Chapter Twenty-Three

Six months later Stewart Louis was convicted of first degree murder on two counts. The first for Gritty’s death and the second for Lexus’. He was sentenced to life in prison with review for parole in 30 years. I still had a hard time putting the pieces together. I was searching for a suspect in all the wrong places trying to make it a difficult procedure when in fact it was pretty straight forward. It was staring me right in the face.

I should have known that Stewart was more than an employee. He was always hovering around Lex. They were lovers. Oh Lex, what were you thinking? I had repeatedly warned her about the strays that she took in. I had a run-in with Stewart the first night I brought Gritty there. Now I realize, hindsight is everything. He was violent but I had pushed it aside. Lexus stood up for him constantly and now I understand why. She was bedding him and he was her go-between, delivering food and other items to Gritty’s apartment. Bobby remembered this big black guy always being there but he thought it was of a sexual nature. He was there for Lexus. She refused to step out of her place of business so he was the one that she sent. I can only assume that it was in relationship to the joint parenting over Peter. She was sending food and clothing to them.

On the stand Stewart testified that as long as Grenville remained at his own apartment, there was no need for concern. But when he moved in to Lexus’, Stewart could not stand to watch the affection between his lover and Grenville. It was an easy murder. He killed him and disposed of his body in the Lachine canal. He had the white van and the strength to lift the body. Now it all made sense. Stewart thought that once he was out of the picture he had a chance with Lexus and she would be his and only his. He also testified that while comforting Lexus after Grenville’s death he mentioned that he killed him in order for them to be together. He thought that she was in love with him. Lexus lost it and threatened to turn him in. He had no choice but to kill her as well. He wanted it to look like a robbery so he killed her in the alley.

I had all the suspects lined up but even though they had reason for murder, the real murderer was very present. I felt that I had let Lexus down. I should have protected her more and would have to live with this knowledge the rest of my life.

Richard and I have moved into our beautiful condo and are enjoying life. He is driving me crazy with decorating but I relish in this easy lifestyle compared to the events at the beginning of the year. Richard is running the second office downtown and has a list of very distinguished clients. I must admit he is good at what he does. We are building up a very lucrative business.

* * * *

As for the others … Donald Haze is now the legal guardian of Peter. The boy is starting to trust and confide in him. He never mentions the pendant or why he constantly has it with him and Mr. Haze is happy to have a second chance at parenting Peter but the healing process will take some time for both of them. Whether or not he will remember seeing his mother in the alley is not of pertinence to the psychologists or Haze. Peter’s cure is the only concern of all.

Bobby Forth and his father Gerald have been able to start anew. Although Bobby was charged with forgery and fined heavily, because it was his first offense he was let off with only the fine. He is living in another condo far away from the one that he shared with Gritty and Peter. Another thing that is rather funny is in the newspaper I have learned that Jessica, yes Richard’s Jessica, is engaged to be married. Her future husband is none other than Bobby Forth. Who would have thought?

Marc has come out. He is even dating openly. He met a wonderful younger man that Richard and I adore. We often double date and are loving it.

The sad news is that I have learned the old Mrs. Louis passed away. She must have died of a broken heart. I visited her after the trial and she looked thinner, if possible. She refused all help. I gave her my personal cell number if she wanted anything but she never called.

My heart was broken the other day as I was walking by Lexus’ place. The dozers were there tearing it down. It was bought up by a realtor who wanted to build condos in its place. I stood there with a broken heart as the tears flowed.

I will never forget you Lexus and all that you meant to me. You were my only girl crush, my friend and my substitute mother. But mostly you ignited my spirit with yours. We laughed together, we cried and I want to remember you before Gritty. That is the Lexus I will cherish and love. The Lexus that will remain in my heart forever.