"How are you feeling, Miss Rider?" Detective Moretti asked her.
"I'm fine, aside from split lips and a wounded shoulder," she told him, grimacing at the soreness all over her body as she sat up straighter on the hospital bed. She couldn't remember much what had happened last night, and when she woke up this morning, the first person she saw was Michael, who was now sitting on a chair beside the bed with a sling on one arm. He'd managed to tell her she was in Fern Island Memorial Hospital, before Detective Moretti arrived.
"I hope you're feeling well for a little questioning I've got for you," the detective told her.
"I hope so."
"Good," he said, pulling out his notebook from the inside pocket of his jacket. "Now, let's start by telling what happened last night."
Manda took deep breaths for a moment to gather her thoughts before she told him the events that had happened after Michael had left Goldworth. The detective took notes of her narration, and once in a while he nodded as if to confirm what she had said. For personal reasons, she couldn't bring herself to explain Jackie's part in Pearl's betrayal. It didn't seem connected to the case somehow.
"How did you find me?" she asked when she had done with her explanation.
Michael went to answer. "After I left Goldworth, I was halfway swimming through the distance when I noticed the whole mansion suddenly went dark. The blackout had me worried, after all the things that had been going on, I wasn't going to treat it as a coincidence. Anyhow, I turned back, and on my way, I heard a motorboat coming to the direction of Goldworth . I waved to whoever was on the boat, afraid that I'd be ran over with. Jackie was on the boat, and she saw me but she didn't stop to pick me up. So, I got suspicious and swam back to Goldworth, too."
"I don't get it. What was she doing in Fern Island in the first place?"
"According to Casey, Jackie was taking them to a play over there. All of them had a ticket, which Jackie had bought for them beforehand, except for ours. And as for our absence, she'd made an excuse that we'd join them later. Anyway, Jackie had told them that she had to take the boat back to Goldworth to pick us up next." Michael shifted on his seat, smoothing down his unkempt dark hair.
"While in fact, she wasn't returning back to Fern Island -- she had planned to finish us off," Manda murmured. "It was all a setup. Then what happened?"
"Let's see... I arrived back to the house, and I tried to look for you first. The front door was already opened when I came in. I almost ran over Damien in the dark. He told me he'd just woken up and found out that you were missing. We looked everywhere for you inside the house. I grew worried when you didn't answer our call. Damien went to find the circuit breaker, and while he was doing that, I was in the library. That's when I saw Dexter from the window, walking along the dock. I went to him and asked him if he knew what was happening." He paused for a while to take a breath. "He was pretty spooked when he saw me. I guess he didn't expect me to be there so soon. Had to force the answer out of him though -- don't worry, I didn't beat him up too badly," he assured her, noticing her horrified expression. "Dexter confessed what he and Jackie had been doing, and he told me where Jackie had brought you. I tied him up after that, find Damien, and we set to look out for you. We almost thought both of you were dead when we found Jackie's cabin cruiser."
"So, where's Jackie now? Is... Is she dead?" Manda asked, biting her lower lip.
"Far from it. Her room's a couple of doors down from yours," Moretti answered. "I've placed my officers to guard her though. Her skull's fractured, fortunately a minor one. She'll recover in a few weeks."
"Is she going to be arrested?" she asked.
"Once I get statements from you as an eyewitness, and the evidence for the attempted murder. Unfortunately, we still don't have enough evidence to convict her for the murder of Rachel Donovan."
"What about Eric's murder?" Michael asked.
"Mr. Dexter has confessed for Eric Rolf's murder," the detective answered. "He's been working for Foxworth for years after Dino had died. It was Dino who had assigned him to be employed by the Foxworth family. And it was loyalty that had gotten him to help Jackie."
"So, Jackie is really Dino's granddaughter?" Michael asked.
"I've checked up on that. Apparently, Dino had an affair with Siobhan O'Malley -- that was the woman in the picture you've found, Miss Rider," the detective answered. "Since, Carlotta was sent to Salisbury, Dino went back to his usual ways. He fell in love with this Siobhan, but when she got pregnant, he'd refused to divorce Carlotta just as he'd promised Siobhan. He still needed Carlotta's money."
Manda snorted. "Men!"
Michael raised an eyebrow at her speculatively. Her face flushed, and she turned away from him.
"Anyway," the detective continued, "Siobhan ran away from New York, along with the baby, whom she named Thomas. She and her son settled down in a small town in upstate New York -- Apple Point. I guess Dino was guilt-ridden and tracked her down."
Manda nodded, and added what Dexter had told her last night.
"Right," Moretti said. "Since Foxworth is one of the prominent families in New York, Dino didn't want Thomas to be linked to him and ruined their reputation. He figured Thomas could do well in his life under their care."
