Chapter 9 - The Return
The armed police officers forcefully loaded Tyler and Chloe into the back of separate squad cars.
Frank sat peacefully on a wooden bench inside the terminal, proudly clutching the recovered gift box.
His stolen house deed was safely tucked away inside his inner jacket pocket.
The lead detective walked over to approach Maddie to take her official statement.
"You certainly had quite an eventful wedding night, Miss Price."
"It certainly was not what I had meticulously planned," Maddie replied honestly.
Elias finished giving his own detailed statement to another uniformed officer.
He walked quietly over to Maddie and gently offered her his warm jacket.
The midnight air had turned bitterly cold as the adrenaline finally wore off.
"Thank you very much," she said softly, wrapping the dark fabric over her shivering shoulders.
"Your father is going to be perfectly fine now."
"His money is completely safe, and the fraudulent bank transfer is already being reversed."
Maddie looked up at the handsome man who had effectively saved her entire life in a matter of hours.
"I truly do not know how to ever repay you, Elias."
"You absolutely do not owe me anything at all, Maddie."
Frank walked over slowly and hugged Elias tightly like a second son.
"You are a genuine hero, young man."
Elias looked slightly uncomfortable with the high praise but smiled a gentle, genuine smile.
"Please let me drive you both safely back to the venue."
"Your family car is still safely parked there."
They climbed wearily back into the white catering van.
The long ride back was incredibly quiet, but it was a beautifully peaceful silence.
The terrifying nightmare was finally, permanently over.
They pulled up to White Oak Manor just as the dashboard clock struck two in the morning.
The grand ballroom was completely dark except for the bright moonlight shining through the tall windows.
Frank tenderly kissed Maddie's forehead one last time.
"I am going to go start the car and turn the heater on."
"Take all the time you need, sweetheart."
Frank walked out to the quiet parking lot, leaving Maddie and Elias entirely alone.
Maddie walked slowly back to the abandoned head table.
Her empty crystal flute still sat exactly there with her discarded diamond ring inside.
Elias walked confidently through the swinging kitchen doors one last time.
May you like
He was carrying a small porcelain plate with a single, perfect slice of wedding cake.
"Course five is served," Elias said softly.
