“At this time, we would like to extend our sincere apology to Mr. Peterson and his family and we are grateful that we were able to locate and apprehend the real killer before an innocent man lost his life.”
Saige turned to Coulter. “He’s being released this week?”
Coulter leaned close and whispered, “We have to be at the prison at four in the morning to pick him up.” He smiled down at her. “Tell Alex when he’s alone.”
Saige nodded.
“When?” Alex asked.
“I’m not sure yet,” Coulter replied.
Saige glanced up at him. “They’re just going to forget everything that has happened?”
Coulter offered a wry smile. “No, they aren’t going to forget. It would appear that a lot was kept hidden in regards to Quinten’s case and the governor has asked for a formal inquest to be done. He is up for reelection, but this makes the law look like idiots, so he wants answers. As do I.”
Saige frowned as she watched Alex slip from the room.
“I’ll pick you up around one-thirty in the morning,” Coulter whispered as he gave her one last hug. “Be strong.”
Saige nodded and smiled through her tears when Christina wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
Quinten would be free, but where could she take him? His house had been sold years ago by Alex, and she sure as hell didn’t want to bring him to her father’s house.
Which meant that she really needed her own car. She didn’t want to rely on Coulter to drive them around. “I need to borrow a car,” she blurted.
Christina hugged her closer before she let go. “You can have mine for as long as you need.”
“What? You hate anyone driving your car,” her father reminded Christina.
“Dad, I’ll soon have Quinten back, so please don’t get annoyed at Christina for helping me out. I’d have thought that you’d like the fact that we’re getting along.”
Anger flashed in her father’s eyes and his jaw tightened before he visibly tried to relax his features. She felt, rather than saw, Christina backing away from her.
“I’ll see you later,” Christina said, and disappeared out of the room.
Saige moved to stand in front of her father, tears in her eyes. “I love you, Dad.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and held him. Minutes later, she finally felt his arms hold her just as tight.
“I’m sorry, honey.” He kissed her on the top of her head. “I’m so sorry.”
“Please be happy for me.”
He hesitated. “I’ll try...now I have to go out.”
Her father pushed away and quickly left. Not five minutes later, she heard his engine rev before he tore out of the front drive.
* * *
10:45pm
* * *
“Are you okay?”
Alex turned and held his hand out to Christina and, with a tug, she was in his lap and his arms held her tightly against him. “I am now.” He breathed against the side of her head, his chin rested on her shoulder and he felt more content than he had in a very long time. “I missed you.”
“I missed you, too.” Christina turned and met his lips. “Talk to me, Alex. How are you really feeling now that Quinten’s going to be released?”
“Shocked, surprised, damn glad...worried.” Alex held her closer. “Nervous.”