Now Say You're Sorry

by Barbara Fournier

  Reese held up the photo of Tim Cole.

  “Do you remember seeing this person, Kei Lien? The one here in this photo?”

  “Yes, that’s my friend Tim.”

  “Just one more picture. Do you remember if this person was in your house that night?”

  It was Randall’s photo.

  “Sort of,” Kei Lien said. “I only saw him for a minute, by the door.”

  “Kei Lien, is that the only knife you have? Like the one in the sink?”

  “No, there are more. I think they are in the cabinet over the window. I think they are there.”

  “Thank you, Kei Lien. You can rest now.”

  Mary Elizabeth offered to show everyone out. She knew Daniel would want to say goodbye to her in private, so she closed the door behind her.

  He moved toward Kei Lien’s bed smiling at her.

  “I am so proud of you for doing so well answering all those questions.”

  He leaned over her to tell her he would be back later, but felt the heat coming from her face.

  “Mary!” he yelled.

  Startled, Mary Elizabeth swung around and re-entered the room running toward the bed.

  “What’s wrong with her? She’s so hot,” Daniel said. Tears and now fear began to take over his intellect.

  “It’s the infections. I can only give her meds to comfort her now.”

  Daniel, feeling defeated, his medical training had gone right out the window. He was now just a concerned friend, feeling sad and helpless. Mary reach over and patted his shoulders to comfort him. He decided he would stay for a while longer, with her nurse nearby of ,course. He pulled a chair alongside the bed and gently held Kei Lien’s hand, laying his head on the soft blanket that covered her. Mary left the room quietly, after giving Daniel a kiss on the side his forehead.

  “I will be in the kitchen if you need me,” she whispered.

  Chapter 100

  “Well, Detectives,” Denton Hollingsworth stated. “I think we have everything we need. Kei Lien’s video confession and her recognition of all else involved. Everything seems to be in order for court. With the video, I doubt the judge will insist on an appearance of Kei Lien considering her frail state.”

  “What about Sara?” asked Lake. “I don’t think she intended to keep the bloody clothes, do you? And besides that, she is also a victim. Adam Chandler raped her.”

  “I understand the situation detective,” Denton said. “But she did pay Tim Cole to keep his mouth shut and to clean up the mess. So, I really don’t know what her fate will be. But she is a kind, respected woman. She was willing to go to jail for Kei Lien. I’m sure that will make a difference to the court.”

  Back at the station, Captain Brown held a debriefing in the squad room.

  “I would like to commend everyone for a job well done. This was a tough case and I appreciate all the long hours required to bring those involved to justice. It’s in the court’s hands now, but our job is not over. There are certainly lessons we need to learn from this case. We need to do better for our community. A young woman was held captive and abused right under our noses and it went undetected for years. As residents and peace officers for the city of Cromwell, we need to build stronger relationships with our community so something like this never happens again. We also have some work to do to build stronger relationships with one another. We lost two of our own. Did it have to end that way? We must do better. We will do better. I have already started researching training opportunities that will help us handle mental health issues more effectively. I’m also in contact with some of our local organizations to discuss ways we can work together with our residents to keep our city a safe place for all. Stay tuned for updates soon. Nonetheless, I am proud of all of you. This was not easy for anyone. Dismissed.”

  The sentencing for each person involved took place in the Cromwell Court House one month later. Even though each trial seemed long, the jury deliberations were swift. The verdict for all parties, GUILTY.

  SARA HUNTER

  “Sara Hunter you are released to do 1300 hours of community service, plus revocation of your Medical Examiner License.” The judge continued. “All the clothing you took from Chandler’s home was sent to the lab. The DNA proved Mr. Chandler and Sergeant Martin Kelsey - as well as countless others still yet to be identified - had victimized Kei Lien Chandler.”

  Sara was not surprised by the sentence.

  “Sara Hunter, do you wish to say anything at this time?”