"But why did Thomas use the name T. Rodriguez as the owner of Steel Industries and Speedway Services?" Michael asked.
"He used that name before he started working with his half-brother. I guess it's a coincidence," Moretti answered. "Somewhere over the years, before Dino's death, Dino had contacted both of his sons -- sort of like a family reunion. I guess what's bred in the bone will come out in the flesh, as they say. They made an agreement between them, and Thomas Foxworth had decided to use both of those said companies as front. Those are the only companies that aren't doing too well."
There was silence for a while, before Manda spoke up, "I can't believe Jackie planned all this just for revenge. I mean, I can understand why she was upset because all of her funds are gone -- I would, too." She stopped when both men looked at her questioningly. "Uh... I don't mean revenge -- Okay... maybe I'd go for revenge, but not enough to murder someone."
"You'd better keep an eye on her, too, Mr. Mackenzie," the detective told him half-seriously.
"I suppose, Jackie needed someone to blame," Michael said. "And she had chosen us, unfortunately."
"So, what else has Dexter confessed to?" Manda asked the detective. "What about the notes that we've gotten? Or the axe in the attic?"
"According to Dexter, Jackie did all those things. She murdered Rachel Donovan. Strangled the poor girl until her cricoid was crushed," Moretti told her. "Then she ordered Dexter to kill Eric Rolf. She sent a note to Eric to meet her at one of the docks in Fern Island."
"So, instead of her being there, she sent Dexter to bump him off."
Moretti nodded. "She also wrote all those notes that you and the rest had been getting, and trying to make it looked like Casey Larkin did all of those -- even that letter you supposedly had sent to Pat Crissinger."
"How did Casey get the letter?" Michael asked.
"Jackie pretended that she'd found the letter, and showed it to Casey," Moretti said.
Manda frowned thoughtfully. "I supposed the thing she said to me about how Casey had told her that I've stolen Michael from Pearl was really Jackie's way of manipulating everyone. She was trying to make me and Casey fight, and at the same time, put all the blame on Casey. I should have noticed these things. Jackie had done this before."
"She needed a scapegoat," Michael added. "Maybe she's still hung up on Pat than she'd let on, and that she's still jealous that Casey is set to get him, too. How did Jackie end up dating Ritchie anyway?"
"From what Ritchie had told me, he and Jackie aren't serious," Moretti told them. "It was him who gave her that knife, and taught her how to use it. She only went out with him to make Pat jealous -- the usual story. Well, if there aren't any more questions, I'd better get back to the station and type my report," Moretti said. "The doctor told me you can be released this afternoon. Once you've done that, don't forget to stop at the station to sign your statement."
"No problem. Oh, before I forget, what would happen to Ritchie after this?" Manda asked. She still wanted to see him before they drove back to Apple Point.
"He will be on his way back to Apple Point for trial. He's evaded the police for far too long. His felony isn't heavy, so I doubt it would take more than ten years."
Manda felt a little disappointed for Ritchie. He could do so much, if only he cleaned up his act. She made a mental note to find out which prison he would be sent to, and visit him. After all, she felt kind of responsible for Rachel's death.
"What about Brock?" Michael asked the detective.
"He's still waiting for a lawyer, unless you want to drop your charges, Miss Rider."
"I guess it doesn't hurt to do that. I hope that would give him some time to think about what he's done," she replied.
"Good. I'll release him this afternoon."
Once the detective left the room, there was a knock on the door. Manda looked up to see Damien, and Casey at the doorway.
"May we come in?" Damien asked, flashing her his usual charming smile.
"Of course," Manda said, carefully ignoring Michael's scowl, though he seemed less hostile than before.
"How are you doing?" he asked, standing beside her bed.
"Pretty good. Anyway, I hadn't a chance to thank you."
"Hey, no problem. I'm glad I could help a special friend," he added deliberately, sending her a mischievous glance.
Manda found her face grew warm by Damien's statement, and she was afraid to look at Michael. She knew Damien was just being... well... himself, and he was still her friend, despite his scandalous reputation.
"Casey here has something to say," Damien announced.
Casey sent him an indignant glare. "I have nothing to say!" Her face reddened, as if embarrassed. Damien stared at her, and didn't say anything. Casey gave a resigned sigh. "All right, all right! I want to thank you for clearing my name, but that doesn't mean you're going to be my friend," she said everything as one word.
Manda exchanged amused looks with Michael.
"I've heard that before," Michael replied, smiling slightly. "But you're welcome."
"I'm glad you get my point," Casey said. "Come on, Damien, I've done my part. Let's go."
"Where are you going?" Manda asked.
"Back to New York. She's still my assignment, you know, but Pat's coming with us," Damien replied with a grimace.
"Oh, by the way, what was it you were hinting at last night about martial arts and the study?" Manda suddenly asked.
