Stone looked at me with pain in his eyes. I knew he felt it too. Whatever had grown between us was beyond just this case. I relied on him.

The way he chased away my nightmares, how he knew what I needed before I even said it, was a privilege I never knew I’d have to learn to miss.

“Three days,” he answered.

The pit in my stomach grew. Only three days before I had to say goodbye.

I nodded as my family stood, realizing the majority of the town was rapidly filing out.

“Where are they off to?” my mother asked.

“The sheriff’s office,” I answered.

My entire family turned toward me, and Stone waited patiently for me to take a breath before letting them know what happened.

“The Coastal Killer has been arrested,” I said, the words not feeling real.

My brother and sister-in-law looked at each other, shock on their faces. My mother and father immediately went on about what great news this was for the town, how much news coverage this would attract to Briarport.

“Mallory!” my mother exclaimed, catching my friend as she walked by.

It’d been a few days since I’d seen her, and I gave her a friendly wave to join us.

“Are you heading to the sheriff’s office too?” I asked.

“Of course,” she scoffed. “This is the most interesting thing to happen to this town in years.”

“I’m not sure what everyone thinks they’ll see,” Stone muttered. “He’s already inside for processing.”

“Doesn’t matter,” Mallory said. “Tourists will flock to whatever they think the newest entertainment is.”

“You’re not a tourist,” Stone pointed out, and I watched her nostrils flare at the comment.

“I imagine you’ll be leaving soon, then,” Mallory said. “And Len can finally return to her apartment.” I didn’t miss the smug grin spreading across her face.

“We should go with you,” my mother said, stepping up next to Mallory.

“You’re welcome to join,” she answered, smiling brightly at my parents.

I didn’t have the stomach to tag along. Stone was right—it was unlikely they’d even catch a glimpse at Ethan. My mother more likely just wanted to be near the news cameras.

I, however, preferred to stay far away from that spotlight. I’d had enough of the Coastal Killer for a lifetime. With him in prison, the victims would know justice, and my job was finally complete. I could go back to living a peaceful, quiet life.

My parents started to wander away as Mallory led them off, giving me a quick wave goodbye. I nodded to her but stayed put with my brother and Stone.

“We’re going to head home. You two heading back to your place?” Calvin asked Stone.

He nodded and grabbed my hand. “I think we’ve had enough excitement for the day,” he admitted.

For a lifetime.