Page 83 of Backdraft
"It wasn't your fault. You are only doing your job, and it goes to show you some people are really sick. I'm just glad they know who they’re looking for. The proof that you discovered by cross-checking your files with the causes of other fires was exactly what they needed to connect him and to his brother. Both had a vendetta against you and played it out. Now they just have to find him.”
I shook my head. I really thought that once I closed the Clark case and he was incarcerated, it would be over. How very naïve of me.
My phone rang and I grabbed it. I knew it wouldn’t be a call out, but I hoped it would be news on the other brother. I pressed speaker so Taylor could hear as well.
“Hello?”
“Is this Andrea?” A male voice inquired.
A trickle of alarm skittered down my spine and I glanced at Taylor before answering. “I-it is.” I held my breath waiting and praying it wasn’t the twin idiotic brother to threaten me again.
“Yes, this is Sgt. Walker, your stalker case was referred to me. I’m calling with some new information.”
I sat up and grimaced when I knocked my arm on the chair. “You do? Please, tell me.”
“As an investigator yourself, you’re probably aware that suspects can linger at the crime scenes to watch their handiwork.”
I held my breath. “Yes, I’m aware.”
One of our officers on the scene at your house today noticed a person in the crowd that matched the description of your suspect. I wanted you to know, we took him in for questioning, and he was indeed, responsible for the notes and arson at your house. He has been arrested and now in custody.”
Relief washed over me and I dropped the phone and took Taylor’s hand. I was at a loss for words so he spoke for me. “Sgt. Walker, this is Taylor Peel, Andrea is processing this information and I can tell by the expression on her face, she is relieved, and a bit overcome by this excellent news.”
“Ah, yes, Dr. Peel. Thanks for relaying. We will need an officer to come around and take a full report to add to the one we’ve already generated. Also, we’d like her to confirm identity when she’s up to it.”
I shook my head. “No, I don’t want to see him in person. Just a photo if I have to.” I whispered to Taylor.
“Uh, well, the identify confirmation part could be a bit of a problem. Perhaps it can be by photo? But the officer coming is fine.” He looked at me and I nodded.
I cleared my throat. “Yes, the officer is fine, please just let us know when.”
“Will do, and the officer will have a photo for you to view. In the meantime if you have any further questions don’t hesitate to call me.”
Taylor put the phone down and I rested against the nest of pillows.
“It’s over,” I whispered, and when the tears welled up in my eyes I didn’t even try to hold them back.
“Oh, baby. It’s all fine now.” Taylor gathered me into his arms and I wept.
All the years of hypervigilance, trauma, death and despair came crashing down around me. For the first time I could remember, I felt safe. And I wasn’t alone.
I had Taylor. And he had me.
“I don’t like to see you upset like this. But, let it out. You’ve bottled it up for far too long and I’m here for you, always,” he murmured against my hair.
His words, and the relief coursing through me was too much and all the pent up memories and anguish came out full force. I cried in his arms for what seem liked forever,
“Oh, Taylor. I’m so glad we found each other again.”
“Me too, honey.”
* * *
Later that night, after his promised sponge bath, we lay naked on my bed. I still wasn't able to use the shower, concerned about bathing in case I slipped, fell, cracked my head open, or broke something else. But, I couldn’t be happier being attended to by this man of mine.
My head rested on his shoulder and his arm was around me, careful to avoid my bandages and his other hand resting on my belly. I shivered a little and he pulled the comforter over us.
"You're healing well," he said and gave me a little squeeze.
