About several months after John and Felicia has moved in together, John saved up enough money to get a ring and ask her to be his wife. She was touched by the effort he made despite the low income he was making. John had gone back to school to remedy that, but it was going to take some time before he would be able to apply his new education. The government had given John a grant, especially since he couldn’t remember the education he had gotten before the accident. Since the accident wasn’t even his fault, John was given a settlement from the other driver’s insurance company, which he was going to use to pay for their wedding. It wasn’t an enormous amount of money, but Felicia insisted on paying for some of it as well, refusing to let it eat away at most of John’s settlement. As the big day drew closer, everyone had butterflies but for completely different reasons. Max and Janet had several fights over the course of those months, debates about the ethics of not telling Felicia who she might be actually marrying that day. Max would always win the day by reminding her that John might be innocent, and that it would be unfair to ruin their happiness for something that they have no idea is even true. The absence of evidence made it difficult to figure out how to handle it. Despite her reservations, Janet agreed to keep quiet as she was also confident Wilson, and his agents would never let anything happen to Felicia. She made life difficult for Max over it, but eventually had to let it go. Despite what she knew, she kept it all together for her friend and never let on to John that she knew. This was especially good since Felicia had asked Janet to be her maid of honor. John had also asked Max to be his best man, fitting since his hard work was the main reason John was living a good life and was happy. Despite some cold feet, the wedding was trouble free and without issue. Max was there to support John as he patiently waited for her bride to walk down the aisle. When Felicia did make her big appearance, Max could have sworn that John had wiped away a tear, which the first time the lawyer had ever seen something like that. Neither John nor Felicia was very religious but still got married in a church to keep her parents happy as well as go with the big white wedding, which was every girl’s dream and John didn’t want to take that spectacle away from her.
Throughout the ceremony, Max kept looking over at his wife to see how she had been holding up. She hadn’t taken the news well of what John could be, and why the FBI was still watching him. Yet he had convinced her to remain quiet, reminding her that John’s life had changed and the years since that accident had resulted in zero blood shed, and he might live a long and happy life with Felicia and never go back to being that person if he ever was. Max also pointed out to her all the holes in the case that the D.A. had, and that the case was circumstantial at best. John took the deal because it was the path of least resistance, and he wanted a clean break. Wilson and the FBI were only doing their thing just in case they were right but not even they knew if John was really their guy. They were taking precautions, and even though not a single person had been killed since John’s accident that morning in town, it was still coincidental and not certifiable evidence that proved John was that vicious serial killer.
Max stood there beside John, as his best man, and watched as the couple made their vows, exchanged rings, and then kissed to seal the deal. They were both smiling, and even crying a little bit as this seemed to be the most amazing day of their lives. Max was sincerely happy for them and hoped that this was just the start of their happily every after. As the couple walked back down the aisle and back outside the church, Max couldn’t help but notice someone at the back of the church. The sheriff was easy to spot as he was still in uniform and looking as tough as ever as he also stepped outside with the rest of the guests as everyone went outside to participate in the wedding photos. Max followed him outside, but he was too late. The Sheriff was already speaking to John when he caught up.
“What are you doing here?” Max asked as he stepped between them. “Do I need to file a restraining order?”
“No, you do not.” The sheriff replied, “I merely came over to congratulate the happy couple and to show there are no hard feelings, I even brough a gift.”
The Sheriff held up a gift bag and handed it over to John.
“It’s a blender,” The Sheriff explained, “One of the many things I have learned from twenty plus years of marriage is that margaritas are the most effective peace offering when you’re in the doghouse.”
“Oh,” John said, as he took the gift bag. “Thank you.”
“I have no ill will towards you,” The Sheriff continued, “I was just trying to protect the people under my watch. It was nothing personal, and I wish you both all the best and a long, happy marriage.”
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
“Thank you,” John said again, “I appreciate that.”
“I hate to break this up,” Max said, grabbing Jon’s arm, “But the photographer is waiting to take pictures.”
“Don’t let me stop you,” The sheriff said, “Last thing we want is the bride to be kept waiting.”
“Thank again,” John said as he walked away with Max.
The Sheriff watched as Max and John walked away, put his sunglasses back on and folded his arms and continued to watch as the couple and their wedding party started to pose for photos on the church stairs. As he was watching them, another man came up from behind him and put a friendly hand on his shoulder.