Damien smiled smugly. "The trophies on the mantelpiece. They are from karate and taekwondo championships."
"Right under our nose," Michael remarked dryly.
"Just like those classic books," Manda agreed. Somehow the thought of karate championships gave her an idea for something else in the future.
"Yeah, well, anyway, Tessa got the part for the TV audition. When the producer heard what had happened from Moretti, he called Tessa immediately, and gave her the spot."
"At least, something good has come out from this," she agreed, "Besides, Tessa deserves it after what she'd been through."
"You're still feeling guilty about that?" Michael asked carefully.
Manda knew what he was referring to, and she nodded. "I can't help it. We were friends before I selfishly threw it all away."
"You had a tough life."
"It still doesn't feel right." She sighed heavily.
"No use thinking about it now. You can't change what's being done."
Casey rolled her eyes. "If you people are going to be overly dramatic, I'm outta here."
"I'll meet you outside," Damien told her.
"Whatever," Casey muttered, and walked out of the room.
"Anyway, I'll be checking on Tessa from time to time -- make sure if she's doing okay," Damien told them.
Michael's eyebrows rose in surprise.
"Thanks, Damien, but are you sure you're not attached to her?" Manda asked.
"I'm not attached to any girl," Damien replied defensively. "Besides, I think she could use a friend."
"Oh, sure," Michael said sarcastically.
"If you've been leading her on and hurt her, I'll beat you into pulp," Manda told Damien, half-seriously.
Damien gave her an easygoing grin. "Hey, hey, I get the idea. I know where my boundaries are."
"Keep that in mind."
"I'd better get going. I'm sure we'll meet again, soon," Damien told them.
"Me, too," Manda agreed enthusiastically then faltered a second when she noticed Michael's cautionary look. Squaring her shoulders, she sent Michael an innocent smile.
"We did a good job working together. Right, Michael?" Damien asked in good humor.
Michael folded his arms, and grunted, sounding like a 'yes'. "Just don't count on it the next time," he added in a stern voice.
"Message received." Damien looked at Manda and Michael, smirking knowingly, and bent down to kiss her cheek before leaving the room.
There was silence for a while, and Manda, still afraid to look at Michael, shifted uncomfortably on her bed.
"Aren't you forgetting to tell me something?" Michael spoke up.
"What do you mean?" She looked up in surprise.
"I mean, the way he was acting so buddy-buddy with you. What haven't you told me yet?"
"Oh, that." She bit her lower lip, wondering how she could explain how her father had been Damien's mentor, but after a moment, she found it better to tell him without beating around the bush.
Michael didn't say anything when she had done explaining to him.
"I'm not going to say your father has a bad judge of character to choose Damien to act like your bodyguard of some sort," he said after a long pause.
"My father wouldn't have chosen him unless he knew Damien could do the job," Manda retorted, unable to help defending her father.
"Which I'm sure he could," he replied sardonically.
"You've seen he's capable of helping us."
"That's what worries me."
She folded her arms and glared at him. "I've had it with you, Michael. You're so overprotective. I can be a friend to whomever I want to be with."
"I'm sorry," he said in a quiet voice. "This past couples of days has been a little trying for me."
"I'm just glad it's over. No more reunion party for me."
"Even in ten years time?"
"This would be the first and the last."
"Good, but I still owe you a swimming lesson," he reminded her, sitting at the edge of her bed.
"Do I have to?" She looked at him pleadingly. The thought of wading through the dark sea almost made her feel claustrophobic.
"You won't be alone. You can ask Amy, too, to help you," he said, referring to her roommate, who was one of the best swimmers in campus.
"I know. I'm -- I'm just a little scared," she admitted.
"There's nothing to worry about." He planted a kiss on top of her head, and she felt her worries melted away. She looked up at him, and they smiled.
Then he cleared his throat. "Umm, you better get ready to leave the hospital." He stood from the bed. "You know, there's one thing I'd like to change about all this, though."
"What is it?" She suddenly felt apprehensive.
He smiled at her. "Why do we always end up in the hospital every time we solved a case? I'm beginning to loathe it. Plus, we have to cover all the hospital bills."
She made a face. "I know. I'll try not to get involve in violent activities the next time," she quipped.
"We're going to have a long talk about that," he told her with a serious look. "You should get ready. I'll wait for you outside."
Once Manda was ready, and released from the hospital, they headed to Fern Island PD. After signing their statements, Detective Moretti took them to see Ritchie in the conference room. A police officer was guarding outside the door when she and Michael entered the room. Ritchie was sitting behind a large table, both of his wrists were handcuffed together.
"Well, look who's here," Ritchie drawled when he saw them. The five o'clock shadow around his jaw made him looked more rugged and dangerous. "What's up, babe?" he asked Manda.
