It's time to move on

Chapter 14

All the evidence against Charles horrified me, what he did to those women will be burned into my mind for eternity.

 Jamie takes me out for coffee after we leave the courthouse.

“You are truly a remarkable woman.”

“I’m a survivor.” I smile.

“What you said to Samuels really helped; this case is going to make his career.”

“I’m just glad it’s over. The jury is definitely going to convict him. He did confess in open court.”

“I never apologised to you.” Jamie says.

“For what? You only helped.”

“When I first heard about you I only checked into you and not him, if I did I could have figured it out and saved you so much pain.”

“No Jamie, don’t think like that. I know how understaffed the police force is, you get so many cases each day. I’m amazed you even had the time to get what you did on me.”

“It’s not an excuse.”

“Once a year my boss, Evette, calls a meeting her late husband used to be a detective. She tells us just how hard it is for the officers, sometimes their hands are tied, so once a year she asks us to donate our time. We got to hospitals, police stations even to the correction officers. We help them with their taxes and in some cases we even offer financial advice or investment opportunities. Evette says they are all so busy taking care of us whatever we can do to help them we should.”

“That’s amazing.”

I smile, “My point is that every year I spend a month’s of weekends and after hours at these places. I see what you have to deal with and with the little money you get, you still do the job. You help people. You saved people and Jamie; believe me when I tell you that you saved. You found me when I was about to give up.”

“You’re going to make me cry.”

“That’s not my intention. I swear. You are an amazing and strong woman and you do and care so much. I just don’t want you to give up.”

“Trust me after the speech you just gave me there is no way.”

“Now I think it’s time for me to go and see the man I love.”

Jamie grins broadly.

“Yeah you heard me. I think it’s time for me to tell him now that I’ve found my confidence.”

“I’ll drive.”

***

We reach the hospital and there are still some reporters outside, “I’ll go around back.”

“No more hiding, Jamie.” I smile and get out of the car. I walk right past them and into the front door, I pass the receptionist and give her a warm smile. I reach Jason’s room only to find his bed empty.

Where did he go?

I feel like an i***t standing in an empty room, just as I’m about to leave the bathroom door opens and Jason walks out fully dressed.

I run into his arms and he pulls me closer. I’m more than happy to stay in arms forever. He is warm and strong. My happy place.

“You’re dressed.”

“I’m free to go; pretty sure the nurses are going to throw a party later.” He grins then his smile disappears, “How did it go?”

“Better than I expected, he lost it in court and confessed to everything.”

“And you, are you okay?”

“It feels like a weight has been lifted.”

“You do look happier.”

“And in a while when I get you home, we’ll both be even happier.” I say leaning in closer to whisper in his ear.

“You have no idea what you do to me.” He says, claiming my mouth with his. I wrap my arms around his neck. My whole body heats up.

When my phone rings I have the urge to throw it against the nearest wall.

“You should get that.” Jason says breaking our kiss.

“Hello?”

“Hi, it’s Mike.”

“Sorry Mike who?”

“My apologies, Mike Samuels, the prosecuting attorney in the Charles MacAdams case.”

“Is there something I can do for you?”

“No uhm the jury has made their decision; Charles will be sentenced in the morning. Thought you’d want to be there.”

“Thank you for letting me know. What time?”

“Ten thirty.”

“Okay see you then.”

I hang up and Jason crosses his arms over his chest, “Should I be jealous?”

I giggle. “That was the attorney. The verdict is in and sentencing is in the morning.”

“We should celebrate.” He grins.

“What do you have in mind?”

“Food. Hospital food sucks.”

I’m a little disappointed but I try not to show it. “Where do you want to go?”

“The diner.”

“I just remembered I don’t have my car here. Jamie dropped me off.”

“No worries, Eric, brought my car over earlier.”

We collect the rest of Jason’s things and we head for the door with his arm over my shoulders. We are greeted with warm smiles when we pass nurses and doctors.

“Mr Conner!” Someone calls. We turn around and see a pretty young nurse run our way. “Mr Conner, after all that you have put us through you don’t even say goodbye.”

“I’m sorry. I thought no one would want to see me.” He smiles sheepishly.

“You grew on us.” She smiles.

A hit of jealousy washes over me.

“Well my apologies. Please lead the way.”

We follow her down the hall; Jason’s arm never leaves me. We come to a door. NURSES BREAKROOM is labelled on it. She opens the door, it's dark inside. She switches on the light and a bunch of nurses jump up, “Farewell!” The call out in unison. There is a banner hanging that reads, FAREWELL and in pen written underneath, PAIN IN THE ASS.

I start to giggle. Jason kisses the top of my head and gives me a little squeeze. “You know the only reason I was a pain in the ass was because I wanted you back.”

I look up at him. I want to tell him how much I love him. We are handed glasses with punch in. A nurse jumps up from her chair and raises her glass, I recognise her from the first night I came in the hospital to see Jason. “From the moment you were brought into this hospital, each and every one of us wanted to slap you, hard. The only reason we didn’t was because of that beautiful lady next to you. We all saw what she means to you and all of us here wish the two of you all the happiness in the world. Also we hope to never see you here again anytime soon.”

Jason lifts his glass and nods, “Your kind words mean so much.”

Everyone is talking and laughing. I have to ask Evette to add these nurses to our yearly route. We don’t stay too long as they all had to get back to work. I really need to tell Jason how I feel.

“I just got a text from Shirley.” I say when we are inside the car.

“Yeah, what did she say?”

“She wants us to go to the gym.”

“Did she say why?”

“No but maybe we should go.”

We walk into the gym and find that it is full of people. Jamie is there, Evette and a couple of my co-workers and a bunch of people I don’t recognise.

Another party?

Seems like alone time with Jason will not be possible for a while. I’m having fun talking to all the people. Everyone has something nice to say and the food is great. I’m a little buzzed from the alcohol so I stop drinking immediately.

I see Jason talking to a bunch of guys, he is all smiles and laughs while he speaks to people. I like seeing him happy.

“See something you like?” Jamie says behind me.

I nod as Shirley joins us.

“Did you tell him yet?” Jamie asks.

“Not yet.”

“Oh my dear, I should have realised that you’d want to be alone tonight.” Shirley says sadly.

“It’s okay, Shirley. We have all the time in the world.”

“Go to him.” Jamie urges. I do as I’m told. Jason sees me coming and gives me the most breathtaking smile I’ve ever seen.

“Hope I’m not interrupting.” I say when I reach them.

“Not at all. These are two of my managers, Bill and Eric.”

“Pleasure to meet you.” Eric greets politely.

“Thank you. Pleasure to meet you too.” I reply and shake Bill’s hand after Eric’s. They excuse themselves.

“Wild night.” Jason says once we are alone.

“Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

“I’m actually a bit tired. I think we should excuse ourselves and go.”

“Yeah, it’s been a long day.”

We drive over to Jason’s house after saying our goodbyes to everyone.