“Can you pause it for a minute?” Heather asked.
The policeman did so. Heather turned to Finn.
“Finn, this is very important,” she said. “Do you remember exactly what Veronica shouted at you through the door?”
Finn thought about it and then answered, “She said: “Quiet down out there. How can you get so excited about a stupid game?” I think those are the exact words.”
“What are you trying to prove?” Veronica asked. “I’m allowed to not like video games. This doesn’t make me a killer. I was home the whole time. I didn’t do anything.”
“Can you play it again?” Heather asked, and the policeman nodded.
Veronica’s song filled the room again.
“This doesn’t mean anything,” Veronica said. “Why are you all against me?”
Then they heard Veronica’s voice yelling from the computer: “Quiet down out there. How can you get so excited about a stupid game?” Then it continued to sing.
Virginia began to cry.
Ryan read Veronica her rights and began escorting her out of the house.
“Wait,” Virginia said. “Wait. How could you do it? She was our only family.”
Veronica shrugged. “I wanted the money.”
Ryan and Hoskins took Veronica away. Finn held Virginia as she continued to cry. Heather and Amy left them to their emotions.
“That was a pretty sad scene to watch,” Amy said.
“Yes, but there is some good news because of it though,” said Heather.
“What’s that?”
“This means that Millie Hoskins is cleared of all wrongdoing,” Heather smiled.
“I’m so glad we were able to do this after all,” Millie said, as she took a bit of her Dos Chicos chimichanga. She smiled at the others at the table. They finally had the dinner date that they had planned on before the murder.
“Me too,” Heather said. “I’m sorry it got delayed.”
“I wouldn’t have minded the delay if it weren’t for such an odious reason,” Millie said. “But I’m so grateful that you all worked together and solved the case. Vera’s killer is behind bars, and I’m able to go out and have nachos again.”
“Speaking of nachos, pass them down this way,” Amy said. They all laughed. It was turning out to be a fun evening.
However, Amy did have something to tell Heather.
“Jamie and I have been talking about it,” Amy said. “As much as we appreciate the offer, we don’t think we can move into your house. There’s no way that we’ll be able to think of it in any other light than as the Shepherd house. And honestly, I think it might make me miss you too much to stay there.”
“I completely understand,” Heather said. “I’m going to miss you a lot too.”
After the friends had bonded some more, Heather turned to Millie to say something that had been on her mind, “I’m sorry about how things went, and how the mayor doesn’t seem to be as doting anymore. I’m sorry Hoskins won’t get that award.”
Millie waved the thought away. “We don’t need fair-weather friends like that. I’m just happy that he had a partner like Ryan and support from you.”
“Thank you,” said Heather.
“And I have to admit that this is most I’ve ever seen my Hosky dive into a case. He seems completely rejuvenated and much more interested in his work again. I know this was a terrible reason for it, but part of me feels like this whole experience was good for him. I think it made him an even better investigator. And if he keeps it up, I’m sure there could be other awards in his future.”
“I think so too,” Heather said.
“I’ve never seen him more dedicated to a cause than getting your name cleared,” Ryan told her.
“He’s my hero,” Millie said.
“And,” Heather said, surprised that she meant it now, “I think we’ll be leaving Hillside in very capable hands now. I’m sure Detective Hoskins will be able to solve any new cases that come his way.”
Hoskins blushed and smiled. Then he suggested a toast. They all raised their glasses and toasted to an important case closed.
The End.
Also by Susan Gillard
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Stay Curious,
Susan Gillard
About the Author
Susan Gillard is a lover of all things mysterious. She grew up in Kansas City, Missouri where her love of murder mystery novels grew.
Now she travels the country in search of the best baked goods and engaging with the locals who often become the inspiration for her wacky characters
Get In touch with Susan
suangillard.com
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