise awoke in the bed of her hotel room after hearing her phone go off. He had to unwrap herself from Randy's strong embrace after another incredible night of lovemaking. She glanced through sleepy eyes at the time and groaned loudly, "4:05AM? What the fuck? Whoever is messaging me this early better be losing an arm of something!"

She looked at the message from Christine and shaking her head awake, bolted up straight, "Cherry! Oh no!" She rose from the bed and grabbed her suitcase. Randy roused after hearing the commotion. Not seeing Denise, he got out of bed and stumbled sleepily into the bathroom after hearing the toilet flush.

He found her packing her things into her toiletry bag. He leaned against the open door and mumbled, "Baby girl, what do you think you're doing? Did I fuck you so hard last night that you landed into the next day? It's not Monday yet." She didn't even stop her motion as she brushed by him in a rush, "Randy, this isn't the time for sex talk. Something's wrong with Cherry. I have to get back to Nashville."

Randy suddenly woke up full at those words, "What? What happened to her? Is she and the babies OK? Does Drew know?" She kept packing her items as she answered, "Drew is on his way to her now, according to Chris' texts. Cherry seems to be OK but she had an episode where she passed out or something. I need to be there. I'm going to call both Krystal and Lady. She'll have to continue the watch weekend by herself."

She picked up her phone and dialed Krystal's number. She answered on the first ring, "Denise, I got Christine's texts. I'm so worried! I want to go home to her but…" Denise cut her off, "No, you stay here. You just started your job. You're needed here more than I am. I'll keep you in the loop with her condition." Krystal pleaded, "Please. Nothing can happen to her now. I just got her back."

Hearing the tear in her voice, Denise assured her, "Cher is the strongest woman I know. She'll be fine. I promise. Try to get back to sleep girl. Love you." Krystal sighed, "Love you too.", as she hung up. Randy rubbed her back as she dialed Lady on the phone next, "Baby, please settle down. You have your own baby to worry about." She waved him off, "I promise I'm fine. I just need to get on the road."

Lady finally answered, "Yeah, girl. What? It's early." Denise said as she shut her suitcase, "Did you see Christine's texts? Just giving you a heads up. I'm leaving to go back to Nashville to help her out with Cherry. Since Drew left to go back home, it shouldn't be too much to do. I just got Sheamus' text. He's staying but heading home right after the Cincinnati Raw."

To her surprised, Lady huffed and snarked, "Oh for fuck's sake! Christine said she's going to be OK. Everyone is getting themselves all worked up over nothing! Cherry is always getting herself into stupid situations." Denise was taken aback and eyed a shocked Randy. Her annoyance at Lady's flippant attitude was evident, "Are you kidding? What the fuck wrong with you? Cherry does no such thing, and she passed out at home! Drew, I, and everyone has the right to be worried about her!"

Lady made an immediate about face and said, "I'm sorry. I'm just really tired. Let me know how she's doing when you get back." Denise didn't even bother responding as she clicked Stop on her phone. She sat on the bed and looked at Randy, "What the hell was that attitude about?" Randy looked confused, "Yeah, she sounded weird. Plus, remember how she smarted off to me in the hallway tonight about forgiving Madcap. Kinda pissed me off to be honest. I don't know. Maybe her hormones are acting up with her being knocked up too."

Denise, still looking troubled, shrugged, "I guess. And maybe mine are acting up because that really pissed me off." Randy took her hand and pulled her up gently. He embraced her as said softly, "I know, baby. Please be safe as you drive and let me know when you get home. I wish I could go with you." She kissed him on the lips and smiled slightly, "I will. I love you." Randy grinned, "I love you too." She quickly changed her clothes out of her pajamas and left out for Nashville, with her worry of Cherry and her irritation at Lady running through her mind the duration of her two-and-a-half-hour drive.

Riverside

Christine still rang her hands and paced around Cherry's living room. Even a couple of hours after Cherry came out of her episode, worry still shown on the face of her closest friend, the woman she had once donated blood to help keep her alive. She had gone upstairs to check on her a few times, each one found Cherry thankfully sound asleep.

She had also tried to search for a murder suicide case involving a Shelby and Bobby on Google but to no avail. Since the case is so old, it shouldn't be surprising that there wasn't much in the way of modern information regarding this case. She thought, "But Cherry said Shelby told her that something needed to be set right. That should mean the case is unsolved. Right?"

At that time and now 5:45AM, Drew threw the door open like a hurricane. Christine jumped up and ran to her brother for an embrace, "Drew! Thank god you're here!" He looked at her, "Where is she, Phoen? I need ta see her ta know she's OK." She nodded, "She's fine. I just checked on her again and she's sleeping."

Drew raked his hands through his disheveled black hair and asked, "What the hell happened, Phoen? She told me she was fine when I left! I knew something was going on and I shouldn't have left her!" Christine took him by the hand and led him to the couch, "I had a feeling too, but I didn't realize how deep she was in it until tonight. I need to tell you what I heard and saw, but I need you to keep an open mind. You're gonna need it for this."

