Harlequin Romantic Suspense: December 2022 Box Set by Dana Nussio

Author:Dana Nussio
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2022-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

EPILOGUE

After forty-two hours of labor, Nino Jerome Reilly was born to Paul Reilly and Simone Black-Reilly. The newest addition to their family tree weighed in at six pounds, thirteen ounces. The entire Black family, siblings and spouses, had gathered in the hospital waiting room for the miraculous moment. Angela was honored to share in their joy, most especially since the Black family had closed ranks on all outsiders pending the resolution of their mounting legal issues.

Ellington had been fielding one phone call after another, doing double duty as big brother and attorney du jour. Because of their father’s position in the community the FBI had stepped in to oversee the investigation and interviews. The process was exhausting, and despite his best efforts to not let it show, Angela could see Ellington was tired, physically and emotionally. If they could both go to bed, pull the covers over their heads and disappear, they would. But right then, the luxury of disappearing from their lives didn’t seem possible.

Ellington was suddenly standing beside her, leaning to kiss her cheek. “I’ve got good news finally,” he said, addressing everyone in the room.

They all fell quiet, the circles of casual banter shutting down as his family turned to stare. “Parker has been totally exonerated. With the evidence submitted, especially the cassette tape, Agent Danube’s statement and the results of Angela’s investigation, the state had dropped all charges against him.”

“Thank God!” Vaughan exclaimed.

“What’s going to happen with Dad?” Davis said, asking the question they were all thinking.

“It’s not official yet, but they will probably declare the shooting justified. It was all captured on the home’s security cameras and the video aligns with everyone’s statements. Simone is the only person they haven’t been able to speak with yet.”

“This is such a mess,” Vaughan intoned. “If they weren’t on the verge of divorce before, they are now.”

“Don’t talk like that,” Armstrong snapped. “Mom and Dad always manage to work things out. They’ll get through this.”

“He killed her firstborn child. That one might be hard to forgive,” Vaughan said.

“Her firstborn child was trying to kill all of us. I think he had good reason to do what he did. Especially when Simone and the baby were being threatened,” Mingus quipped. “Fabian pointing that damn gun at you and Mom just solidified what Dad needed to do.”

Ellington sighed. “No matter what happens, we need to support them both. This is not the time for any of us to take sides. I can’t begin to imagine what they’re going through. The next few months will be hard for them both. Let’s not make it worse, please.”

They all fell silent. The moment was interrupted by Simone’s husband, Paul. He came rushing into the room, a wide smile on his face.

“Simone will be moved to a private room shortly, then you all can go see her. Our son is doing exceptionally well. I can’t wait for you all to see him.”

“Congratulations,” Ellington gushed. “We’re all very excited for you two.”

Paul nodded. His voice dropped an octave.

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