Chapter Text
Jill made her way through the field towards where Paige had been found, while Gail, Tom, and Cully stood on the sidewalk.
Tom spoke, “Gail-- what is Jill looking for out there?”
“Jill is looking for something she missed.”
Cully interjected, “--and forensics too?”
Gail nodded, “The techies got into her laptop. It had a Will that made it clear that Paige had found Jill, even if she hadn’t introduced herself. It also had a diary that indicated an ongoing struggle with clinical depression, and….”
Tom winced, “A note?”
“Two actually.”
They watched Jill kneel down. After a moment she put something into an evidence bag and stood. One of her hands went to her waistcoat pocket, then dropped away.
Tom asked, “I’ve seen her do that before.” He turned to Cully, “Do you know why?”
“Yes. Years ago she smoked. Then she quit. She used the nicotine gum… for a long time. She’s stopped that as well, but, sometimes when she’s stressed. She still reaches for well, where she kept both things.”
Jill approached them, handing the bag to Gail. “I’ve emailed you the pictures I took first. A syringe. It’ll need to be tested of course, but, educated guess, morphine that she stole from the A and E.”
Gail took the bag and handed Jill the two letters she’d printed out. “One is a-- her note-- the other seems to be a letter for Liz when she’s a little older perhaps.”
Jill looked at the envelope, then opened the other paper and read. After a moment she closed her eyes and tried to hand the paper back to Gail.
Gail held a hand up, “No-- this was just-- a copy. The evidence is on the laptop. Shall I--”
Jill nodded, “Thank you. For letting me find this, and for finishing off the case.”
Gail put a hand on Jill’s shoulder, “And that’s what I’ll do, finish the case. Close it. You go home, be with your family.”
Cully and Jill walked back to the house arm in arm, but Tom stayed behind for a moment to talk to Gail.
Cully put a hand to Jill’s pocket where Jill had put the envelope, “You’re going to explain everything to Liz today?” Jill nodded, “You don’t have to.”
“I do. I just do. Will you--”
Cully poked Jill in the side, “Do not finish that sentence DI Raymond.”
The smallest of smiles came to Jill’s lips, “DCI, remember.”
oOOOOo oOOOOo
Tom stopped the car in the driveway. “They must be done by now, right?”
Joyce put her hand over Tom’s on the center console. “We will love that little girl just as much as we’ve loved Gavin. Whatever the result of the news Liz is getting, about how her mother died, we will make it better with our love.”
Tom leaned over the center console and kissed Joyce. “I love you.”
Joyce smiled, “And I love you-- and I’m hungry.”
They got out and made their way up the walk. Tom unlocked and opened the door for Joyce, who had all the takeaway food in her arms.
He was about to speak when Joyce gave a quiet shush and gestured with her head towards the couch. Jill sat on it straight up and down, her feet on the floor. On her lap sat Liz. Curled up on one side was Cully, and against the other was Gavin. They were all fast asleep.
Joyce smiled and spoke softly, “That’s-- that’s good. It’s-- all I’ve ever wanted for her Tom. To find what I did 51 years ago.”
Tom was silent for a moment, then kissed the side of Joyce’s head, “Me too Joyce-- me too. Now, let’s get this sorted and ready to eat before we wake them up.” Joyce nodded and they disappeared into the kitchen.
After a moment Cully’s eyes opened. They were wet with unshed tears. One rolled down her cheek and she turned to look at Jill, Liz, and Gavin. After a moment of reflection she put her head back down on Jill’s shoulder and closed her eyes.