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SIX MONTHS LATER
Maggie’s gaze swept over the worshipers filling the church sanctuary. She never expected to step foot in a chapel and praise God despite the unimaginable loss that shattered her life.
Yet here she was, standing next to Will, singing a worship song. She leaned into Will, their fingers interlaced. His thumb traced a delicate pattern over her knuckles.
A ray of sunlight streamed through the colorful stained glass, washing the church sanctuary in warmth. On the stage, a silver-haired woman led praise songs with a voice that belied her petite frame.
“Come now is the time to worship...”
The music stirred hope within her soul.
When she’d first come to church with Will, she found the songs grating, filled with promises that seemed empty in the face of tragedy. But now, she glimpsed their beauty. Understood the peace and power they offered to anchor one’s heart during life’s storms.
Beside Maggie, Todd’s eyes shone clear and bright as he sang along. The dark clouds that once haunted him had given way at last. Thanks to his new medical team, Todd’s anxiety was carefully managed. No more manipulation or unethical experimentation from corrupt doctors. He would get the compassionate care he deserved.
As the final echoes of worship music faded, Pastor Hank approached the podium. Middle-aged with kind eyes and receding hairline, he extended his arms in welcome.
“Before concluding today, I’d like to share a special story.” He smiled at Maggie and Will. “Most know this couple faced unimaginable loss when their young son disappeared years ago. And though our entire town grieved their tragedy with them, bitterness divided their family for a time.”
Around Maggie somber nods conveyed memories of pain still close to the hearts here. She spotted their old neighbor dabbing wet eyes, Drew’s preschool teacher clinging to her husband.
“Yet seasons change.” The pastor paced, voice rising. “If we place brokenness in God’s hands, no shattered pieces are too small for His restoration.”
He stretched a hand toward Maggie. “I’ve asked Maggie to share how even after tragedy struck, she witnessed the Lord’s goodness and found hope.”
Pulse quickening, Maggie joined Pastor Hank onstage and faced the expectant congregation. She sought Will’s steadying gaze, taking courage from his nod.
“I didn’t grow up in church, and while some part of me thought God existed, I never sought Him. I never knew Him. When we lost our son, I raged at God. If He was real, then how could a loving father allow such agony?” She swallowed hard. “But as I opened my heart again to compassion from my then estranged husband, I glimpsed grace. Slowly over the past few months, I fell in love with a community of believers. Saw pain and loss touch every life but not destroy them.”
Maggie scanned the pews. “If we cling to each other and God, whose grace is greater than suffering, we need not walk alone nor remain broken. Restoration waits to make us wiser, kinder even...whole.”
As shouts of “Amen!” and thunderous applause filled the sanctuary.
Maggie found truth in her words. That though wrenching trials still stretched before her, with grit and her faith in God, she would move forward.
At last, the crowd dwindled down. Todd wandered off to speak to a woman he’d met at the Spring picnic.
Will hugged Maggie. “You did great. I’m so proud of you.” He released his embrace and kissed the top of her head. “Ready to sneak out of here? I’m starved.”
“Can we wait for Todd? I’d like to catch him before we leave.”
Will glanced over Maggie’s shoulder, mouth curving. “Ask and ye shall receive. Here he comes now.”
Todd approached, eyes gleaming with that laser focus he seemed to inherit from their mother’s side. In his hands, he held a small wooden box.
Maggie tilted her head. “Whatcha got?”
Todd lifted the box and gave it a little shake eliciting a clatter. “Scrabble.”
“Oh man, don’t get her started,” Will teased.
“Remember how we used to play for hours? We couldn’t have been more than ten years old.” Todd chuckled. “We made up so many nonsense words trying to outscore each other.”
Maggie smiled. “Until we made Mom mad by laughing too loud way past bedtime.”
Even Will cracked a grin at the memory.
For all their dysfunction these days, life had seemed easier as kids staying up late playing board games. Before Todd began his battle with mental illness.
Todd shifted from one foot to another, twisting the leather bracelet always circling his wrist. The one Maggie had given him, engraved with a metal ID tag for medical emergencies.
“Well...” He exhaled slow and glanced over his shoulder at the woman he’d been speaking too. “Lilly mentioned maybe starting a game night here as a way for people to connect. Thought we could brush up on our skills. Maybe let Will finally redeem himself.”
Todd cast a sly side-eyed glance in Will’s direction.
“Oh, you just try to beat my fifty point word, pal.” Will snatched a tile from the box and flicked it at Todd who attempted to catch it in his mouth. The brotherly banter warmed Maggie’s heart.
“Hey boys, do I need to separate you two?”
They froze under Maggie’s mock warning glare. Then Todd cracked up, shoulders shaking while Will bit his lip failing to contain a grin. Maggie treasured that bright sound of her brother’s laughter too long missing from their lives.
Peace rested between the three of them now.
No awkward fumbling to fill silent spaces anymore. Lingering hurt soothed by empathy, compassion, and faith. They would always mourn the absence of their beloved Drew.
But the gaping wound losing him gouged in their family was beginning to mend at long last.
#
WILL STRAIGHTENED HIS tie in the rearview mirror. Today was Dr. Fischer’s sentencing hearing, the culmination of a months-long investigation that had turned Will’s world upside down. Today should offer closure, yet a rock settled in his gut.
“Lord, help me extend forgiveness today,” Will whispered. “Don’t let me relapse into anger. Give me Your compassion for even this one, who was made in your image.”
Inside the stately granite walls of the courthouse, Will flashed his badge and made his way upstairs.
He found Maggie outside the courtroom, more radiant than ever. His pulse stuttered at the vision before him. Chestnut waves framed her delicate features. The mint dress hugged subtle curves that hadn’t been there weeks ago.