Christine told him the entire story of what she witnessed and was told by Cherry. Drew sat listening with his elbows resting on his wide spread thighs, allowing her to explain everything. After she finished, Drew looked up to the ceiling and said, "So, yer telling me that my wife was drawn back ta another year by the jukebox. A ghost I brought inta this house is calling ta her fer help."

Christine nodded, "Yes. But Drew this isn't your fault. You had no way of knowing any of this." Drew rubbed his eyes, "Actually, I did, Phoen. The thrift shop owner warned me about tha bracelet. And when I touched tha jukebox, I felt…something." She inquired, "What do you mean? What did you feel?" He shook his head, "It was flashes of pain and sadness. And I got tha whiff of blood and sawdust. Fuck!"

She sighed, "Drew, we don't know if the bracelet and jukebox are related in any way. It was just in her hand when I found her. Look, I just got a text from Denise. She's getting close to Nash Vegas. Her and I are gonna do some snooping on this ghost to see what we can find out. Go be with her. She needs you, Bro." He hugged her tight and said, "Nothing can happen ta her or the babies, Phoen. I need them." She reassured him, and herself, as she walked out the door, "The only thing happening to them is you guys having an amazing life together with those babies having the coolest aunt ever."

Before going upstairs, Drew walked to the jukebox. He put his hands on the top, feeling another charge, but this one not as strong as the first one. He felt ridiculous doing this, but he felt like it needed to be said, "Shelby, Bobby, or whoever tha fuck ya are. Stay away from my wife. I know she's got a sweet, helpful spirit yer attracted ta. That's one of the billion reasons I love her sa much. But I will never allow ya ta hurt her or our babies. I need ya ta hear this. Leave Cherry alone!" Drew stalked off and up the stairs as the lights of the jukebox flicked on and off.

Drew walked into the bedroom and immediately softened as he viewed the peacefully sleeping form of Cherry laying on her right side. Any anger and worry he felt melted away the moment he laid eyes on her. He struggled not to tear up as he removed his clothing down to his underpants. He still felt the weight of his guilt for leaving her earlier that day even after sensing something was off.

He lifted up the covers on his side of the bed and slid underneath. Feeling the cool sheets all around his muscular body, he scooted up close to her back and wrapped his arms tightly around her. He soothed her messy red hair and kissed her temple as he spooned her. She didn't stir from her deep slumber, which was fine with him. He wanted her to rest and get all of her stress and worry off out of her mind. He found himself falling asleep quickly, knowing that his love was safe and warm in his arms.

Christine and Denise met outside the station of the Nashville Metro Police Department. As they walked in and ascended the elevator to the fifth floor, Christine asked, "Are you sure she's here? It's butt ass early in the morning." Denise said as the door opened, "Trust me, she's an early bird. I've worked with her a few times in my PI days."

Christine stopped, "Yeah, I'm just nervous." Denise stopped her and asked, "Whatever for?" Christine confessed, "She and her husband are the ones taking care of Alyssa until we get the paperwork settled. I just don't want her to think I'm some weirdo." Denise smiled, "Don't worry about that. I know she has an open mind and a kind heart. Besides, you are a weirdo. So am I and Cherry. All of us are. That's why we're so awesome together."

As they walked into the Forensics lab, Denise announced herself, "Sabrina McKenzie! How's it going?" As she turned around Christine was flabbergasted. This Sabrina was truly lovely and looked almost identical to Cherry! Red head, pretty green eyes, and she was pregnant, although way further along. Sabrina smiled, "Denise, it's been too long!" She came to them and hugged her. Denise said, "Goodness! You just had Annabella it seems! Jack knocked you up again?"

Sabrina rubbed her large baby bump and giggled, "He most certainly did. You know he can't keep his hands off me. This time he got me with twin boys. And I have no doubt they'll act just as stubborn and devilish as their daddy. Oh, I'm sorry. How rude of me. Hi, I'm Sabrina McKenzie, Director of Criminal Forensics." She stuck out her hand to a flummoxed Christine, who took it and stammered out, "Oh hi. I'm Christine Farrelly. I work with Denise. I'm sorry to stare but you're so beautiful. You look just like my best friend."

Denise chuckled, "Yeah, I guess I should've warned you about that. You should see her husband, Jack." Sabrina tucked her strand of hair behind her ear and blushed, "Oh! Well, thank you!" Denise got down to business, "See, our friend is a part of the reason why we're here to see you. You're the only one that we could ask that wouldn't think we're out of our minds." Sabrina sat gingerly down in her chair in front of her computer, given her delicate condition, and said, "Well, color me intrigued. What can I help you with?"

Christine couldn't stop her mouth from blurting out, "OK, my friend is being haunted by a ghost in a jukebox that wants her to set things right about her and her boyfriend's unsolved murder. But see, Cherry is also pregnant with twins, and we're all concerned all of this might have a detrimental effect on her and the babies. And did I mention she went back in time to 1966 and saw them being murdered?"