  “Yes, Your Honor. Thank you to the City of Cromwell. It has been my pleasure to serve as your Medical Examiner for so many years. I know I deserve my sentence. I am fine with it and I am quite ready for a change in my life.”

  RANDALL CUMMINGS

  “Randall Cummings, you are being sentenced to life in Cromwell State Prison for your part in the murders of Adam Chandler and Sergeant Martin Kelsey. Do you have anything you want to say, Mr. Cummings?”

  “Yes, Your Honor. I am sorry for what I have done and for allowing myself to be intimidated by my boss and Timothy Cole. Your Honor, I wish to emphasize that Teresa Kelsey, or whatever her real name is, took part in the death of her so-called husband. I know the jury may not believe that, but it is true. Also, she did sit on her sofa and watch him take his last breath. She agreed to the wrapping paper after she heard why Cole wanted to put the dog tag in Chandler’s brain and wrap him up. I’m also sorry for being the reason that Officer Sorenson committed suicide. I will have to live with that the rest of my life.”

  The rest of Randall Cummings life was short. He hung himself in his jail cell.

  TERESA MASON / TERESA CHANDLER

  Before Teresa’s sentencing, she made every effort to pay her way out of the whole situation. She thought she could buy the lawyers and the judge.

  “Teresa Mason, the jury has found you guilty for your role in the murder of Adam Chandler and Martin Kelsey. You are hereby sentenced to 25 years to life in the South Dakota Women’s state prison. It has also been brought to the court’s attention, because you are not the legal spouse of the deceased Martin Kelsey, and you have no documentation to prove otherwise, a last will and testament will be made available to you and your attorney, stating: you do not own the Strasburg Hotel and have no legal claim to ownership. Therefore, any profit made after his death, will have to be paid to the rightful owner of the Strasburg. Is there anything you would like to say at this time Ms. Mason?”

  Teresa lowered her head. Then raised it again and said, “Fuck all of you!”

  “Guards, please remove Miss Mason from my court room.”

  TIMOTHY COLE

  The verdict for Timothy Cole was last. He was eventually, after two attempts, allowed a sentencing by jury.

  “All rise, the Honorable Judge John Orrick, Jade District Court presiding.”

  “It is the court’s opinion, based on the facts of this case and the findings of your psychiatric evaluation, that you are a danger to all you encounter. I, along with the jury, believe you were fully aware of all the heinous acts you committed. You do know right from wrong. You are hereby sentenced to death by lethal injection. In the meantime, you will be placed in the South Dakota State penitentiary to await your demise. Do you have anything you wish to say Mr. Cole?”

  “Yes, Your Honor. I was bad. I love my mother and I should be put back into that place where they wire your head and make it hurt.”

  “Mr. Cole, you burned down that place. It was called the Saturn Psychiatric Center. So, you won’t be going back there. And you won’t be placed in any mental health facility.”

  Timothy Cole glared at Judge Orrick.

  “I know one thing,” he snarled, “the first chance I get Judge, you’re next.”

  A toothy grin formed across Tim’s mouth and then he began to laugh.

  “Remove Mr. Cole from my court room at once!”<
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  The gavel came down. “Court adjourned.”

  Reporters from all over the country were hovering like vultures on the courthouse steps waiting for the outcome of this bizarre case. As Reese exited, she noticed a tall redhead in the crowd and marched right up to her.

  “I’m going to take a wild guess here,” Reese surmised. “Would you happen to be from Washington DC?”

  Reese knew full well who she was from her media ID pass.

  “Yes, I am. Can you give us any answers on how Miss Chandler is doing? Why she is not in court?”

  Before Reese could get out one snide remark, Emerson approached.

  “Brenda, how nice to see you. Reese, this is my ex. I told you about her. Brenda this is my fiancée, Detective Reese Clayton.”

  Microphones were shoved at them, cameras were popping everywhere, but Reese didn’t notice one of them. She just smiled and continued down the steps next to the man she loved.

  Chapter 101

  Detectives Lake and Clayton found Andrew Kelsey just four blocks from the courthouse.

