It was a watershed moment when the police arrested an intruder on our property.
After weeks of uncertainty and trying to live under constant scrutiny, we finally obtained some relief.
Autumn phoned early the following morning and made arrangements that evening for Paul and her to meet us for an update on the investigation.
"They must have had a breakthrough of some kind," Shannon enthused, "and they want to communicate that to us personally."
I nodded, "If it wasn't significant they'd tell us over the phone. I'm looking forward to this evening."
The morning went extremely well and I accomplished more in a few hours than I had all the previous week. It was then I realized the tremendous pressure we had been under.
Shannon and I met for lunch and she reported experiencing much the same sense of freedom.
"Everything seems brighter and lighter," she smiled, "It's as if we had been living under a cloud that suddenly lifted."
I realized the entire month had been unseasonably rainy and overcast as if nature itself had been attuned to the gloomy mood that oppressed us.
After work, we went out to dinner and went window shopping simply to distract ourselves from enduring the suspense of having to wait until 8 pm when Paul and Autumn would tell us the outcome.
Later, as we drove home through darkening streets, Shannon grew apprehensive.
"What if the outcome isn't what we expect—what if Barnes gets away with everything?"
"You're giving into your fears," I cautioned her. "Paul already told us they have evidence enough to prove Barnes misrepresented his research and defrauded the university. Just hang on a bit longer and I'm sure we'll be rewarded."
When we pulled into the driveway, Paul and Autumn were already parked and waiting.
"We're early," Paul smiled as he greeted us, "but we were eager to update you."
Shannon nodded and smiled.
"It's like waiting for Christmas, Paul—we couldn't stand the suspense so we went out to dinner."
"Well then, let's go in and talk," Autumn chuckled, "we have a lot of news to share with you."
As eager as Shannon was to know the outcome, she insisted on making coffee while I sat with the detectives in the den making small talk.
When she came back and served the coffee, Paul nodded toward Autumn and she began to make her report.
"Emmett Branes is under arrest charged with fraud and misrepresentation but he's also being held without bail for making threats, breaking and entering and attempted assault."
She smiled at Shannon. "Your patience paid off—he'll be sent away for a long time and will no longer be a threat to you."
With tears in her eyes, Shannon hugged the detectives, "I can't thank you enough. I thought I'd be the one facing jail time for violating the National Secrets Act."
Paul patted her shoulder, "There was no chance of you being prosecuted—you see, the government wasn't involved—that's a lie Barnes told you to keep you quiet."
“That’s incredible!” I fumed, “You can’t imagine how scary it was for us to believe we might be arrested any moment.”
“Well, you can sleep sound tonight, knowing Barnes and his hired muscle are in prison and you’re safe behind your excellent security system. But I hope, Shannon, you didn’t have to have one installed in your townhouse.”
She coloured slightly, “Actually, I won’t need one installed there—this is my new address. We plan to be married.”
The detectives were overjoyed for both of us and a new round of hugs began. It was like the ending a of a tragedy, a process of catharsis… and then, finally, a moment of joy looking ahead to a happier future.
