“They’ll draw heavy sentences,” the detective said. “All right, get going.”
When they were gone, the Bryants and Lucy and Vicki were unable to speak for a few minutes. They looked at one another.
“Miserable business,” Marshall Bryant growled.
Mrs. Bryant went to sit next to Lucy, and put her arm around her. “My child, you don’t have to be afraid any more.”
“Nor alone any more?” Lucy asked timidly.
“Nor alone any more,” the grandmother answered. “Will she, Marshall? We shall make up to you for all the hard things you’ve been through. Tell me, my dear, did your mother have a pet name for you?”
“Yes, it was Lucinda,” Lucy said. “Sometimes Lucinda Belle, just for fun.”
“That used to be your grandfather’s special name for me” Mrs. Bryant said, and both the old people smiled at Lucy.
Mrs. Bryant leaned forward to touch Vicki’s hand. “Vicki, how can we ever thank you?” she said. “You and Lucy and all of us must always be friends.”
Vicki smiled as she looked at Lucy’s happy face. “I think we will be,” she said.