“He met a girl. With no one telling him how to act or dress, he used his father’s cologne. Jeremy put two and two together and confronted him. Ben strangled him. We didn’t see the vehicle leave because he hid it in the cornfield and used the road on the opposite end.”
“What will happen to him?” Scarlett asked.
“Kassie won’t allow him on the mountain. He’s hurt too many people. He lost his shit when you disappeared and became desperate, which led to the shootout. His attorney wants him to plead temporary insanity and get admitted to a psychiatric facility.”
“How do Michael and Lizzy feel about this?” Scarlett asked.
“They visited him. He apologized for Debbie. He’s trulyremorseful for her death, but doesn’t seem to understand hurting everyone else to cover it made it worse. He sees it as a necessary conclusion.”
“I don’t know how to feel about this,” Scarlett said as Leo stood and waited for her and Ice. He led them to his vehicle and started down the mountain.
“Talk to Claire about it. Don’t let it ruin today. The entire town showed up, and Catherine texted they have raised enough funds to help rebuild the community center, Ty’s and Bryanna’s bakery. I’m sure Kassie will also pitch in to cover the rest, but at least the community showed up.”
“Oh, they must be over the moon,” she said, clapping her hands.
“It’ll all work out,” Leo said.
When they pulled into a parking place, Ty opened her door, helped her out, and then retrieved Ice.
“Hello, Sparky,” Ty said, pulling her into his arms and kissing her. “You came just in time.”
“I did?”
“Yep. Kassie plans to announce how much money they raised. They want to introduce the new officers the town hired,” Ty informed her, taking them close to the raised platform.
“How nice,” Scarlett said, listening to the crowd’s excitement.
“How did the job interview go?” he asked.
“I got it,” she said, grinning, unable to control her happiness.
“It seems your day keeps getting brighter and brighter,” he said mysteriously.
Lizzy, Michael and their kids stepped onto the stage. “Thank you for joining us today. We’re honored to stand here and honor a woman who went above and beyond for her community. If Debbie were with ustoday, she’d say we didn’t need to do anything special. She felt she had given back what she received from us when Diana became ill. Even faced with death, she forgave a teen in our community who made a mistake and suffers from domestic abuse and mental trauma. We have given this a lot of thought and believe we must ask what Debbie might do. Ben felt alone in this world. If Debbie can forgive him, then we must ask ourselves, who are we to judge when we didn’t live in his shoes?” Michael told the crowd.
The people tittered among themselves.
Lizzy stepped up to the microphone. “We don’t condone what Ben did. As a community, we failed him and each other. Let this be a lesson to all of us. We will be visiting Ben to provide him with necessities while he gets the help he needs. We have a sign-up list for anyone interested in volunteering. Thank you.”
The police chief walked up next and introduced the two new police officers, starting the following Monday. The crowd cheered and welcomed them.
Chase and Kassie entered the stage next. “Thank you for coming out today. We appreciate all the businesses that chipped in to make today such a great success. Although we don’t have an official total since we’re still going, we have collected $206,000,” Chase announced. The townsfolk clapped and cheered. Ty hugged Scarlett.
“Bryanna broke down in tears,” he told her. “I don’t know how we made so much money.”
“Don’t question it. Be happy,” Scarlett said, hugging him around the waist. The money enabled Ty and Bryanna to save their business and help the community.
“I am,” he assured her.
“Now we want to introduce a new member to our town, Scarlett Peterson and her guide dog, Ice,” Chase called out.
Her mouth hung open, and the crowd parted as Ty led her up on stage.
Saint, Bryanna, Edie, and Barb joined them. Saint walked to the microphone. “We’re here today to honor Debbie, and we can’t do it without recognizing the heroic act of our new friend. Scarlett alerted my mother, Barb, and Debbie, plus saved Michael’s family. In addition to rescuing them, she demonstrated remarkable courage under fire, helping Maria, Harlow, and Cherise Bradshaw. Serenity would like to present you with the key to our town and welcome you.”
Ty brought her forward as she accepted the honor, deeply touched by the gesture. The crowd clapped and cheered as the mayor passed her the key.
“I have one more surprise,” Ty said, stepping to the side.
