Four days later Alex was home. Reggie was home as well and despite his bandage and limp, he was basking in all the special attention being showered on him. This included his picture in the paper and a special award from the police department.

Detective Hillman stopped by to see how everyone was getting along. He told them that, "Donny had managed to stay under the radar for years. He used his mother's home in Santa Barbara as a base and moved all around the country doing odd jobs and committing murders."

"Is that how he learned to groom dogs?" Grace asked.

"Well," Hillman answered, "I think he picked up bits and pieces of all sorts of trades as he moved around. Sadly the only skill he ever became really proficient at was murder."

Grace shook her head, "He's a very scary man."

Hillman agreed, "Besides the murder of your mother, sister, and brother-in-law, we're investigating Donny for at least six other murders. "There's probably more," he conceded. "Maybe when he realizes he'll never get out of prison, he may confess. Especially if it will keep him off of death row." He looked at Grace, then over at the girls who were watching a TV program in the family room, "Either way he'll never bother this family again."

After saying his goodbyes, Michael walked him out.

"You take care of them," Hillman said as he shook his hand.

"I intend to."

Grace walked down the hall and wrapped her arm around Michael's waist. They waved to Hillman who returned the gesture before opening his car door.

Michael looked at Grace and smiled as he bent down and gently kissed her.

"Now can we go for a hike?" she asked looking into his face with pleading eyes.

Laughing he said, "Sure, once everyone is healed up."

"This weekend then?" she teased.

"Let's slow down there lady," he replied.

"Oh no, sir, I don't plan on ever slowing down again!"

Michael grabbed her around her waist and pulled her to him playfully. Grace giggled and together they walked back through the hall to their new life and all the possibilities it had to offer.