Page 82 of Sunset Cove
She let out a sigh. “I guess they were technically jails? When they were going to bulldoze that historic library in Oregon, I probably got arrested three times for that alone.”
Claire shook her head. “You’re something else, Lucy.”
“The library is still standing, and so am I.”
Claire leaned in. “Melanie told me about the deal they offered.”
Lucy rolled her eyes. “I have no idea where the fugitive is, and if I did, I wouldn’t tell them anyway.”
Claire couldn’t help but smile. “I see.”
The guard announced that visitation would be over in one minute.
“Is there anything that I can get you?” asked Claire.
Lucy shook her head. “Don’t worry about me. Really. I’m fine.”
“I’ll be staying at a hotel nearby, and I’m coming to visit first thing in the morning. I love you, honey.”
Lucy smiled. “I love you too, Mom.”
The tears caught in Claire’s throat. Lucy never called her “Mom” except when she was feeling especially mushy. Claire rushed out of the area and burst into tears once she was safely out of sight.
Margie stayed with her at the hotel that night, reading aloud from websites about felony charges, how long the sentence could be, and options like house arrest and community service.
Claire didn’t find it all that comforting, but she was glad, at least, that Lucy wasn’t being mistreated. There was a small part of her that felt obligated to call in to the hotel and check on things, but she didn’t have the strength. She fell asleep after setting an alarm for six the next morning.
When her alarm went off, she leapt out of bed and took a quick shower. As she and Margie were getting ready, Margie announced that she had a text from Hank. “He says he knows what we were up to, and he’s going to arrest us when we get back.”
Claire’s stomach dropped. “Why?”
“He’s just kidding,” Margie said with a laugh. “Oh, here’s another text. He’s a slow typer, you know. He says, ‘Joking, the FBI sent out a notice that there is no longer a person of interest on the islands.’”
“What does that mean?” Claire asked. “Do you think they caught Marty?”
“No, I wouldn’t say that.” Margie shook her head. “That would be news – the biggest news the islands have seen all year.”
That calmed her a bit. “That’s true.”
“Let’s see if the prison can tell us anything,” suggested Margie.
Claire agreed and they headed out to the car. On their way, Claire got a call from Melanie.
“I’ve got some great news! They decided to drop the charges. You can pick Lucy up today.”
“What?” Claire felt like her heart would burst. “Does that mean that she –”
“Nope. They have no interest in Marty anymore. It looks like some new evidence came to light. I think he may be off the hook too, but I’m not sure yet.”
Her heart thundered in her chest. “This is incredible.”
Melanie laughed. “Easiest case of the year. If he does need help, though, give me a call. It was so nice seeing you, Claire. I’ve missed working with you!”
That was when she used to be good at her job…but Claire was too excited to let that melancholy thought drift in. “Oh, Melanie, I can’t tell you how much your help meant to me. I’ve missed you too. Promise you’ll come up and visit the hotel!”
“I was hoping you’d invite me!” Melanie said with a laugh.
Claire smiled. “Any time, really.”
