Now You See Me
by Susan Thompson

Epilogue

Erin and Carson sat close together on the sofa. Carson’s head was tucked under her chin while they relaxed in front of the fireplace.

The wound turned out to be moderately severe needing thirty-seven stitches and she was kept in the hospital overnight. Chicago’s homicide division had taped off Carson’s and the Adams’ homes to conduct a formal investigation so the women were at Erin’s apartment in the Benton until everything could be sorted out.

She held Carson tenderly and thought how sad it all was.

Ron Adams had been a victim. He lost everything when his wife died and she could only imagine how she would have felt if it had been Carson. She knew in the same circumstances anyone could snap and try to take matters into their own hands.

And even though the events of the last few weeks had been terrifying at times, Erin was strangely grateful. If it weren’t for everything that happened, she wouldn’t be sitting with Carson now. It was far more likely they would still be dancing around each other at work, both of them too afraid to admit to an attraction.

"What are you smiling at?"

"How did you know I was smiling?"

"I could feel your face move."

"I was just thinking how lucky I am to be here with you like this."

"Because of Adams?"

"No, not really. I think we would eventually have found our way here. All Adams did was force us together a little sooner than would have normally happened."

"You think so, huh?"

Erin smiled and kissed the top of Carson’s head. "I know so. But I have to admit, I’m glad dad hired that private investigator. I don’t think the police would have figured out everything in time to save us."

Carson sighed and nodded her head. She snuggled against Erin’s chest. "When’s your dad leaving?"

"Monday. After everything that happened he decided to hang around a few more days. He’s flying Cheryl in for the New Year."

"The girlfriend?"

"Yes, now enough about them. I have a question for you."

Carson pulled away slightly to look up at Erin. "Yes?"

"How soon did you want me to start as Delphi’s attorney?"

Erin grinned at the mixture of surprise and pleasure on Carson’s face.

"Really?"

"Well, I have always wanted to run my own practice. Of course I would have to have other clients. I can’t live solely on what Delphi would pay me, but yes. I think it would be fun."

"That’s wonderful!" Carson reached up for a quick kiss before she pulled back and said, "Immediately would be great, and of course you would have other clients. You won’t be busy with Delphi all the time."

Erin laughed. "Sorry. You’ll have to wait until Ray comes back. I owe him that at least. Plus I still have the seminar at the end of the month. How does mid-February sound?"

"Perfect, and of course you would start at whatever you’re making now. Now I have a question for you."

"Oh?"

"I like your apartment and I like my house so I was wondering…?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think we should live here during the week and keep my house for the weekends?"

Erin was thrown by the question until she realized what Carson was asking. "Are you asking me to move in with you?"

"It does seem like the next logical step."

Leave it to Carson to point out the logic of an issue, Erin thought. But looking into the hopeful, loving face of the woman she would give her life to protect Erin had to agree.

"That sounds like a fabulous idea."