I See You

CHAPTER 26 - Live Like You Are Dying

Another trial would soon take place, but this one didn't cause the same oppressive emotional burden that had hit Wyatt when Taylor was in a similar situation. They had all known Tay wasn't being completely honest in his version of events and hearing money was what initially stopped him from saving his brother hadn't come as that much of a surprise. Weren't most violent crimes driven by money or passion? It seemed this one was both.

Lisa was being tried for first degree murder and as an accomplice to attempted murder as well as identity theft, obstruction of justice, perjury, blackmail, coercion, and a host of other charges. Taylor's case was re-opened, but as he was at the crime scene, accepted money, and perjured himself along with obstructing justice, his request for accessory was denied. He was being tried as an accomplice to murder in the first degree and attempted murder which he hoped to reduce to attempted manslaughter under duress. It was all a mess, but Emma and Wyatt no longer cared how the rest played out. They had the truth, and everyone knew. That's what mattered most.

It had been a week since Emma's showdown with Lisa, and they had spent every minute of it doing things they loved. Emma's leg was strong enough to resume her hikes with Katie, Zeus, and River, and they all joined Mike, Jessie, and Li'l W on one of their fishing adventures. Wyatt was happy to have the dogs to blame for not catching anything despite several hours spent in the water. She had started jogging again as well. Luckily, Cam and Jess were perfectly content to take it slow. The exercise was more of a social gathering to burn off 'girl's night' calories from the day before, anyway.

When Emma was out with her friends, Wyatt focused on his photography. After six of his photos were hung at Dockside, Jessie had several people ask for information, so he and Emma designed a simple website to act as a gallery. He wasn't interested in doing anything more. The pride and overwhelming sense of satisfaction at knowing his prints were in businesses and homes around Shelter Cove was more than he could have imagined. Wyatt was finally living his dream as a photographer, and the feedback had been amazing.

Tonight, Emma was hosting one of her famous dinners. It was the first time all of their friends would be together since everything went down. No doubt the conversation would be heavily focused on her confrontation with Lisa, but she didn't mind. The six people that would be sitting around the table, digging into her slow-roasted rack of lamb with basil honey and creamy mushroom risotto were now her family. Being the center of attention was neither unwelcome nor uncommon. Emma had learned that when someone loves you, they don't let you disappear or fade into the background. They hear you. They see you. And best of all they accept you exactly as you are.

Still, she was happy to finish recounting that terrifying moment in the boathouse. And even happier when the serious conversation turned to razzing that was not aimed at her.

"Seriously dude, who swings underneath a water gun? Better to get a wet leg than a wet head," Cam said, using the code Emma had interjected into her story for Li'l W's benefit.

"It was not by choice. Rules of the afterlife. I swung for her arm first and nothing happened. Apparently, I can't harm people after all," the tablet read as Wyatt typed.

"Definitely one of those things to test out before the water is aimed at your woman," she huffed.

"You can't still be salty?" Jessie laughed. "I know your record for grudge-holding is unmatched, but everyone was fine. The water barely caused a scratch."

"Jezzie," Li'l W sighed dramatically, "water can't scwatch. It only flops if you land on your belly."

"You are so right, little man," she grinned.

"And Cam if you're salty, you can use my bathwoom in the hall. Auntie Em put my honey soap in there. It won't sting your eyes."

"Thanks, buddy. Then I can be as sweet as you," Cam winked.