“Hey you.” Maggie slipped her arms around him. Her floral perfume dizzied his senses. “How are you holding up?”
Will savored her closeness. “I’m alright. Ready to get this over with.” He pulled back, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “What about you? Is your neck bothering you today?”
Maggie touched the faint scar at her throat. “Just twinges now and then. Nothing major.” She offered a brave smile. “I’ll rest easy when he’s locked away for good.”
Will squeezed Maggie’s hands. “Well, between your testimony and all the victim impact statements, he’s guaranteed life without parole.”
“I pray so. For Todd’s sake too. He’s come so far...” Pain flashed in her eyes. “I’m just so sorry for what happened to Ray. His family deserves this closure, too.”
Footsteps echoed down the corridor. Todd strode toward them wearing the tie Maggie had picked out. Clear-eyed and confident, he appeared every inch the steadfast young man Fischer had tried to destroy.
Will clapped Todd on the back. “Looking sharp. How’re you feeling?”
“Ready to see Fischer locked up forever.” Todd rolled his broad shoulders. “I already forgave him...but it’s time for justice.”
The bailiff poked his head out. “We’re starting soon if you’ll take your seats.”
As they filed inside, Will gave Maggie’s fingers one last encouraging squeeze before sitting behind her. She offered a tremulous smile over her shoulder.
Minutes later, Fischer appeared. Orange jumpsuit swapped for an ill-fitting suit, he seemed smaller somehow. Hunched and unshaven, the disgraced doctor kept his stare rooted to the table.
Will forced his jaw to unclench. As much as he longed to see contrition there, Fischer’s deadened eyes betrayed no remorse.
Throughout victim impact statements, Fischer listened without reaction. Statuesque as ever.
Finally, Maggie stood at the podium. Poised yet vulnerable, she recounted every detail of deception at Fischer’s hands. Of trusting him with her fragile brother, only to have Fischer exploit Todd in his sadistic games by not only giving a false diagnosis but inducing the schizophrenia-like symptoms with drugs.
Will’s heart broke as Maggie spared no mercy detailing the violence she endured. The blood she shed and nightmares that still plagued her sleep. How Fischer’s cruelty had nearly cost Maggie her life along with three innocent women he’d murdered.
As she finished, tears on her cheeks, the room sat riveted in silence.
Even the judge appeared affected, shuffling and stacking the papers on her desk. She cleared his throat and peered down at Fischer. “Does the defendant have anything to add before I render sentencing?”
The disgraced doctor pushed to his feet. Manacled hands gripped the desk edge as he faced the courtroom. For a breath, his stony facade wavered.
Will leaned forward.
Fischer wet his lips. “No, Your Honor.”
The judge nodded. “Very well. I hereby sentence you to life without the possibility of parole.” She banged the gavel. “Court is adjourned.”
A collective exhale swept the room.
It was over at last.
Sunshine flooded the corridor as they exited the courtroom. “That wasn’t as bad as I expected,” Maggie said.
“You were amazing up there.” Will pulled her close. “I’m so proud of you both. And so grateful we’re all safe now.”
Todd checked his watch. “Hey, we still meeting at the diner? Lilly will be waiting.”
“Of course.” Maggie looped her arm through Todd’s. “I’m starving, anyway.”
The bright little diner hummed with patrons when they arrived. Todd wasted no time joining Lilly, the woman he’d grown quite fond of from church.
Maggie slid into the crimson leather booth and Will sat beside her. When the waitress arrived, Will ordered celebratory milkshakes all around.
“And some French fries,” Maggie added.
As they sipped their treats, easy conversation flowed. Will liked Lilly and it was good to see Todd
“I can’t believe you’re dipping fries in your shake.” Will bumped her with his shoulder. “You’re ruining a perfectly good fry.”
Maggie smiled and popped another in her mouth. “I like the salty mixed with sweet.”
Will shook his head. He wiped his mouth and cleared his throat. “Well, since we’re all together, I wanted to share some news.” He offered Maggie a private smile. “I’ve been promoted to Lieutenant.”
“Oh, Will, really?” Maggie kissed his cheek. “Honey, that’s so wonderful.”
Across the table, Todd whooped. “Nice job, bro!”
“It was time. Couldn’t keep up those crazy overnight shifts forever.” He lifted Maggie’s hand to his lips. “I’ll be home to take care of my best girl now.”
Pink bloomed on Maggie’s cheeks. “I hate to break it to you, but your crazy overnight shifts aren’t over.”
Will tilted his head. “Don’t tell me they snagged you run for District Attorney?”
“No, no.” Maggie wet her lips. “It’s still a promotion, but it won’t require much time in the office.” She placed a hand over her stomach.
Will’s brain stalled. His gaze darted down at her hand holding her belly. “You...you’re...” A grin split his face. “We’re having a baby? Really?”
Laughing through her tears, Maggie nodded. “Really.”
Whooping erupted around the table.
Will pulled Maggie into his arms. He pressed kisses to her flushed face. “A baby...I can’t believe it.” He splayed one large hand over her belly.
Overwhelming love for his remarkable wife and unspeakable joy coursed through his veins. The gift of new life was tangible hope after their profound loss.
“This is an answer to my prayers. I’ve asked God to restore us, to make us a family. He’s heard and answered.” He cradled her face between his palms, smiling against her lips.
“Thank you, Jesus for this precious second chance.”
Pure joy radiated from Maggie’s face. She covered his hand. “I can’t wait to meet our little miracle.”
Will gazed at his wife glowing with new life, his vision blurred by tears.
Though dreams of their future had been bleak and stormy for so long, at last the clouds broke and the life he’d prayed to regain shone through in glorious technicolor.