“Well, considering all that has happened today, I think it’s fair to talk about this, don’t you?”
“I agree,” Jay said. “I do love your mom. I love her with all my heart.”
“And so do I, Gabby,” Clay added. “I love her and want to spend the rest of my life with her.”
“I believe you both.” She turned to Izzy. “And what about you, Mom? Did you think about what I told you?”
“I haven’t been able to quit thinking about it, honey.” Izzy looked her in the eyes. “You were right. You were right about everything. Wise beyond your years, honey.”
“I know.” Gabby grinned. “So have you told them how you feel yet?”
Izzy shook her head. “Wise and a wiseass at times. Not that it’s any of your business, but yes. I’ve told them how I feel. When I thought I was going to lose them I realized I could never be without them.” Tears welled in her eyes. “Clay and Jay are the loves of my life, Gabby. Is your mom crazy?”
“Not crazy, Mom. Lucky. Lucky in love.”
The door opened and instead of Toni and Cami coming back in, James Sullivan entered the room.
“Uncle James.” Clay hugged him.
Jay also greeted him with a hug. They’d called James on the way to the station, informing him of all that had happened.
“I’m so glad you are both safe.”
He and Clay introduced James to Izzy and Gabby.
“It’s so very nice to meet you both.” James turned back to him and Clay. “I have followed your instructions, and everything is under control at GWI. The team is putting together a press release about Bill.”
“Jay and I want to see it before it goes out,” Clay said. “No doubt we’ll take a hit on the stock market but we want to mitigate it as much as possible.”
“Of course. The board is shaken but I can handle them. Don’t worry about a thing.”
“Uncle James, Clay and I would like you to take the helm as interim CEO.”
“I’d be honored, but only until your birthday, fellas. Once you get full control of your trusts, you need to be the ones in charge. That should eliminate doubt in the minds of our stockholders.”
“I agree.” He shook James’s hand. “We appreciate you so much, Uncle James.”
“Your mom and dad and…Caroline…would be very proud of you.”
During their earlier call, they’d told James what they’d learned about the accident—that Bill was responsible for it. Time would be the only thing to heal the wound the three of them shared after learning the truth.
Toni and Cami returned with handfuls of snacks and drinks.
“Oh my gosh.” Izzy laughed. “Did you empty out the machine?”
“Almost,” Toni said, handing her a soda. “What we don’t eat we can leave for the officers at the station.”
The detective walked into the room. “I see you have quite the crowd of supporters. Sorry this took so long but I wanted to make sure I had all the facts. Alberto Gonzales is in custody.”
“Thank God,” Izzy said.
“Gonzales made a plea bargain and has told us everything. We now know who was involved in Moody’s embezzling operation. We also know where the stolen money for the past fifteen years is being held.”
“Where?” James asked.
“A Swiss bank account. There’s over nine hundred million on deposit. I’m sure it will be returned but it will likely take some time due
to international legalities.”