“Fancy finding you here, a wedding of all places.” Agent Wilson said, greeting him with a grin.
“I knew you were somewhere around here,” The sheriff said, as he never liked talking to the know-it-all fed.
“What was in the bag you gave him,” Wilson asked.
“It was a blender,” The Sheriff answered, “It’s something useful that will help.”
“That was nice of you,” Wilson said, “I got them a salad bowl that could even double as a punch bowl. I thought it was rather practical.”
“Mine has a tracking device inside it,” The sheriff added, “If your boy runs, let’s hope he likes mixing drinks and takes it with him.”
“That’s quite clever,” Wilson said, amused by the idea. “But we’ve already got that covered, and I can assure you he’s still under constant surveillance.”
“Our tax dollars at work,” The Sheriff huffed. “No wonder this damn country is going bankrupt.”
“Our budget isn’t that infinite,” Wilson confessed, “The apartment we’re surveying him from is being rented with my own money. The agents who are stationed there are volunteers rotating on their days off. While it’s not ideal, I like that our crew rotates out almost daily so it something happens if won’t go unnoticed for more than twenty-four hours.”
“I’m impressed,” The sheriff confessed, “You are dedicated.”
“I can’t take any chances,” Wilson said, “And while we might have no choice but to give up eventually, for now we’ll keep watching.”
“Is there any chance I can volunteer some time?” The sheriff asked.
“If you want to, I can arrange that.” Wilson said, slightly surprised.
“Last thing I want to do is be caught stalking the dude,” The sheriff added, “But I still want to help.”
“Alright, sound good.” Wilson said, “I’ll get in touch.”
“Well, well, well,” a voice called out as Hugh slowly sauntered up to the two lawmen standing there. “Do we need to file a restraining order?”
“You friend Max already covered that,” The sheriff said, “And that won’t be necessary. The only thing we’re here to hand out is best wishes and cheesy wedding gifts.”
“Oh,” Hugh said, as he wasn’t expecting that. “As long as neither of you bought him a fondue set, because that’s what I got him.”
“Not me,” the sheriff replied, “Blender.”
“Punch bowl,” Wilson said, shaking Hugh’s hand. “Nice to see you again, Mr. Kessel.”
“Well, if you’re just here to observe there’s nothing that needs to be done I suppose.” Kessel said, relaxing a bit. “They’re really happy to, so I wouldn’t be too worried if I was you.”
“What makes you think we’re worried?” Wilson asked.
“I can tell just by your posture,” Hugh replied, “Even if the man’s memories do come back, that doesn’t guarantee he would go back to being the same psychopath he was before, if he even was that person we suspect he is the first place.”
“What makes you say that?” the sheriff inquired.
“He’s making new memories, had a new life.” Hugh explained. “What if his killing was started by rejection or abandonment from his mom or something? He’s married now, and with a woman that loves him. Those circumstances could very well cancel out his old urges if they ever do come back.”
“They might,” Wilson conceded, “But I’m not willing to risk our lives or the lives of his future victims on it.”
“I understand,” Hugh noted, “But just keep your distance and give him the space he needs to live his life. The last thing you want to do is pressure him into a corner.”
“We won’t,” Wilson promised, “We’re strictly just observing. No one will take action unless I authorize it, or it’s made in self defense.”
“That seems fair,” Hugh said, “But if you have any request or need information, pass it by Max and I and we’ll do our best to help out.”
“Are you practicing again?” Wilson asked.
“I got my license back,” Hugh informed him, “While Max does most of the heavy lifting in court, it’s nice to be able to act again if I want to.”
“Congrats,” Wilson said, as he was pleased to hear it. He took the time to hand his card over to him. “Give me a call if you ever need anything from us.”
“Much appreciated,” Hugh said, as he returned the favor and passed a card over to the agent. “Ditto for you and your people.”
“Thanks.” Wilson said, tucking the card into his pocket.
“Now if you’ll excuse me,” Hugh said, as he noticed something. “The pictures are all done so that means we have a reception to get to. Nice to see you again, gentlemen.”
The two lawmen watched as Hugh walked away and then as he and the wedding party walked over to a few limos that were waiting to take them all to the hall where the reception was booked. The fun was just beginning, as was the marriage of the happy couple.