  “Andrew, my man, are you ready to be a business owner?” Emerson slapped him on the back.

  “I believe I am. Thank you both for all the help.”

  “You do know you have plenty of money now to repair your face?” Emerson asked.

  “Emerson! What a cold thing to say,” Reese said. “This young man is our new friend and that was insulting.”

  “I know what he means,” Andrew said. “I might just do that after I get settled into this new life. I’ll need to hire all new staff to help run the hotel. Then I’ll feel more comfortable leaving the business in other hands while I take care of me.”

  “Great attitude and great plan. We’re here to help if you need us.”

  Chapter 102

  Daniel stayed long hours with his friend when he wasn’t needed in court. Sometimes she would awaken and want to talk a bit. Other times she would have panic attacks if anyone was near her. It was a tough time for all of them. The trials, her illness. All of it was beginning to weigh heavily on Daniel. She was in a good frame of mind the day the judges handed down the sentences. Daniel was once again hopeful. He prayed for her to be normal, whatever normal would be for her. His feelings for her were different, becoming stronger than he wanted to admit.

  Minh and Mary Elizabeth had become very close and decided it was time for a new life. They would sell Minh’s home and move into Mary Elizabeth’s until they married. Daniel was very happy about that. It was his dad’s time. His time to start a new life.

  On this day, Daniel approached Kei Lien’s bed very cautiously, not wanting to frighten her.

  “Kei Lien, how are you today, my friend?”

  Her eyes were closed. Daniel touched her forehead with his hand. Once again, she was burning up with fever. Mary Elizabeth came around to the side of her bed. She held Kei Lien’s hand so she would be comfortable and not panic. It was at that time she knew Kei Lien was nearing the end of her life in this world.

  “Daniel,” Mary said. “Is there anything you would like to say to Kei Lien? I believe she can still hear your voice.”

  Daniel’s eyes began to well with tears. “No, please no.”

  “She is very ill, you know that.” Minh said, standing very close to his son with his hand on his shoulder. “You know there is nothing more we can do for her, except let her go. Let her find peace.”

  Daniel leaned over Kei Lien to kiss her forehead. Her eyes opened slightly as his lips touched her skin. Daniel was holding one hand. Mary Elizabeth was holding the other. Tears began to slip down the side of Kei Lien’s face. Daniel’s tears blending with hers. A single ray of sun beamed through the window and struck the cut-glass flower vase on the nightstand. It was like a prism and created a rainbow throughout the room. Kei Lien, her eyes now staring at the ceiling as a strange, but calming shadow of a figure floated across the room. Kei Lien uttered her last word.

  “Mom.”

  Chapter 103

  Daniel found it very difficult to go to Kei Lien’s services, but, as always, Dad was there to see him through. Kei Lien was cremated. When Daniel and most of the city were leaving the funeral home after her memorial service, Mary Elizabeth Hollingsworth stopped him.

  “Daniel, may I speak with you for a moment? I have something for you from Kei Lien.”

  Daniel looked at the envelope she handed him. “What’s this?”

  “It’s a note. She asked me for paper and a pencil on one of her good days. Your father and I thought it better to wait until her passing to give it to you.”

  Daniel hung his head staring at the envelope. He opened it and pulled out a small piece of paper and began to cry. Inside was a letter scrawled in the hand of a child.

  Dear Santa,

  Thank you for bringing me Daniel.

  Epilogue

  Daniel could no longer be sad. He knew the meaning of the letter. He was fine with it.

  Kei Lien’s cremains were given to Minh as her guardian. Her urn placed on the fireplace mantle until Daniel was ready.

  On a bright and sunny afternoon, Daniel was packing his belongings. After weighing his options, he decided that in the long run it was his destiny to return to medical school. He wasn’t sure what direction his degree would take, maybe surgeon or maybe nursing, but regardless, it was a new beginning for him.

  Daniel asked his dad for Kei Lien’s ashes on the day he was to return to school. He knew right where to place them.

