To Mend Love's Heart (Sequel to "The Birth of a Phantom")

Mending Love's Heart ~ Chapter 10

The gun smoke cleared.

Randy lay on the train tracks; cold, emotionless, dead.

James sat up slightly holding his weight with one hand, and in the other he held a gun.

The cops jumped down and grabbed James by the arms.

"You're under arrest for the murder of Randy Carson, and for running after the murder of Lucille Donovan and Maria Corella." One of the officers said as he handcuffed James.

Kristine stood silently at the top of the platform, tears rolling down her cheeks. She was free from that horrible man, but now the one she loved must pay the price for her protection.

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say, can and will be held against you in a court of law. You also have the right to an attorney." The officer continued the routine as he walked James up to the platform.

James didn't say a word as he was walked out to the police car. He dunked his head and sat quietly. He knew he had done wrong. He knew he deserved all of this. But strangly it didn't bother him. Kristine was free now, and that was all that mattered.

___________

The trial was short.

Kristine, Diana, and Amanda all attended, as well as many concerned citizens.

James pleaded guilty for all his charges. It didn't really matter anyway.

Secretly Kristine was hoping he would plead not guilty, but she knew that would never happen.

James was sentenced to life in prison. A fair sentence, none the less.

"Why does Daddy have to go to prison?" Diana asked her mother as they walked out of the court house.

Kristine smiled at her. Diana had claimed James as her father. "It is a long story, my child. I will tell you when you are older." Kristine replied.

___________

New York (1 year later)

Diana stood on stage in a beautiful pink tutu. She was a chorus girl know, and she loved every minute of it.

Kristine had decided to stay in New York and perform and the opera house. She was the new leading lady, and everyone there enjoyed her company. She sat in the front row watching the chorus girls perform.

"Miss Day?" A voice called from behind.

"Yes?" Kristine turned to see Lucas Hart holding a medium sized box.

"This came in the mail for you. It is all the way from Paris!" Lucas said, handing Kristine handing Kristine the box.

"Paris?" Kristine asked. She opened the box carefully. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw what was inside.

Inside the box was an old teddy bear, similar to the one Diana had been so fond of. There was also a single red rose, tied with a piece of ribbon and on it was a silver ring.

Kristine gasped when she saw it. It must have cost a fortune, and on the side was inscribed: My Angel.

Kristine's eye caught a small envelope that was attached to the side of the box. She carefully removed it.  She opened it slowly, and began to read...

To my dear Kristine,

You may be wondering a few things, but I will explain at a later time. It has been a year since James was arrested. A foolish thought but so true. I am writing you this as a free man, however. I have escaped the prisons and have fled to Paris to live out my life under a new identity. I would much like if you could come and visit me with Diana. I miss you both dearly. Do not worry about being caught. James Erikson has long been dead, perhaps six months I believe. He died during a horrid jail fight, stabbed with a make-shift knife.