"They'll call it the Granny-Thong Caper," Ray said. "I might write a book."

Sandy continued, "The hotshot lawyer, Gerald White, will get a couple million of Loraine's insurance money, and she'll be acquitted. From then on, Moran will be known as the fool who lost the case."

"So Moran will get the big sensational crime case he's always wanted. Except he'll be on the losing end," Chip said. "Big toad Moran will never get out of his small pond."

Ray said, "So heartsick Tammy goes to jail. Greedy Loraine murders and ends up free and very wealthy. And I learn a lesson about minding my own business."

Sandy winked at him. "Well, now that I know you I like the way you are. Don't change too much. Actually, I thought the granny-sex was kind of cute. Although, by my count you've slept with two murderers. You might try cutting back on that."

"You saved me, Sandy. I owe you for all this and still owe you for way back when."

"Call me Sis. All is forgiven. We were different people back then, just a couple of kids. It's lonely out there. I think I came down here because subconsciously I wanted some family in my life."

"No one else could have done what you did, digging in, setting up a relationship with Chip and Linda, getting in people's faces and negotiating. You made things happen. Without you, I'd still be in jail at the mercy of little Bonaparte."

"Well, sisters do nice things like that."

"And I'm getting smarter about women, Sis. Meg Emerson invited me over for dinner tonight. I think she likes me."

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Sandy rolled her eyes, "No kidding, you really think so?"

"She wants to talk about us being partners and starting a retirement plan consulting firm. She's a whiz at sales, and I know the paperwork side of the business."

Sandy shook her head. "Raymond, we need to talk. Meg doesn't want to think about business tonight. Trust me on this. Don't take a ledger book, take a bottle of wine."

Chip's gaze was fixed on her while she was talking with her brother; he couldn't look away. In truth, he didn't want her out of his sight. Everything seemed better to him since she came to town. What was that all about? "I made a lot of mistakes," was all he could think of to say. "You saved my tail several times. I'd be back on uniformed patrol if not for you."

"Nonsense, your dad would be proud of you."

"With all this wrapped up," he said, "this town's going to be quiet and dull."