A confounded Sabrina shook her head, "Wait, what?" Denise quickly put her hand on Christine's shoulder and saved face, "What she's trying to say is we need your help to look for any unsolved murders from 1966 to see if anything matches what Cherry has told us about her communication with this ghost." She smiled big as Sabrina's eyes widened and said, "OooooK! Well, let me log into our archived cases to see what I can find."

As Sabrina typed, Denise took Christine over to the side and whispered, "Oh my god! Chris, you need to calm down! Let's try not to completely freak her out, please." Christine pled softly, "I'm sorry, but I can't stop thinking about seeing Cherry laying there so helpless. I'm really worried and I want to solve this for her so this Shelby will leave her alone."

Denise nodded, "I hear you, girl. But…" Just then, Sabrina interrupted, "OK, I'm in. What info do you have?" Christine cleared her throat and said, much calmer this time, "I'm afraid it's not much. Just the first names of Shelby and Bobby, and the year of 1966." Sabrina input the data and hit Enter. She looked at the one result that came up and looked at Denise and Christine, "Are you sure you heard your friend correctly?"

Christine confirmed, "Those were her exact words." Sabrina shook her head, "Well, that doesn't make any sense. The only case I'm getting with this is not unsolved." Denise raised her eyebrow, "Well, that's interesting." Sabrina continued, "Actually, it wasn't a double murder. It was a murder suicide." Christine gasped, "Wait, that can't be right!"

Sabrina said, "It's right here. I'll read the report: Two found dead from gunshot wounds inside Scooter's early morning March 15, 1966. Bodies IDed as Shelby Jane Moore and Robert Joshua Moore, owner of the establishment. Bodies were found by male decedent's brother and the female's husband, Benjamin, lying on the floor, both with single gunshot wounds. Male victim had a shot to the front of his head and the female to the heart. The gun was found in the right hand of the male decedent."

Christine and Denise sat silent, feeling a sadness sweep over them. Christine put her mouth over her mouth, "I can't believe this. That's not what Cherry saw at all." Denise was baffled, "This makes no sense. Are you sure this record is accurate?" Sabrina considered the black and white crime scene photos on the screen, "It's what's on record. Wait a moment…" She took the last picture and enlarged it. She studied it and wondered out loud, "OK, this is strange."

Denise asked, "What did you find?" Sabrina looked at her and said, "Look. Shelby's body is partially covering Bobby's. If he killed her and shot himself, and it's obvious that he was standing when that happened because of blood and brain splatter on the jukebox, that's not possible if he killed her first." Christine said, "What are you thinking?"

Sabrina got a disgusted look on her face, "As shameful as it is, our department has a history of corruption and negligence. I don't like this. You have my curiosity up about this. I'm going to bring my husband Jack, and his partner, Brodie, in to help me investigate this. I'm not going to officially reopen this yet, but I want their take on this. I will let you know what we come up with. In the meantime, is there anything else I can do for you ladies?"

Christine piped up apprehensively, "Just a couple of questions. First, how's Alyssa doing?" Sabrina smiled, "You're the aunt that's looking to adopt her, aren't you?" Christine sheepishly nodded. Sabrina stood and took her hand, "She's doing well considering everything the poor child just went through. She's enjoying spending time with my little sister, Emmy. And she's quite taken with my little girl. But her healing will take time and patience. Her nightmares are pretty brutal. I'll let her know I talked to you if you would like."

Christine shook her head, "Not if it will upset her. I'm just happy knowing that at least she's with a good family for the time being. But second question, do you have the address of the former site of Scooter's? I just have this…" Sabrina guessed, "Feeling? OK, give me a moment. It's public record anyway."

She wrote down the address from the record and handed the paper to Denise, "Here you go. According to everything I heard, this place was the place to be back in the day until this happened. It sounds like anyone who's anyone in the country music scene frequented this place. Anyway, I hope your friend is OK. I know what it's like to have a lot of stress on you while expecting. I've had my fair share with both pregnancies."

Denise smiled, "Yes, I remember when you helped take down that terrorist while pregnant with Annabella. Well, I haven't told you yet but…" She ran her hands down to her lower tummy. Sabrina squealed with delight and hugged Denise, "Oh my god! That's incredible! I just found out my best friend and Brodie are expecting too! So many babies to love on!" Christine smiled but distantly, feeling the pain of knowing this will probably be a joy she'll never experience.

After they left Sabrina's office, Christine and Denise drove to the address provided by Sabrina on Church Street in Downtown Nashville. They looked up at the large structure and back at each other. Denise wondered, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that Drew said the bar that held the jukebox had been torn down." Christine responded, "He did. But this looks like the same building in the exterior pictures on Sabrina's computer. This whole mystery is just getting weirder." They looked up at the sign that greeted them: Taylor's Thrift.