“When time allows,” said Ray, “I’d like to connect the dots in that investigation, as if we were preparing to take the case to the prosecutor. I want to make sure Moarse had no accomplices, including Sabotny. I don’t want anyone to walk from that crime.”

“Like they were almost able to do in the Terry Hallen murder,” said Sue. “Justice delayed is justice denied. And our finding the truth in this case was a matter of luck. Think if his death had been thoroughly investigated at the time.”

“It’s justice of sorts, and sometimes you have to be thankful for what you get. The bad guys all paid a price. If Sabotny survives, he’ll never see the outside again. And Mackenzie, bruised and battered, will heal. She got justice for her brother. Now she will have closure, and that’s a good outcome.”

“If everything hadn’t fallen into place….”

“But it did. And we, especially you, did everything right to get a good outcome.”

“The Doc, too, Ray. She’s a good woman.”

“The planet’s were in proper alignment.” Ray pointed to the crate, “Money in there?”

“Yes, everything is signed for, complete custody trail. I thought your plan was to hold on to it until we were sure that….”

“You’ve got all the serial numbers and photographs. Now that we have several federal agencies involved, it might be months or years before this is all resolved. Ma French called yesterday wondering about the money, saying she had a bit of an emergency. She found it. Let’s return it to her. We’re doing everything according to law and policy. In this matter it won’t be justice delayed.”

The words were hardly out of his mouth when Jan was standing at the door, Ma French, at her side.

“Please come in,” said Ray, “Why don’t you sit here.” he pulled a chair for her at the conference table. “Sue has the cash you found. We need you to count it and sign off that we have returned it to you.”

“Oh, Ray, do I really have to count it. I trust you.”

“Yes, you really do. We will sit here quietly so you can concentrate.”

They watched as Ma French made stacks of bills, counting out loud to ten as she constructed each pile. “It’s all here,” she said after she finished. “Okay if I keep this envelope?”

“Absolutely,” answered Ray. “You mentioned on the phone about needing money. What’s going on, Ma?”

“Well, I need to get some roofing done. It was bad to begin with, and a big branch came down on it a couple of weeks ago when we had that last ice storm. But the big thing is Roxy. I mean she found the money and all.”

“What’s going on with Roxy?” asked Ray.

“Well, the vet says it’s hip dysplasia. Both hips. She’s a young dog with lots of years left. And Ray, that dog means everything to Bobby, especially since Pa’s gone. Roxy, that’s his friend, his constant companion. And when I’m over at the school working, I’m comforted to know Roxy is there with him.”

“So what’s the cost?” asked Sue

“I think it will be about $5,000. The vet says after the surgery I’ve gotta be sure that Roxy doesn’t get fat. It will be hard to teach Bobby not to keep giving her treats. But Roxy should have a long happy life.”

“So is $10,000 enough?” asked Ray.

“Well, it will take care of Roxy and do the roof over the back of the house. Maybe the rest of the roof will last as long as we need it. The money is a godsend, just a godsend.”

“Before you go will you sign on this document that we’ve returned the money to you, and that you’ve counted it,” said Sue, sliding a form in Ma’s direction and handing her a pen.

“Thank you so much, both of you,” said Ma, using the table to help push herself to her feet.

“Thank you,” said Ray, reaching for her hand. “I hope things go well with Roxy.”

“They will Ray. They’ve got to.”

After Ma left Sue said, “We need something like this every day to keep things in perspective.”

“We do. Let’s order some sandwiches to go, take Simone to the beach for a run, and celebrate spring before the weather changes. The mountain of paperwork these events have created can wait till later this afternoon.”

Author’s Note:

I am greatly indebted to Heather Shaw for the cover photo, design, and interior layout. I am in awe of her artistic skills and literary sensibilities.

Special thanks to Sergeant Roy Raska and members of the Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office for sharing their knowledge and expertise in answering my questions about police procedures.

And, finally, Mary K, who provides support, friendship, and wise counsel as the book moves from a few random notes to a final draft.

A Final Note:

Readers of this series are aware of the importance of sea kayaking in the stories. For more than a decade I have benefited from the friendship and instruction of many skilled kayakers. There is a special bond between members of this small community who share the exhilaration and danger of paddling on the Great Lakes. It is with sadness that I remember Dave Dickerson. He was one of the best waterman in the sport. I am so sorry, Dave, we missed that last paddle beyond the shelf ice.

Books in the Ray Elkins Series:

Summer People

Color Tour

Deer Season

Shelf Ice

Medieval Murders