EPILOGUE

T he following day, the women packed up and headed back to Virginia with some extra baggage. Once they carried out their plan, Oliver would be swiftly dispatched to a place with unpaved roads, no electricity, and no designer suits. They told Milton he was going away to rehabilitation. They just didn’t tell him what kind.

Marshal Gaines got commendations for dismantling a drug ring, and for rescuing a kidnap victim. Chandler also received an award, and a year’s supply of dog chews.

* * *

Vanessa Rowan mended her relationship with her mother and began a small baking business to help raise money for Danielle’s charities. Lori George finished her two-year degree and got a job as a concierge at the Four Seasons in Montreal. She and Vanessa are writing a memoir together.

Patricia was sentenced to ten years in a women’s penitentiary for aggravated assault and attempted murder.

* * *

Bart, Dickie, and Deputy Nelson were never seen or heard from again.

* * *

Benjamin and his father divvied up the S.E.I. responsibilities, and Danielle decided to help with the family business. They were all in it together.

Milton enjoyed spending more time at work. It was what he’d always loved: the scent of freshly cut wood, the camaraderie of his employees, and now, an occasional dinner with Jessica. She was a hoot.