They spent the next few days in Columbus tying up loose ends. When they appeared before the judge again on Friday afternoon, the verdict was swift. The Carters had no real case against Elizabeth, civil or otherwise. They were also given a strict warning not to waste the court’s time in the future with frivolous lawsuits.
On Saturday morning they drove home, eager to once again sleep in their own bed. Jan was waiting for them, and she peppered them with questions and fawned over Elizabeth.
Detective Stephens surprised them by showing up on Sunday afternoon. He joined them for dinner and listened as Chris and Elizabeth relayed the events in Columbus, including Carol’s visit.
“I was going to talk to you about that,” Stephens said. “a*****e clerk placed her there buying two dozen eggs the m
