No Ordinary Killer (35 page)

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Collins Paul Reynolds laid to rest to the right of Alice
Lynn Cooper and Elton Paul Reynolds, his parents. Cooper didn’t think he and
Candy would ever get over the truth. He placed a red rose on top the gravestone
and waited for Candy to place hers. He took her hand in his and stood looking
at his name.

“I wish he had turned to me,” Cooper choked out the
words. “I wanted to talk to him and tell him I’m sorry.” He swallowed hard.

“Me, too. It wasn’t our fault and you know it. If
anyone is to blame, it’s mom and dad. As much as I loved them, this is
something I will always be angry with them about. I know mom wanted Aunt Linda
to have a child, but how could she break us up?”

Cooper wiped his eyes with the back of his sleeve.
“How could Aunt Linda not know what Weaver was doing to Collins? Why didn’t she
protect him? The whole thing is messed up.”

“It will take time for us to begin to understand. I
don’t think we ever will. I’ve been meaning to thank you and Dallas for helping
with Molly and Miles. We couldn’t do it without you. I still can’t believe you
sensed the twins were being born.”

“It was the worse pain across my stomach I’d ever
experienced. I remember telling Dallas I was certain you were bringing the
twins into the world at two AM on Saturday morning. She really didn’t believe
me. Actually, I wasn’t so sure myself, but I wanted to show-off for Dallas. I
just prayed we lived long enough to see them.”

“Glad I could be of help. Was she impressed?”

“She’s living with me, isn’t she? Oh, did I tell you
we are all going to Texas for Thanksgiving? Sounds like her father can’t wait
to meet his grandchildren.”

“That’s wonderful news. Don’t you dare go making plans
for Christmas anywhere but together.”

“I’ll be sure to let Dallas know. Is Dennis still
behaving? You would tell me if you suspect anything is going south, right?”

“Yes, he’s great with the twins. He comes home every
night and is so attentive. This is the last—“

“Don’t go there. Give it one hundred percent and if it
fails, you know you did your best. I don’t know if I could have given him that
chance. So he’s one lucky man. I know he was coerced into going to Megan’s
suite that day, but I’m not convinced he … you know what … it doesn’t matter.
Because you have given him this opportunity to be the man he should be for you
and the kids … and I’m … Dallas and I are behind you one-hundred percent. The
past is the past.” Cooper pulled her into him.

“What would you have done if the paternity test proved
you weren’t Tina and Tucker’s real father?”

“It wouldn’t have mattered because no matter what the
tests said, I am their real father. I love them. I’m humbled they are mine in
every sense of the word. Dallas is such a good mother … she’s strong and
opinionated … but we make it work.” He laughed and pulled his sister close.

“I’m so angry with Megan and even though I didn’t wish
her to die, she truly got what she deserved. I’m sorry I said that.”

“Don’t be. I’ve thought the same thing. I’m putting
the proceeds from the book sales from
Malicious
Intent
in a trust fund for Tina and Tucker and Molly and Miles.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“Believe me, there’s plenty there and Dallas and I
didn’t want the trusts to be so large that the money would change them. There
is enough to pay for college and a simple start on life. We decided we’re also
setting up a Collins Paul Memorial for sexually abused children with the
proceeds from
Physical Evidence.”

“Cooper, that’s a lovely idea. I really think Collins
would be happy and proud about that. I’m very proud of you, too, Cooper. I’ll
bet Collins is smiling down at us this very moment.”

“I know he is … I can feel him.”

THE END

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR

Multi-published author Rita Karnopp knew at
a very young age she wanted to be a writer – and penned her first story at age
sixteen. She is drawn to the history of the Native American and strives to
bring alive the authenticity of a time past. Whether writing suspense, Indian
historicals, or contemporary romance, Rita enjoys bringing excitement and the
enduring power of love to her stories.

Rita
currently resides in Montana
with her husband and their loveable Cockapoo named Gema. When she isn’t
reading, writing or doing research, Rita enjoys making dream catchers, gold
panning, crystal or sapphire digging, rafting, fishing, canoeing, and spending
time with her children and grandchildren.

Also
find Rita at:

Website:
http://ritakarnopp.com

Facebook:
[email protected]

[email protected]

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