Could she really be this clueless? “Honey, he did more than make mistakes. And for the record, I hope they lock his ass up for years.”

Jo-Jo’s face contorted with shock. “You two were friends.”

“Not very good ones, it seems.”

“Can’t you talk to Marisa and get her to testify on his behalf?”

And I thought I had a big set of brass ones. “No.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “If not for Jack or me, do it for the baby.”

“Clare’s baby or yours?” I shook my head, amazed at the pure bitterness lacing the words.

She paled, and her hand went to her belly. “Jack needs another chance.”

There weren’t enough chances in a lifetime for Jack. No matter how many times he was saved, he would find a new way to break the rules. “I’m surprised you haven’t run for the hills, Jo-Jo. Why haven’t you put as much space between you and Jack as possible?”

“I won’t run. He’s my husband and I love him.”

“Jack won’t do much jail time, and he will be back in your life.”

She swiped away a tear. “That’s a good thing. He loves me.”

Love. I could write a book on it. I started toward the door. My hand on the knob, I turned and looked back at Jo-Jo. “Be careful of Jack, darling. He’s a sweet talker, but he’s a scorpion. And sooner or later, they do bite.” I grinned. “Takes one to know one.”

EPILOGUE MARISA

EPILOGUE

MARISA

Tuesday, October 25, 2022

5:00 p.m.

When I arrived at the small rental house in the historic Bon Air district, I smiled at the fresh cluster of pumpkins on the front porch steps. Alan. He’d done little things like this since we moved into the space three months ago.

On my best days, I dreamed of a future with him, but I was smart enough to know that all any of us really had was now. And today was really good. And I was willing to bet tomorrow would be, too.

Alan opened the front door. He was smiling, clearly pleased with the pumpkins. “How’d it go?”

“It’s all over but the crying,” I joked.

He crossed the porch, took the bags from my shoulder, and kissed me. “Did Richards look nervous?”

“He was beaming.” I’d never seen Richards truly happy, and it gave me hope. “And so was his bride. They leave for Florida tomorrow.”

He lingered close. I knew he was worried about me. “The office will need him back in January for Jack’s trial.”

Jack’s trial would be in February, and David’s case would be heard in March. “Do you think they’ll get away with it?” I asked.