Page 95 of Trusted Instinct
“Hey, look at this.” Auralia leaned in to share her tablet with Creed.
After Recovery, Defendants Transferred to Jail as Charges Mount in Virginia Pileup Case
Remi Taleb,
Washington News-Herald and World Reports
VIRGINIA—Shane and Brandy Kirch, along with Sheelah Morrison, were released from the hospital after recovering from injuriessustained in last week’s massive highway pileup that left multiple people dead and scores of people injured. The trio was immediately transferred to the county jail, where they now face a litany of both state and federal charges connected to the incident.
Eugene Morrison, previously out on bail, was remanded to custody after a judge revoked his release. Additional charges are reportedly pending against him.
In related proceedings, Kendal Cowan has pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges and has received his sentencing date. Prosecutors are seeking four consecutive life sentences for his alleged role in the chain-reaction crash that stunned the nation last week.
Iniquus Security, whose tactical teams were instrumental in rescuing crash survivors, also coordinated the safe handover of the defendants to authorities. The operation included Strike Force, a Cerberus K9 and her handler, and Washington News-Herald’s own reporter on the scene, Auralia Rochambeau. Governor Abby Gail is expected to honor the team, along with first responder teams and private citizens who stepped in to help, at an upcoming ceremony recognizing their efforts.
“That’s amazing.” He leaned to the side and kissed Auralia’s hair. “Nothing will put this back together again. But it’s good to see that there’s going to be some level of justice.”
“That was a very bad day.” Auralia dropped her head to his shoulder.
“Only part of it,” Creed whispered. “Focus on the bottom of that article. In the darkest of times, good people steppedforward and gave it their all. They put themselves on the line. They were tired and hurt, and kept pushing forward to save lives and give comfort.”
“It was a day I’ll never forget. Yeah, it was a dark and terrible day. But look what a village can do when we all work together.” She reached out and laced her fingers with his.
There was more to say, but they both understood. That’s the way it had always been between them—love and trust, and a splash of the Bayou magic.
Epilogue
“See this picture?” Mémère held it out. “That’s when you announced your engagement.”
Auralia and Creed bent over the picture of young Honoré sitting in a side-by-side baby carriage next to Auralia.
“She’s eight months old. Honoré leaned around and held Auralia in his arms, saying, ‘Lia’s too cold.’ And I said, ‘Well, do your best to keep her warm until I can get you two inside.’ And you wrinkled your brow up tight and said, ‘Yeah. I’m always going to do that.’
‘What does that mean, child?’ I asked. And you smoothed the blanket over her lap and told me, ‘I’m going to watch out for her. And then when I’m grown, and she’s grown, we’re going to get married.’ You said it so earnestly, Honoré, with that tone that you get when you’re not to be dissuaded. ‘Are you sure about that child?’ I asked. ‘I guess I have to wait and see if Lia thinks that, too. But for me, yes.’ And that was that. I have never known you to make a declaration without following through. Every blessed thing that you said you’d accomplish was checked off the list.”
Auralia placed the picture on her lap and smiled down at it.
“When you were off to war, that quality kept me sane,” Mémère said. “After what happened to your daddy? I thought our family had done its share. But the first time you were deployed, you told me you’d be home in time to fix my roof before hurricane season. The second time you deployed, you told me that you’d be back in time to take me up north to see my sister for her birthday. The third time you deployed, I got nervous because you didn’t say anything about anything. But then I heard from Mama Rochambeau that you said you’d be back in time to go to Auralia’s graduation. If you said you’d beback, I knew it would be so, because it had always been that way. Yes, indeedy. Your relationship switching over like it did was something you predicted when you were about five years old. We’ve all just been waiting. And when you said you left the Marines and signed on where Gator works, we all said the time had come.”
“Just sat around snapping beans and saying, well, it’s about time for the young’uns to fall in love?” Creed laughed and reached down to rub Rou’s belly.
“I’d be hard-pressed to call either of you young’uns. Both of you have seen too much. You’ve done our families proud at how strong you’ve stood. But even the very strong need a resting place. Better to find that with someone who can understand. I think that’s where I failed your daddy. I know that’s how your mother’s always felt. He has lived a life that we can’t fathom, so it’s impossible to know how best to be a support. Lord knows we’ve tried. It’s a hard thing when you feel like you’re coming up short for someone you love.”
“Mémère, I’m a lucky man. Good woman, good dog.”
“You’re not done doing good, neither of you. And so it’s wonderful that when you rest, it’s in a place where there’s no need to mask. You can talk plain and clear about your burdens. Auralia, you’ve always been my grandbaby, every bit as much as Honoré. I don’t need to welcome you to the family. You’re already in our hearts.” Her eyes misted as she reached out her hand, its tissue-paper-thin skin molded over blue veins and knobby joints.
And Auralia wrapped both hands around Mémère’s, with an overflowing heart.
“But do let me tell you how much joy this news brings me,” Mémère said. “It’s just a wonderful birthday gift.”
They all looked up as the sound of cars rumbled over the gravel.
“Look, everyone’s here; time for food, music, and birthday cake.” Mémère smiled. “It’s good to have you home for a spell.”
Auralia looked deeply into Creed’s eyes. “It’s always good to be home.” And his heart knew exactly what she meant.
The END