The Cinderella Murder

Epilogue

Two months later, Alex Buckley looked out from the television screen in Laurie’s living room. “She became known to the public as Cinderella,” he said solemnly, “but to a mother, she was always Susan. And tonight, on May 7, exactly twenty years after her death, we hope you feel you know her as Susan, too. Her case is now officially closed.”

A round of applause broke out as the program ended. They had all gathered here to watch together: Laurie, her father, Timmy, Alex, Grace, Jerry. Even Brett Young had joined them. He was so happy with the show that he had flown Rosemary, Nicole, and Gavin to New York for their viewing party.

“Congratulations,” Leo declared, holding up his beer bottle for a toast. “To Under Suspicion.”

They all clinked glasses-Timmy’s filled with apple cider-and then someone yelled out, “We need a speech, Laurie.”

“Speech, speech,” they all began to cheer.

She rose from her spot on the sofa. “Talk about a demanding crowd,” she joked. “First off, Under Suspicion has always been a group effort. The show wouldn’t be the same without Alex, and probably wouldn’t have been made if not for Jerry and Grace. And I think it’s safe to say that Jerry took an extra hit for the team this go-round.”

They groaned at the pun. Two months ago, she couldn’t have imagined making light of the horrible assault. But Jerry had recovered fully, and the man who’d assaulted him, Steve Roman, was dead. Jerry himself jokingly referred to the beating as a reminder that he shouldn’t sneak out for junk food.

“And Timmy and Leo,” Laurie added, “I’d say the two of you should have pushed the studio to be listed in the credits.”

“That would’ve been cool,” Timmy announced gleefully.

“Hey, don’t forget a shout-out for the guy who signs the checks,” Brett jokingly chided. “And who made sure you aired on May seventh.”

“Thank you for that gentle reminder, Brett. And I’m sure the fact that May seventh fell during sweeps was completely a coincidence. But most of all,” Laurie said in a more serious tone, “I want to thank Rosemary.”

They all gave another round of applause.

“You were our inspiration throughout the entire production-from the early research to Alex’s closing line. I don’t often talk about the loss we suffered in my own family.” She smiled gently at Timmy and Leo. “Losing a loved one is hard enough, but not knowing who did it, or why, is its own kind of torment. For me, every day has gotten just a little better since we finally got our answers. I only hope the same will be true for you.”

Rosemary wiped away a tear. “Thank you so much,” she said quietly.

Laurie noticed Nicole pat Rosemary soothingly on the back. Rosemary had vowed to forgive Nicole for the long delay in discovering who had killed Susan, but Laurie knew true forgiveness would take time.

Grace, always quick to lighten the mood, jumped from her chair and began topping off glasses. “So am I the only one who caught Keith Ratner on Morning Joe today? Seems like he’s had a conversion of a different kind.”

Undoubtedly timed to coincide with the airing of Under Suspicion, Keith’s tour on the talk-show circuit was billed as an “insider’s view” of Advocates for God. Martin Collins was already facing multiple abuse charges stemming from the videos discovered at his home. According to Detective Reilly, federal prosecutors were also putting together a racketeering case, alleging that Collins had used the church as a corrupt enterprise to cover criminal activity ranging from theft to bribery to extortion to his own predatory acts against children. Keith was not only cooperating with police but also using his disenchantment with the church to get back in the spotlight.

“Well, his PR tour is working,” Laurie said. “A publishing friend told me there’s a bidding war for the memoir he’s pitching. Madison and Frank Parker are using the case as publicity, too. Variety reported yesterday that Frank has given Madison a small but ‘comeback-worthy’ role in his next film. She’ll be playing a ruthless businesswoman willing to do anything to get ahead.”

“Talk about typecasting!” Leo said.

When Rosemary went to leave, she gave Laurie a long hug at the door. “I think you and Susan would have been such good friends. Please, stay in touch. It would mean so much to me.”

“Absolutely,” Laurie assured her. Rosemary’s approval meant more to her than any ratings or awards her show might earn.

Alex was the last to leave. At the door he said, “Congratulations, Laurie. The show was spectacular.” He started to kiss her cheek, then involuntarily reached out his arms, and she stepped into them. His lips found hers and, for a long minute, they clung to each other.

Then as they stepped apart, he said, “Laurie, get something straight. I’m not a man about town. I’m a guy who’s desperately in love with you and willing to wait.”

“I don’t deserve that,” Laurie said.

“Yes, you do. And you’ll know when the time is right.”

They smiled at each other. “Not too much time,” Laurie whispered, “I promise.”

They both became aware of a small figure in the hallway to the bedrooms. Timmy was smiling happily. “Awesome!”