Page 159 of D for Dead

He grinned at her, more strained than usual, but still that dopey Vic Boaz grin she had gotten used to over the past couple of weeks.

‘That showed the little shit.’

Amy wanted to weep, relief and grief washing over her.

‘I’m so glad you’re okay.’

‘Me too.’

And then he gave her that dopey grin again, his eyes dropping shut, and he hit the floor.

Epilogue

Victor Boaz became something of an overnight celebrity, having been directly involved in both of Juniper’s serial killer cases.

The first time hadn’t been so great. He had played a part in the Alphabet Murder investigations, but it was his partner who had been applauded for catching the killer, while he learned he shared genes with the sick son of a bitch.

This time round he had saved a victim and brought down the Storybook Killers, as the press had dubbed Declan Rivers and Troy Cunningham. And this was after being injured in the line of duty. He had spent five days in intensive care before being given a private room, his own TV, which meant he could catch up on the soaps, and he had the nurses fawning over him. They told him reporters had been calling, all wanting the scoop, and a couple of the younger nurses had slipped him their numbers, saying when he had recovered they would love to have a drink with him, hear all about how he took down the rogue FBI agent and saved Amy Gallaty’s life.

He had seen Amy once since that night. She had visited him in hospital the day after he was admitted, thanking him and saying she would never forget what he had done for her. He had heard Sullivan had also been admitted to hospital, had spent time in intensive care after being stabbed by Rivers.

Vic understood at that moment her feelings for him, knew where her heart lay, but it no longer mattered. He was already over Amy, aware his new hero status promised plenty of new opportunities with his female fans.

After what they had gone through together she would always be a friend, but nothing more and Sullivan could have her.

Vic didn’t need a girlfriend cramping his new lifestyle.

* * *

Three anxious days Amy waited to find out if Sullivan was going to be okay. She had been certain he was dead, but the paramedics said the knife had missed his heart by a couple of inches. It would be touch and go, but he would hopefully pull through.

There had been questions and more questions.

Troy Cunningham and Declan Rivers were both dead and the clues they had given that they had killed before were of great interest to the police, who were scouring missing persons reports and investigating the lives of both men in great depth, much to the irritation of Chuck Rivers, who claimed the whole matter to be a big misunderstanding and had already involved lawyers to try and clear his son’s name.

David had been admitted to the same hospital as Sullivan and Boaz, suffering from dehydration. Despite his request to see her, Amy declined.

Hickok and Angell told her he would face questioning and possible charges once he had recovered, and she took the news impassively. That chapter of her life was over and she didn’t wish to open it again.

Although his body hadn’t been found, the police were also certain Ryan was dead; an unwitting victim of Troy and Rivers’ gruesome legacy. Amy had taken the news numbly, crying tears for her friend when she was alone with Huckleberry. He, thank God, was okay, back from the vets and bursting with energy, and she took comfort in having him home again. He was a pain, but he was hers now, and she would honour Ryan and look after his dog as best she could.

Her friends were her rock: Heidi, Fran and Gage were there for her while she waited for news about Sullivan and Boaz, taking turns to stay with her. It was going to be okay, things would get better, and Amy knew that for sure the morning Sullivan regained consciousness, asking to see her. She had been at home when she got the call and when she arrived at the hospital Angell and Hickok were in the hallway outside his room, having already seen him. There was another lady with them. Older, pretty, with dark hair.

‘This is Jake’s mom,’ Angell told her, making the introductions. ‘She just flew in.’

Amy shook her hand, a little apprehensive, but the woman had kind eyes and a warm smile.

‘He’s been asking for you. Why don’t you go see him,’ she suggested gently.

Sullivan was pale, his jaw stubbled, and he looked drawn, but the spark was back in his eyes, and he didn’t attempt to stop Amy as she went to him, holding on tight and not prepared to let him walk away from her again. She breathed him in, needing to know he was really with her.

‘You scared me,’ he admitted.

‘You scared me too.’ She traced a finger over his jawline, across his lips. ‘I just met your mother.’

‘I figured.’

‘She seems nice.’