Page 50 of Stolen
“Areyou sure he’s the killer of those ten women?” Preston asked SynTanner. Lying on a stretcher, his body was battered and bruised but the only thing on his mind was Blossom.
“Where’s Blossom?” SynTanner asked.
“She’s in the other ambulance getting patched up, but she’s okay. Chance had already been carted off. His wound wasn’t fatal but I suppose you did that on purpose, just to make sure he can be convicted.” SynTanner didn’t say anything.
“Listen. I should have followed my gut instinct but Chance told me he was innocent and I—”
“You chickened the fuck out, that’s what you did. You let years of police work go to waste. A psychopath lied in your fucking face and that was all. You should have continued investigating, searching for reasons why. Instead, you pointed the blame at Blossom, got angry and then for whatever reason let Chance turn you into a bitch. You would bend the rules for him. You would blatantly try to push me and Blossom from continuing to investigate because you didn’t want to persecute him because he’s rich and he holds power. He could have killed her. Could have killed me. And no, he’s not the killer of ten women. He’s the killer of eleven. One whose death could have been prevented if you’d listened in the first place.”
“But you have to understand—”
“I don’t have to understand anything Preston. I came into this thing because I believe in the good work. I believe in protecting the civilians. I believe in justice. Not whos’ rich and who’s powerful!” SynTanner sat up. He rolled off the stretcher. Even though his body ached, he had no serious wounds.
“Look at me. Battered. Bruised. Tore the fuck up. And I would take this beating over and over again to make sure that I protected lives that were in danger. Even still, I failed the woman that died today but I damn sure won’t ever sit around and not seek justice because I’m afraid of someone.”
“In hindsight that is why you’re my deputy chief.” SynTanner shook his head.
“I can’t work for you anymore Preston. Not after all this shit. Not after you accused me and Blossom of murder just to get us to turn away from this because you were too afraid to investigate. Hell, I’m the one with the trauma and I still jumped into the fold. I’m through. Get yourself another deputy.” SynTanner hobbled away from his stretcher in search of Blossom.
She was sitting in the back of another ambulance wrapped in a blanket. The moment she saw him, her eyes lit up as she smiled.
“Tanner!” She climbed out of the ambulance and rushed to him. SynTanner opened his arms and caught her.
“Ouch!” he groaned as he hugged her.
“Oh! Sorry! I forgot!” she laughed.
“It’s okay baby. It’s worth the pain just to hold you,” he smiled. He kissed her forehead. They looked at each other longingly for a moment.
“So, what now?” Blossom asked softly.
“Woman, didn’t I tell you all the things I would do? You know, the take you out on dates, protect and provide, commit to you?! Weren’t you listening?!”
“No, no I was!” Blossom laughed.
“That’s what’s now baby. Oh and, I probably should tell you that I just quit my job. But no worries. I have a good savings account. I can still take care of you, don't worry about it,” SynTanner assured her.
“You quit!” Blossom gasped.
“Did you really think I was going to keep working after that muthafucker accused us both of murder? Fuck that,” SynTanner rolled his eyes.
“But don’t tell my momma yet, she’s gonna whoop my ass,” SynTanner added. Blossom threw her head back as she laughed.
“I promise, I won’t tell.” SynTanner bent over and scooped her into his arms.
“Baby no! You’re hurt!” Blossom exclaimed.
“It won’t keep me from carrying you.” He turned so she could look up at the mansion that had stolen three months of her life. In a way, fate still intervened and her life was right where it needed to be. Both of their lives were exactly where it needed to be. She supposed she could thank a psycho named Chance Lore for that.
* * *
One Month Later.
“Blossom can you get the door!” SynTanner yelled from up the stairs. Blossom quickly closed the oven after checking on her pie and hurried to the front door. She swung open the door, and gasped.
“Sorry for the intrusion. Is SynTanner Monroe here?”
“Umm, yes, yes. He’s here. Come on in.” Blossom invited them into SynTanner’s home.