Murdersdale 22: Finale

The cup of tea, like all of the few things about Corndale that Miranda liked, was now just a pleasant memory. On a ship en route Spain, all she could do was reminisce the time she spent in that town.

Albeit most of it was spent in constant danger of being killed, she enjoyed a thrill that she had never felt for a while. The bad people they'd left in the dust: Scarecrow Thomas and his gang, Sheriff Mantle, Bucky and his gang - it had all been worth it.

The Sheriff was to be hanged in a week from present day. She couldn't help but feel sorry for him, but it only seemed fair that a man who brought down the law strictly on other criminals got it too. His face fell when he was sentenced, but nothing more was said.

Scarecrow Thomas and his gang were to be hanged on the same day as well. They broke into high-pitched sobs and cries, but that was futile.

Bucky and his Gang got 20 years each: the state frowned on armed robbery heavily. Compared to their 'colleagues', the sentence might have as well been a slap on the wrist. They did not appeal it for fear of angering the judge.

Those whose fates were still undecided: Cornelius Finnegan. He hadn't been found yet, testament to how good he was, but now the FBI knew about him. And he was on the most wanted list, so that was that. Rumor had it that some of his properties were sold to generate a bounty of 10,000 dollars which was then placed on his head in the Black Market. Finnegan was wanted alive, by crook or by hook.

Martha and the others back at the town decided to stay. As was expected of them anyway. Not only was that Thier only home, but someone had to continue Lady Cynster's legacy in America. Miranda understood that perfectly.

And Jedidiah? That was another story. She didn't know where they stood. And something told her she never would. If the hot, steamy kiss they shared before she boarded the ship told her anything, it was a promise of things to come when (or if) he would come to Spain as he promised. But she knew what his job was like. And its demands. And the commitment it required.

"It's me or justice," she told herself. He would either have to choose between what he had devoted his life to and a woman he'd only a met less than two weeks ago.

The odds weren't in her favor.

As a loan tear streaked down her cheek, she dabbed at it with a handkerchief. The memories were still there, and she'd get over him if he didn't come.

A knock on the door of her suite broke her outnofbher reverie.

"Room Service!" The male voice on the other side called.

She u locked the door, called out for him to come in, and went to sit on the bed, getting herself ready to get out and enjoy some ocean breeze before the man spoke again.

"Being cautious are we? I take it the diadem is in that bag?"

Looking up at the source of the voice, she saw a man with a gun leveled at her forehead. She froze.

"Pardon my manners. Cornelius Finnegan here, pleased to make your acquaintance for the short period of time we shall cross paths."

"You...b@stard!"

*****

"One would think someone in your situation wouldn't let their guard down so, but then that's too much of an expectation from you eh? The bad guys were caught, save one who was on the FBI's most wanted list, you had solved the case, and the diadem was in your position. Surely you could relax, eh?" He sneered.

"How did you get on this boat?"

"Explanations and narrations are too tedious. Besides, what good will it do you? You're as good as dead. Just know that I have sworn to not only thrive in this Earth, but to excel. By any means possible. I lost a lot when I abandoned everything at Corndale, bit looks like with that diamond, I'll be well on my way to rebuilding that fortune. And in America again, just to spite you Spanish b@stards!"

He cocked the gun.

Well, this is where I say 'farewell'; I have places to be while I'm still on this stupid ship.

Miranda closed her eyes, preparing for the sound that would take her life, but as she did so, she saw slight movement at the doorway. The doorway that Finnegan left open. Error.

The crack made her open her eyes and she watched as Finnegan crumpled to the ground, his skull slightly depressed and blood flowing from his nose.

"What the..."

"Would you look at that? Looks like we're equal now."

That voice!

Looking up, she confirmed her suspicions. Jedidiah Manson in the flesh, a baseball bat in his hand.

"What are you doing here?"

"Final cleanup. Had a feeling he was going to pull something like this," he said casually.

"Y-you boarded the ship separately after you said goodbye for this, didn't you? You saw him board after me?"

"Uh-huh. I reckoned he'd stay low and go for who had what he wanted. I've been looking for him everywhere on this ship for the past three days, but when I couldn't find him, I decided to just watch over you, knowing he'd come when..."

He was silenced by Miranda wrapping her arms around his neck and planting a kiss on his lips.

"I thought... I..."

"That we wouldn't meet again? I said I'd come to Spain. Guess I am fulfilling that promise now, aren't I?"

She grinned brightly before kissing him again.

"Yes. Yes you are."

*****

The End!

Finally!

My first full book(?) on read cash done and dusted. My fingers are killing me, but it was worth it, from beginning to end!

Huge thanks to all those who followed this every step of the way, no matter how long it took me to upload at times.

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