Chapter 38

38

ONE MONTH LATER

I was sitting at my office desk, chatting with neighbor Kayla about the Cordelia Bennett murder investigation.

"How does it feel now that it's over?" she asked.

"Bittersweet," I said. "It was sad to learn the reason Cordelia was killed. I'm glad it's all over. Octavia and Dustin are behind bars where they belong."

"And your mother … she saved the day, didn't she?"

I laughed. "She's still talking about it to anyone who will listen."

"She said she reached out to the two ladies you work with, after you left her house, and they knew you were going to talk to Octavia."

I nodded. "It was then she put it all together."

"I'm sure Cordelia's sister is relieved to know what happened."

"Claudette is an interesting woman. She went from refusing to make amends with her sister to deciding to move into Cordelia's house. She believes being there will make a difference somehow."

"I'm not sure I'm thrilled to have her as a neighbor, but time will tell."

"Tell me, how are things with you and Seth?"

She crossed her arms. "I don't know what you said to him, but ever since he talked to you that night he went to your house, he's been a different person. A kinder, happier person. He's even in therapy, which I never thought he would agree to do, and he's taking steps in the right direction. Baby steps, but steps all the same, to improve our marriage."

"I see you're wearing your wedding ring." She hadn't been when we first spoke all those weeks ago. "How are you feeling about it all? Is this what you want?"

"I thought I wanted out of the relationship, but I didn't. I was lying to myself. What I want is a version of him that's more supportive of me and what I need from a partner."

"Do you feel that you're getting that now?"

"In many ways, yes. I can tell it's a little hard on him. He's pushing himself out of his comfort zone for me. I'm learning to be patient and how to help and support him during this time of change."

I smiled. "I'm glad the two of you are getting things back on track."

"What about you? Your mom says you're planning a wedding? How exciting."

"Next year, in August. We've known each other for a long time, since college. It's taken a while to get us here, but I'm so glad we're in the right place at the right time now."

"I love a good love story." She stood, thanking me again for being the bridge back to her marriage, even though I didn't feel I'd done as much as she believed I had. We said our goodbyes, and she left the office. As soon as the door closed, it opened again. I looked up, assuming it was Giovanni, picking me up for our lunch date.

I was wrong.

"I've been meaning to stop by for weeks now," Benjamin said.

"Why?"

"I wanted to congratulate you on solving Cordelia's murder."

"If you and Octavia hadn't fooled around that day, Cordelia would still be alive. Perhaps you should wipe that smug smile off your face when you're talking to me about an innocent dead woman who was my mother's friend."

"I didn't mean to say it in a celebratory way. I'm sorry."

I'd grown tired of his apologies, and of him.

"You've said what you came to say," I said.

"Not all of it. I didn't know about Octavia's plan to have Cordelia murdered."

"I know. She said as much when she confessed."

"I guess what I want to say is, I know what I did was wrong. I justified it at the time because I'm not married."

"But you knew she was, and she was your opponent on top of it all."

"You're right. I … I wasn't sure if you heard the news."

"I heard. Despite what happened, you'll still be mayor."

"Which brings me to the other reason I'm here. I'd like to be more involved in your investigations—in particular, homicides."

I tossed my head back, laughing. "No, thank you."

"Let me try again. What I mean to say is I'd like to help. I'm at your disposal. If there is ever anything you need, just ask."

I assumed his offer was made because of the guilt he felt.

I didn't need his help, and I never would.

"I'll keep it in mind," I said. "Is that all?"

"Almost. Is there a place in this world where the two of us could become friends?"

The man didn't know when to quit.

"I doubt it," I said.

"I would like to think we could find a way."

"I don't see how."

"I know I have a long way to go before I make things right with you. All I ask is for one more chance."

I crossed my arms, tapping a foot on the floor, thinking. Before I was able to respond, Giovanni walked in. He looked at Benjamin and then at me. "Are you ready?"

"I am. Benjamin was just leaving."

Benjamin walked toward Giovanni, extending his hand. "I'm Benjamin Branson. I don't believe we've met."

Giovanni shook hands with him. "No, we haven't."

Benjamin stood there, waiting for Giovanni to say something else. When he didn't, the silence became awkward, and then he did what I'd been longing for—he excused himself.

After he was gone, Giovanni turned to me. "What was that all about?"

"Nothing, really," I said. "Nothing but little empty promises."

THE END

Thank you for reading Little Empty Promises, book ten in the USA Today bestselling Georgiana Germaine mystery series.

I hope you enjoyed getting to know the characters in this story as much as I have enjoyed writing them for you. This is a continuing series with more books coming before and after the one you just read. You can find the series order (as of the date of this printing) in the "Books by Cheryl Bradshaw" section below.

In Little Hidden Fears, book 11 in the series:

Noelle Winters has just thrown the perfect engagement party ... or so she believes.

As the evening winds down and the toast is about the commence, the lights go out. And for someone, the night has just turned deadly.

What Readers are Saying about the Series :

"Makes you want to keep reading the story into the night." ??????????

"A strong lead character and plenty of drama, it keeps the reader engaged ." ??????????

"Leaving you wanting to read more ." ??????????

"I will definitely read more from this author." ??????????

"Kept me on the edge of my seat ." ??????????

Want a sneak peek? Here's an exclusive look at chapter one …

LITTLE HIDDEN FEARS