Tick Tock: Six (continued)

“Honey, thank you so much,”   Paddy said.

“We could not have done this without you.  The prosecutor will present the facts but you are officially off the hook,” he said.

Kelli was more than relieved. 

“My whole life has had little emotional support.  And under what could have been a terrifying experience, I find you,” she said.

“Maybe we have to go through hell to resurface to this wonderful place where we can do our beautiful dance.  Feel our joy and treasure all the moments,” he said.

Kelli put her arms around him. 

“Let’s go home,” she said.

She had been living in an apartment.  And she always figured home was wherever she was.  She learned that young in life. 

One of the officers brought Paddy’s car to the courthouse.  Paddy drove Kelli to his home.

“Welcome home, honey,” he said.

“Please, will you stay the night?

“Wow, this will be a first.  A night without worrying.  Of course, I will, honey,” she said. 

The following morning, Kelli stopped by her office to say hello, pick up a few papers and bring her co-workers up to date on her research.  Kelli was like that.  She never missed a step in her work.

Both were more than tired that night.  In the early morning hours, Paddy bolted upright.  He could hear Kelli moaning.