Retribution

Chapter 47 - Aftermath

Ten months later...

My house burned to an empty shell that night. By the time the fire brigade arrived on scene, it was too late to save the beautiful old building I'd once loved so much. Hearing the glass windows explode frightened me to death. Seeing the hungry flames lick the outside of the house as it ravaged through the insides broke my heart.

When dawn broke through my night of horror, the once proud farmhouse stood a smoking, soulless mess. Charred bricks stared back at me, reminding me of how lucky we were to have gotten out at all. In the cold light of day, I couldn't contain my emotions when I saw what he'd actually done. All around the house, mere feet away, he'd dug a narrow trench, inside of which he'd poured petrol. We wouldn't have even been able to escape through any upstairs windows if we'd become trapped.

Despite such a horrific experience, that nearly turned into a terrible tragedy, a strange sense of peace settled inside me. It seemed as if burning the house down had somehow burned away all of my issues and fears with it. The memories of me and him, both good and bad, were no longer fresh in my mind; they were mere flashes of a life I no longer knew.

Harvey had been so traumatised by it he didn't speak a single word for nearly four months—not to us anyway. Ellie became the only soul he whispered to in that time. It hurt like anything, but I also had to deal with this myself too. If Ellie could be there for Harvey instead of me, then we could both heal without needing each other as well.

I moved in with Charlie for a while. John informed her of his intention to stay in America indefinitely. Jake owned no houses locally, and I was now more determined than ever that Harvey was having no more upset in his life—even if that meant staying around the area.

Jake called Harry down once the police and fire chief had finished their investigations. He brought with him an entire kit to document evidence— "Just in case the CPS lose their files," he'd said to me with a wink.

After the media learned of the latest upset in Jake Murphy's life, the demand for me for interviews, attending hostels, giving motivational speeches and a whole host of other things increased tenfold. Realising this was my calling in life, to help other people stuck in similar situations, I handed my notice in at work before I'd even returned from being signed off sick. The company had been fantastic to me throughout my time, but it was time for me to cut ties with my old life completely and move on to bigger and better things.

Adam was sentenced just a few weeks ago. He received life without the possibility of parole. Harry had gone above and beyond to expose Adam's uncle, who was still remanded in custody whilst the investigation into his exact dodgy dealings continued. It was more than likely he would also receive a life sentence, just for his abuse of power, let alone anything else.

Jake and I purchased a house a couple of months ago, not far from Charlie's. Marco lived in the granny annexe attached to our huge country cottage. Jonny stayed with Charlie. I think neither of them wanted to start something first, but neither wanted to leave it alone either.

Did Adam receive the karma he so truly deserved? I believe so. I'd nursed the anger of wanting him dead, let the bitterness almost eat me alive at wanting to cause him as much pain as what he had done me, but this was his pain—watching me live a full, happy life, moving on without him, was the perfect retribution for him. Death would have been far too easy.

Today, I couldn't be happier. The shocking perspective the entire thing had jarred me into spurred me into making things happen in my life. Now, I am looking forward to becoming Mrs Murphy in just a few weeks. At this exact second in time, I am sat on Jake's knee, my heart pounding as I squeeze his hand in excitement and trepidation.

The tell-tale white stick in my hand is shaking as the seconds tick by. Jake kisses my head and hugs me to his chest. He wraps a hand around mine, both of us now holding the plastic object that will tell us of our future. To share the joy of this moment, knowing my partner was just as excited as me was something I wish I'd had for Harvey. To have a child unexpectedly is an enjoyable experience, but it didn't compare to the thrill of this moment; waiting with apprehension to see if we'd created a life.

We both fall silent as we stare at the pregnancy test. The first pink line appears. I hold my breath. Jake tightens his grip around my waist. What feels like an eternity passes. Then, the second pink line appears. I gasp, and then burst into happy tears.

Jake pulls the test from my hand and throws his arms around me in a bone crushing hug. Both of us are half laughing, half crying. He pulls back slightly and cups my face in his warm hands. Sparkling blue sapphires shine back at me, the water glazing over them highlighting the ocean deep depths I still become lost in.

"I love you," he says, leaning in for a kiss.

I smile as I respond with, "I love you more."