"Uh, hi, Ritchie," she said nervously. She sat down opposite of him, but Michael remained standing. "We came to see how you're doing."
"Aside from going to a pen? Not bad at all." He studied her carefully with his dark eyes. "Heard what happened. Are you okay?" he asked gruffly.
"I'm fine. I... I'm really sorry for everything."
"Don't say anything, babe. I should be glad that you've found the person who murdered Rachel. I should have seen it earlier," he growled, clenching his fists.
"It really wasn't your fault," she protested.
"Don't try to make excuses for me," he said roughly. "I could never be a good person, even if I could, I always find myself committing more crimes to those who deserves it."
Manda didn't say anything, disappointed by his explanation. "I'm sorry you feel that way. I believe you can still change to be a better person," she told him a moment later. "I... I'll try to keep in touch."
This time Ritchie was silent, but his dark eyes spoke voluminous as he looked at her. Only she wasn't sure what he was thinking.
"Let's go, Michael," she told him, getting up from her seat.
"Hey, Mackenzie," Ritchie said before both of them left the room.
Michael turned, surprised that Ritchie was addressing him.
"Take good care of her," Ritchie told him tersely.
"I always am."
Three weeks later...
Michael frowned, as he stared at the computer monitor in front of him, reading the words he had just typed. Creation of multiscale experimentation environments that enable -- That enable what? He was about to delete the sentence when a knock on his door stopped him. He glanced at the digital clock next to his computer. A quarter to seven. He wouldn't be meeting Manda and Amy around seven-thirty for dinner. Sighing, he got up from his chair and opened the door.
"Hi, Michael," Manda said, breezing into the room and perched on his bed.
"Well, come in," he said dryly.
She glanced around his room with a preoccupied look. "Where's your roommate?"
"Library. How's class today?" he asked, noticing she was clutching an envelope in her hand.
"Professor Jensen gave us a pop quiz today. I blew it. I wasn't prepared!" Despite that, she looked as if she was bubbling to blurt out something else.
"Okay. What's up?"
"I've got a call from Detective Moretti this afternoon. He said Jackie has recovered from her head injury and she's confessed to Rachel's murder."
"That's great, right?"
She nodded. "She'll be sentenced soon. That's not all. I went to Ritchie's trial today. He's been given an eight-year-sentence in Otisville. Five, for good behavior."
"By the time he gets out in eight years, he'll be... what? Thirty-three?" Michael guessed.
"I'm planning to help him out once he's been released. It's the least I could do -- even if he doesn't need my help."
Michael didn't think Ritchie would want anyone to help him. The guy was too stubborn, too proud. So, Michael didn't say anything to Manda.
"What's that in your hand?" he asked, changing the subject.
"Huh?" She looked at him in confusion, before she glanced at her hand. "Oh, this. Just another overdue reminder for my dad's hospital bill," she said nonchalantly, waving the subject away.
"You still haven't paid, yet?"
"My dad's insurance couldn't cover everything since he'd been admitted to the hospital. Don't worry, I will think up of getting fast money to pay all those bills."
"What about the money your Uncle Connor had given you for your dad? Fifteen grand, wasn't it?"
"I... Uh, I've spent all of it," she replied, looking embarrassed.
"Say again?" Michael stared at her incredulously.
"I've used it to repair my house. Remember that bomb blast at the porch, and -- and that fire in the basement? You don't expect me to live in an unsafe house, do you?"
He grimaced. "What about that part time job you got?"
"Washing dishes in a restaurant doesn't exactly give you five-digit-salary. I need to think up of something else."
He frowned. "I hope you're not getting ideas, Manda. Sometimes, I hate these crazy ideas of yours. Are you sure you don't want my help?"
She gave an exasperated sigh. "We've already talked about this. I don't like borrowing money."
"This isn't about your pride and stubbornness. Be sensible, and think logically."
"I've already made up my mind. There's nothing you can do to change it." She lifted her chin.
"Fine," he said through clenched teeth.
"Sheesh, Michael, you're so uptight. I can handle this, don't you worry," she said with an assuring smile.
This was something he needed to be worried about, but he rather not think about it tonight. Tonight, he felt like doing something to unwind himself. Maybe Manda was right. He did feel a little uptight since they got back from Goldworth Isle.
"Let's go to the amusement park in Apple Point," he told her. "Bring Amy, too. Later, we'll have dinner. I'm buying tonight."
She stared at him, her mouth hung open. "You're crazy."
He gave her a devilish smile. "Honey, don't you realize by now that you won't stop driving me crazy?"
A/N:
Once again I'd like to thank everyone who has taken their time to read my story. There'll be MR6 in future, if anyone's interested. I know I sound like a broken record, but thanks again for sticking around. I really appreciate it.Raven