Chapter 2

Maddie sat in an office at the local LAPD station. "Hello Ms. Hayes. I'm Detective Veronica Kent," Det. Kent said as she walked in and sat down.

"Hello, Detective. You said there might be proof that David didn't kill Mr. Everette?"

"Yes. As I said on the phone, I'm new to the department. I was reviewing old cases. I was going through all the evidence and I noticed something," Det. Kent said. She pulls out a picture. "This is a crime scene photo taken. I noticed something that the previous detective missed. When I looked over this picture, I noticed his slippers. They're facing the bed…"

"As if someone walked over to the bed, took them off and got into bed," Maddie finished her sentence.

"Correct."

"That suggests Mr. Everette could walk," Maddie said shocked.

"Correct Ms. Hayes. So, I dug through the files more. I found a report that was either ignored by the previous detective or never shown to him. There was a second set of finger prints found. They were matched to Mr. Everette."

"And that proves David didn't kill him?"

"Yes, it does Ms. Hayes."

Later that day, Maddie pacing in her living room with a glass of wine. She couldn't believe. "After ten years, they can prove him innocent. He can come home. But how do I let him know?" Maddie said out loud to nobody. "Is he even alive? Where could he be?" Maddie suddenly stopped pacing. She downed what was left in her wine glass. She sat down on her couch. "Time to get serious. Who is the most likely person to able to contact David? Richie!" Maddie dialed information and asked for Richie's number. She bumped into Richie once in New York City a few years ago. She found out he came out here for a vacation, met some Hollywood lawyer, and got married. The operator connected Maddie's call. "Hello?" He answered.

"Hello Richie. I don't know if you'll remember me. My name is Maddie Hayes…"

"Dave's blonde boss lady?"

"Yup. That's me. I'm calling because I need to talk to you about something important. Can we talk?"

"Sure, Maddie. Genesis Cafe in an hour?" Richie asked checking his watch.

"Sure."

Later, Maddie and Richie sit in Genesis Cafe. "So how are you and, I'm sorry I forgot her name," Maddie said.

"Rachel. We're good. No kids. But we're ok with it. Maddie, you didn't call me up after ten years to ask that. What's up?"

"Well, I moved back to Los Angeles. My ex-husband started working out here and I felt it was best for the kids. But that's not why I called you. A new detective reviewed the case and said there's proof David is innocent."

"There is?"

"Yes Richie. I called you because I need to contact David to tell him he can come home."

"Maddie what makes you think…"

"Save it Richie. I figured out after we saw each other last time that you didn't just happen to come here for vacation and stay here. And I know David wouldn't go all this time without reaching out. You know how to contact him, don't you?"

"Ok yes Maddie I do."

"Richie please? I need him to know he can come home. It's been ten years. Finally, he can live life again."

"Ok. I'll contact him and let him know."

A week later, Maddie was fast asleep. "Mommy," Victoria said poking Maddie's arm.

"Was is it baby?" Maddie asked sleepily.

"I heard a noise downstairs."

"It's just tree branches hitting the windows because of the storm outside."

"But what if it's storm monsters, mommy?"

"There are no storm monsters."

"What if there are?"

"Then Mr. Teddy will protect you, ok? Go back to bed. You have school tomorrow."

"Ok, mommy," the little girl said walking back to her room. Maddie rolled over on her side to settle back to sleep. She heard footsteps behind her come into the room. "Go back to sleep," Maddie said as she rolled onto her back. A large hand covered her mouth. Maddie let out a muffled scream.

"Shhhhhh. It's me. I got your message from Richie."

"David?" Maddie whispered as he removed his hand and she stood up.

"Yeah David. Is it me or is your house a lot more crowded than I remember?"

Maddie went to hug him but he stopped her. "Better wait on that until I get a shower. Don't want to mess up your pajamas."

"Where are you sleeping?" Maddie asked concerned.

"Don't worry, I have a place to stay with a bed, food and a shower."

"It can't be any place good. Come by tomorrow at noon. I'll make you a good lunch."

"You cook now, Maddie?"

"Yeah. I had to learn. Things have changed, David."

"I could tell by the tiny figure running past me a few minutes ago. I'll see you tomorrow," David said as he leaves. Maddie smiled and went back to bed.

The next day, Maddie wasn't sure if it was real. If David really came to see her. She was thinking about it as she checked her make up. The doorbell rang. When she opened it, she froze. It wasn't a dream. There he was. Ten years older, a few more wrinkles and a lot less hair. "Come in," Maddie said nervously. They sat at her dining room table eating. "You look just as beautiful as the last time I saw you," David said staring at her.

"Beautiful? Yeah right. I'm ten years older and ten pounds heavier."

"You wear them both well. I noticed the pictures you have around here. Looks like you made a couple of small humans since I last saw you."

"Yeah, I did. A lot changed over the years. Especially your hair. Where did it go?"

"Oh yeah that. It started thinning more and more over the years. I didn't want to look like that guy with the glasses from Dick Van Dyke so I just started buzzing it off completely. Also saves money on haircuts."

"Well, you wear it well."

"Thank you. So how have things been going for you?"

"They've been hard but good. After you left, I tried very hard to prove you innocent. But I couldn't. About a year later, I reconnected with an old friend. We dated. He proposed and I accepted. But we had to leave Los Angeles for his career. So, I sold the agency and we moved. We got married and had a couple of kids."

"Based on the emptiness of your hand, I guess things didn't work out."

"No. We got divorced a few years ago. I didn't feel a connection with him. Plus, he was self-centered. My feelings on stuff didn't seem to matter to him. Basically, he was supposed to decided things while I smiled and nodded."

"That's definitely not you, Maddie."

"Exactly. So, we got divorced. I moved back recently because his career brought him out here. I didn't think it was fair to the kids to have half a country between them. They love him and he's a great dad despite being a lousy husband. What about you David?"

"Well, I laid low. Used fake names. Moved around. Did some off books work to survive. And thought a lot about our goodbye in the garage."

"You did?"

"Yeah. Cruel irony. I finally get you in a lip lock and have to leave for ten years. Unfair."

"Now that you're above ground again, what are you going to do with your life?"

"Well, I thought when I came up for air I'd go back to Blue Moon. I guess not."

"David, I was thinking of getting the agency back. Maybe we could get it back together."

"Together as in?" David asked surprised.

"Together as in business partners and friends."

"Just business partners and friends?"

"We'll see on the other kind of partners."

"Ok deal. Great to be back with you Blondie."

"Great to have you back, David." Maddie and David smiled at each other.

THE END.