  He took one last long walk into the woods until he reached Sweetwater Lake. He took off his sneakers, socks and rolled up his jeans then waded into the water. He squeezed the urn tightly to his chest, his heart beating against the metal. Before he opened it to pour her ashes into the clear, cool water he glanced upward and said, “Kei Lien…I love you like a sister. Rest easy and know you will forever feel clean, loved and never again will you have to say you’re sorry.”

  The End

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you does not begin to express my gratitude to those in my life that have encouraged me to continue writing, even when I had days upon days of doubt.

  To my loving husband Al, for spending a lot of time waiting for me to shut down the electronics, only to realize I needed to return to my computer to write down an idea or two. For letting me know how much you care. I am also grateful you have a talent for golf, a sport that kept you from getting bored while I was writing, at least in the warmer weather. You will forever and a day be my squeeze. I love you.

  To our daughter Crystal Dovigh, our angel on earth, for the hours of time you invested reading and re-reading every draft of this manuscript. Fixing a phrase, crossing a t, dotting an i. For offering critiques and suggestions that helped bring my vision for the characters and story to life. Thank you for teaching me how to navigate this white screen, eye reddening, sometimes mind-boggling machine on which I wrote this manuscript. For knowing when I needed to vent. For encouraging me to keep going. You are smart. You are beautiful inside and out with a heart as big as Texas. You are the very best part of our lives and of course you will forever and ever be our baby girl. I love you. The story may be mine, but I could not have done this without you.

  To Jeff Dovigh, (our wonderful son-in-law), Christine, Jackie and her mom, thank you for taking your time to read and offer your critique on my manuscript. For encouraging me to aim for the stars with your kind words.

  To Jeff Larson of Jeff Larson Law firm in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, I thank you for taking the time to explain a little bit about the laws in your state. Also, for being what I call a touchable human being. Your insight, as well as your love of South Dakota, shines through with every word. It is because of you that I made the Captain of my fictitious Cromwell Police Department, the first Lakota female to ever hold that position.

  To Attorney Melissa Fiksdal of Jeff Larson L
aw, thank you for your words of encouragement in writing this book. For information I may have missed when speaking to Jeff. You are both a treasure to the state of South Dakota.

  To Lockwood Zahrbock Kool Law firm in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Rhonda Lockwood & Rachel Preheim, I thank you for your help with questions on admissible facts in rape cases. South Dakota must be an amazing place to live. The people I spoke with are so friendly and willing to help. Wishing all of you the very best.

  To Pauline Bartel, many thanks for your professional critique of this manuscript, your ideas on what to keep what to omit, suggestions, all made a difference to the final product.

  To my dear friend and author Attorney Todd Monahan, for your time, advice and suggestions. I have the greatest respect for you. Thank you for being there for me.

  To Author David Wilson, my new friend, thank you does not begin to describe the gratitude I have for you. Thank you for taking the time to read my manuscript and provide thoughtful suggestions and changes. I also appreciate all of your guidance on how to navigate the world of self-publishing. You never hesitated to answer the phone or answer an email when I had a question. It helped me tremendously.

  To Dr. John P. DeLuca, Author and good friend, many thanks for reading my manuscript and providing me with a thoughtful critique for the back cover of my novel.

  To Caroline Teagle Johnson, my designer, who’s incredible talent has taken my vision from thought to cover creating the backdrop for which this novel takes on a life of its own.

  Finally, to my siblings, Irene Mieczkowski, Joanie Hoffman, Linda Biittig, and Edward Biittig, their spouses along with the rest of my wonderful family extended and otherwise, here on earth and those who have taken that journey to an afterlife. I love you all.

  Barbara Fournier, author of Now Say You’re Sorry, a detective mystery set in South Dakota, remembers her first writing classes at a community college in the Hudson Valley. She never imagined seeing her name on the cover of a book nor sitting at the desk of a bookstore signing her creation for the first time.