Untainted: (Crime Romance: The Photographer Trilogy #3) by Sarah Robinson

crazy, do-something-wild love. Annie had so much passion.” Kate started, a small smile appearing on her face.
    “Probably a Kennedy. Or a famous rock star. Didn’t she date that actor for a while? From That 70’s Show ?” Derrick added and Kate laughed.
    “Yeah, that was not a great match. I think it would be a trust fund hipster, definitely a musician. Someone just as kind and sweet as she was. Someone who found passion in everything he did, who makes everyone around him smile like she did.”
    “They would have had one kid, not more than that.” Derrick said.
    “Definitely not more than that, they would want to travel too much to drag a bunch of kids with them.”
    “Annie would take him on world tours, drink wine in every country at the fanciest places. Her kid would know more names of grapes then you or I ever would.”
    “She did always know how to pick a great wine.” Kate agreed, smiling.
    “But on the holidays, she and her famous Kennedy husband would come home. No traveling abroad. Holidays would be for you two sisters. Our kids would play with their cousin and the two of you would catch up, laughing for hours at jokes the rest of us don’t understand.” Derrick stroked her hair softly.
    “Family is the most important. She always showed that.”
    “She loved you, Kate.”
    “I love her. The kind of love no Kennedy would get between.” Kate smiled.
    “The kind of love not even death can get between.” He told her quietly as both of them felt tears approaching.
    “Do you think she was scared?” She whispered to him.
    “No, I think she made a choice, and that was one of the bravest choices anyone can make. She chose love and family, and there’s nothing scary about that.”
    “I miss her, Derrick.”
    “I miss her, too.”
    There was nothing left to be said, tears were the only goodbyes to give.
     
     

CHAPTER TWELVE
     
     
     
    “It’s unreal, isn’t it?” Kate looked up at Detective McCraig across the table from her as she flipped through documents and signed forms.
    “What is?”
    “That they are dead, and he is sitting in a jail cell getting three square meals a day.” Her expression was empty, maybe slightly haunted even.
    “You can’t think of it like that, Kate. Think of it like now he has to suffer years and years as punishment for what he took from you. Lenny and Annie don’t, they are at peace.” He spoke with surprisingly gentle insight.
    “Wow, I can’t think of a time I’ve ever heard that many words come out of his mouth. Let alone, so prophetic.” Liz grinned at them as she walked into the room and dropped a hand on his shoulder.
    Kate giggled and Mike just rolled his eyes, but there was a slight blush on his cheeks that wasn’t lost on her. She could tell that there had been a change in him ever since he had seen Liz hurt in that stable. Kate couldn’t help but wonder if there was more going on between them than they let on.
    “Jury selection is starting tomorrow morning, Kate. Just got the word and came straight in here to let you know. Mr. Bild is insisting on a speedy trial, and thanks to the law he is allowed it.” Liz sat down and leaned over the table as she spoke, resting her arm in a sling on the top.
    “What does that mean?” She responded.
    “It means that the trial itself will probably start a day or two after that at most. Prosecution will need you to testify, and defense will subpoena a testimony from you as well, I’m sure.” She explained to Kate.
    “It sounds more daunting than it is. The district attorney will go through several practice runs with you and make sure that you are comfortable with everything beforehand.” Mike interjected as Kate nodded slowly, nervous about the prospect of being in the same room as Frank again.
    “Kate, there is one thing that you should know beforehand,” Liz looked nervous for a moment, fiddling with a ring on her middle finger.
    “Frank is facing five very serious charges: a kidnapping charge