Coming Home (Norris Lake Series) (36 page)

“I am sorry about Jeremy,” Jesse offered as she walked around her kitchen table to hand Caitlyn a glass of wine.

“I am too.  I think Jeremy just got pulled into something he didn’t understand or was enticed by something that he thought would make his life better. I believe it all started when Beth disappeared.  I don’t know.  He’s getting help.  They committed him to Peninsula Asylum which is close enough for us to go visit him.  He’s calm and quiet, but I don’t think he understands what he has done.  It may take years to get him better.”

“How is your father handling the issues with Michael and Stephen?” Jesse inquired.

“He’s getting along.  I think he’s still in denial about his business, but he and my mother, together believe it or not, have been talking about the issue with Michael. They want to present a united front of encouragement for him,” Caitlyn explained.

“Did they ever find the bodies of the women who disappeared?” asked Jesse.

“No.  Jeremy may have been involved based on the postings on the forum, but they can’t locate any more bodies so there is not proof of homicide beyond the ones that we know about,” Caitlyn said.

“How is Sarah?” Jesse prompted.

“I stopped by to see her the other day.  She’s still weak and doesn’t remember anything about the day on the houseboat.  Physically, the doctors say she’ll be fine and her memory may come back to her eventually.  I hope it doesn’t, for her sake.” Cat said quietly remembering the vague details of her own attack.  It would also take her some time to forget.

“So, changing the subject,” Jesse interrupted, “what about Ben?”

“I think about him often.  He’s still my first love and a good friend, but I have accepted that Dominic is my true soul mate.  We were made for each other and are incomplete without one another.  We may fight and feud and forget how important our relationship is, but in the end we want to stay together.”

“How does he feel?”

“Well, you know men.  How do you ever know what they really feel?  He says he feels the same and he’s feeling good about the future. We’re much better together now.  At least, I know that he values and loves me.  It’s enough,” Caitlyn admitted.

“So what about you and George?”

“George, who?”

“Don’t give me that.  I have heard the gossip.  You’re dating George
Springer.”

“I am not dating him.  I am fishing with him.”

“Fishing for what?”

“You have a dirty mind child. Remember my age.”

“You’re not dead.  You have the right to be happy, Jesse”.

“I agree and I think I will be too.  He’s a wonderful man.  We are good together.  In fact, now that you are being so nosy, he’s asked if I would like to move in with him.”

“Oh my, are you going to?” Cat breathlessly inquired.

“I just might.  It’s been ten years since I lost my Thomas and I could use some regular loving.”

“Spare me, please,” Caitlyn laughed. 

“Hey nosey, you asked!” Jesse chided back then said, “life is good, child.  Embrace the times that are full of joy for they are few and far between. “

“Yes, Jesse, I believe I have learned that over the past 6 months.  Life is full of choices.  We must look at all of the options and make the best choice.  It may not be the road with the most money or the most fame, but it should be the one with the most happiness.”

Dear Sherry:

I want to meet you next month at that conference we discussed.  I look forward to seeing you, it’s been a long time and we have a lot to catch up on. There have been a lot of changes since I saw you last.  There has been love, there’s been loss and there has been rebirth.  I hope you are happy. 

As it turned out Jeremy was behind several murders and a plot to destroy my father.  He was not convicted after all, but found to be mentally ill and committed to a facility. I’ll have to tell you more about that in person.

I think Jesse was the impetus behind Jeremy’s not being convicted.  She found a facility in north east Tennessee where Jeremy will receive excellent care and it’s close enough for Stephen and her to visit.  I’ve seen it.  The place looks more like an exclusive country club than a mental health clinic. 

Jesse and Stephen have become fast friends.  Stephen bought a cabin over near her lake house so he could see more of her on the weekends.  He seems at peace now that we found out what happened to Beth and he cleared his name.  He’s off in New York this month making deals and more money.

My father and Michael have made amends.  Michael is finally exonerated and my father is trying to make up for years of not believing in him.  He started out by sending Michael back to college to finish his degree.  Michael still hasn’t decided on a major and in my eyes is probably on his way to being a professional student. 

I think Dominic and I have worked out a happy compromise. He’s going to cut back on the hours at work and spend more time with his family.  He’s moved to a smaller dealership and has an ownership option.  He and Stephen have gone in halves.  Stephen is the money and Dominic is the experience.  I think they have a chance in making both of them some money.  At any rate, Dominic will be home at more reasonable hours. Furthermore, as the GM, even if it’s not as much money, he may feel more in control of how his time is spent.

We had a little boy.  His name is Conner after Dominic’s mom, which is her maiden name. Dominic’s smitten most of the time, but hates the diaper duty. My mother is going to watch Conner for a few days this month while we take a week for ourselves.  We have an
all-inclusive vacation in Bermuda and are going to renew our vows on the beach.  We need the time to relax and be together.  I will share the details with you when I get back. I am so content, I would never have believed it possible.

Take care,

Cat

Come see us again for the next book in the Norris Lake Novel Series. 

Sarah
Jackson trades her job as a financial analyst in busy Nashville for a dilapidated bed and breakfast known to be haunted. With the help of a local carpenter, Sarah rebuilds the inn.  Unbeknownst to Sarah, a family secret associated with the bed and breakfast puts her life in danger.  Sarah and her friends unveil the real story behind the haunting and exposes the carpenter’s mysterious past.  Will Sarah and the carpenter fall in love or will she find out that his past will be the death of her?

.

Dr. Amy Koresdoski lives in central Texas with her husband, Carl, several dogs, cats, horses and fish; it’s a real menagerie. When Dr. Koresdoski isn’t spending time writing, she’s working in her garden and faculty.

Yes, she teaches information technology classes and dreams of being an expert in cyberforensics.  Dr. Koresdoski continues to write about her favorite place in the world, east Tennessee. 

Look for more novels about the residents of Norris, Tennessee.  Dr. Koresdoski welcomes emails from her readers via
[email protected]
.