Page 18 of Dead Drunk (Cold Case Psychic #36)

Ronan

Three days later…

Salem Police Chief Cisco Jackson sat in his recliner propped up on pillows. His right shoulder was wrapped in bandages and he looked as if he could sleep for a month. Cradled in his arms was his tiny daughter Marisol Vivienne, who slept soundly. Crowded around his chair were Everly, Aurora, and Wolf.

“She’s beautiful, Uncle Cisco,”

Everly said.

“Frankie’s got a baby sister, Daddy!”

Aurora said.

“I want a baby sister too!”

“You do?”

Fitzgibbon asked.

“Uh, huh!”

Aurora turned back to the baby, who was awake now and reaching out a tiny hand.

“Hello, little sister. I’m Aurora.”

Ronan laughed at the scene and pulled Fitz toward the kitchen, where Ten and Cope were making lunch.

“What’s the latest with Oliveri?”

Fitz frowned.

“He’s been arraigned and denied bail. Now that he’s been released from the hospital, they’re holding him in the medical ward of the Essex County Jail. There are rumors the DA is working on a plea deal. Neither the Commonwealth of Massachusetts nor the City of Salem want this to be a long, drawn out legal fight. I think they’ll offer to have the federal charges, which carry the death penalty, dropped if Oliveri agrees to plead guilty to five murders, Chief Alcott, along with the four jail deaths, and accepts life without parole.”

“He’d be crazy not to.”

Ronan shook his head. He’d never understand why Oliveri had done any of it. He’d vowed to protect the citizens of Salem and to enforce law and order. He was a disgrace to the uniform.

“What about your situation? When will you be back to active duty?”

“As soon as the chief signs off on my return.”

Fitzgibbon shook his head and pointed to Cisco.

“Seems like it’s gonna be a while before that happens.”

Ronan laughed as Aurora climbed into Cisco’s lap so she could hold Marisol with him.

“Seems like she’s enchanted with the new baby.”

“Let’s just hope she still feels that way when she’s a big sister.”

Fitzgibbon waggled his eyebrows at Ronan.

“Seriously?”

Ronan couldn’t believe it.

“Just between us, there’s a young woman at the Tremont Street Mission who is expecting a baby girl. She wants to give the baby up for adoption. Nothing is finalized yet. She could change her mind. Jace has been covering her medical expenses. We haven’t said anything to Aurora. I don’t want to get my hopes up, but they already are.”

“Did you ask Ten what’s going to happen?”

Ronan asked.

Fitz shook his head.

“I’m too scared.”

As Fitz spoke, Everly walked over to them. She motioned Fitzgibbon down to her level. Cupping a hand around his ear, she started whispering. When she was finished, Fitz had happy tears in his eyes.

Ronan laughed. He’d never been prouder of his daughter. She’d been the one who knew Cisco was innocent, when he, Jude, and Fitz thought him guilty.

There would be plenty of time for Ronan to deal with his guilt, but for now, it was time to celebrate.

Their family was growing again and he wanted all the baby cuddles he could get.

THE END