History of the Forgotten

Chapter 49

A week later all four girls were in the kitchen talking when there was a knock on the door. They looked at each other confused while Jessica and Annabel checked the cameras on their phones. "It's Maxwell," Annabel said recognizing the man at the door. She opened the door with a smile, "Hi Maxwell, what a pleasant surprise. Please come in."

"Hello," he nodded as he followed her into the kitchen. "Miss Ravenstahl, Miss Toma, Miss Lee."

"Hello," They all said at the same time.

"Miss Ravenstahl, Miss Toma, will your mothers be visiting?" He asked and they nodded.

"They are currently upstairs in the bedrooms," Jessica said softly. "They were able to finally come over yesterday and are.....adjusting."

"I have some news," He said calmly. "They will want to hear about this. Miss Laveau is on her way also, I called her on my way over."

"Oh wow," Jessica said leaning against the counter. "Must be serious."

"I have already spoken to Mr. Dixon and let him know. He has decided to stay where he is."

"He and Jeremiah are on their honeymoon," Ebony said as she came into the kitchen. "Hi Girls."

"Ebony," Jessica and Annabel smiled then hugged her.

"I'll go get Natasha and Willow," Jessica said softly then headed up the stairs. A couple of minutes later all three girls came back in. "Why don't we go into the living room?" Everyone followed and Jessica handed Annabel her ring. "I have a feeling you might need this."

"You mean we might?" Annabel asked and Jessica nodded then everyone sat down while Maxwell stood in front of the fireplace. She glanced around and smiled as the men appeared.

"I wanted to be the first to tell you," Maxwell said as he looked around the room. He cleared his throat, "I know we all wish certain people were here to hear this news, like my parents and yours but at least we can take comfort in knowing that they already know since they are watching over us."

"Are you telling us that justice has finally been served?" Jessica asked clutching Annabel's hand and with tears in her voice.

"Yes," Maxwell nodded, "While Mr. Franklin's associates did not survive the stand off with federal agents," He cleared his throat and adjusted his tie making Annabel and Jessica smirk at the instant reminder of Owen, "Mr. Franklin did survive and is currently on his way to federal prison for life without the possibility of parole plus 100 years per member of the Blackbourne Toma family. His company has been silently bought by his top competitor and changes are already being made."

"Life plus 1400 years?" Annabel and Jessica asked in shock and Maxwell nodded.

"Andrew and Nelson Dixon's parents have also been arrested and sent to prison due to their DNA being on the letters sent to Miss Stewart and Miss Lee plus it was also found on the clothing of Gabriel Coleman and North and Lucian Taylor," He said reading something off his phone. "They have received the same sentence as Mr. Franklin. Nelson Dixon's DNA was found on the evidence that was tampered with so if he ever is found to be sane and leaves the asylum he will be transferred to prison for life without the possibility of parole. 90% of the police department has been terminated and the police that have retired and been found to be in connection with the tampering have been stripped of their retirement benefits. We found a list of members on the Dixon's computers and those are being apprehended as well. A plaque is arriving tomorrow to be placed on the house and even though it has not reached the 100 year requirement, that technicality is being overlooked, and this house is now a historical landmark thanks to the dedication and honor of the Blackbourne Toma family who served those that were being hunted for being themselves and loving those outside of what was considered appropriate or normal. They looked fear in the face and conquered it to the best of their ability, showing others that love will always win over hate."

Maxwell closed his phone and cleared his throat. "Oh my god," Jessica whispered then burst into tears and hugged him. "Thank you so much."

"You are welcome," he said as he hugged her then wiped a tear. "Here you go," He said reaching into his pocket then placed something in her hand. "It's back where it belongs."

"You do it," She said turning to Annabel and placed it in her hand.

"Oh," Annabel whispered as she looked down at the missing ring. She took a shaky breath and walked over to the cabinet. She placed it in the missing slot and the room instantly became brighter.

"Oh my god," She heard everyone gasp so she turned around to see all the men standing there smiling.

"Hi Sis," Axel smiled as he walked over to Willow. "You are so amazing, I am so proud of you and River."

"Axel," She whispered in shock then burst into tears as he hugged her.

"So proud," Raven grinned as he pulled Natasha into a hug. "So proud."

"We love you," Kota hugged Jessica. "So much."

"Thank you," Owen shook Maxwell's hand who just looked at them shocked.

"You did good Girl," Ebony smiled as she stood by Annabel who was just watching with a smile on her lips. "You did good."

"We did," Annabel whispered. "I couldn't have done this without everyone's help, especially yours."

"What's that?" Jessica asked as she looked toward the doorway where there was a light.

"It's time for us to go now," Victor smiled softly. "You got us justice."

"But—" Anastasia and River pouted as they clung to Raven and Axel.

"We will always watch over you," Axel smiled softly. "Promise."

"Come on Boys," Erica said stepping out of the light. "Oh my sweet precious girl."

"Momma," Jessica burst into tears as Erica hugged her.

"I am so proud of you and Annabel," Erica smiled as she kissed Jessica's head. "I knew she would be the one to help you."

"You did good Son," Lilly smiled as she hugged Maxwell then his fathers took turns hugging him. "We love you so much."

"Time to go," multiple voices said from the light as the rest of the team turned to see Dr. Roberts and Uncle as well as other family members stood there patiently.

"Come on Boys," Erica smiled. "Tell your girl bye then we have to go." She walked over to Annabel, "Thank you Annabel."

"You are welcome," She smiled softly while her heart was breaking. She knew this day would come but she still wasn't prepared for this kind of pain.

"We will be together one day, we promise," The men said at the same time then took turns gently kissing her. "We will always be with you, even if you can't feel you. We love you, Annabel."

"I love you too," She sniffled as she watched them join Erica and the others and walk into the light.

The moment the light faded she burst into tears and collapsed into Jessica's arms.