A/N: See the end.
Wrapped Up
"So, Mr. Cummings was able to plea down to man-one, while Miss. Nelson accepted murder-two. She couldn't have done any better; those emails were pretty damning."
Jesse shook his head. "Well, I think they deserve harsher—for Heaven's sake, they killed a man!" He sighed. "Still, I'm glad it's all over with."
"So are we," Mark added emphatically. "This was an ordeal for everybody, but especially you. We're just happy you weren't killed."
Amanda leaned across the table and pointed a finger at Jesse. "And if you ever scare us like that again, I'll make your life a living nightmare. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"If it's any consolation, Jesse, they both got the maximum sentence either conviction can bring. Pete'll be spending 20 years in prison while Julie's in for life. I gotta say, Jess, I'm proud of you. Even if you did wake me up at eight in the morning on my day off. I'm not gonna forget about that, by the way."
"Well, it helped that they were kinda stupid; they never thought anyone would notice the lies on his charts. Of course, there's also my brilliant detective work."
Mark chuckled and Steve and Amanda rolled their eyes as the three rose to leave. They all had work, while Jesse was required to take time off. Something about having died for a couple minutes after asphyxia and only surviving by the grace of God and he darn well better not lift a finger or else.
After a few minutes of solitude, Jess stood to make his own exit when a receptionist appeared.
"Here, this got delivered for you today," she told him, thrusting a package into his hands. "Arrived in the mail. Shouldn't you be at home? Dr. Bentley's gonna kill you."
"Don't I know it."
He sat back down and carefully peeled away box's paper, half expecting another scathing letter from Miss. Nelson. Instead, a simple, handwritten note lay over a gift-wrapped present. With no one around to check his social etiquette, Jesse ripped into the gift before reading the note.
"Oh, wow," he whispered, picking up the object of his awe. It was a solid 18K gold pen, on the side of which read, Jesse Travis, M. D. Absolutely gorgeous, and now the most expensive thing Jess possessed, next to his car. After a moment, he had the good sense to see the accompanying note and actually find out why he now had a gold pen. What he read left him shocked. It was from Mrs. Harrow and she proved far more eloquent on paper than in person. And her words were exactly what he needed to truly close the case.
Dear Dr. Travis,
Bill believed in showing his appreciation. I hope this small token can convey how much I appreciate your help.
I learned of the letter Miss. Nelson sent, accusing you of Bill's murder. I was also informed of your reaction and I wish to tell you that I do not share it. Indeed, you don't have my anger, but rather my deepest gratitude. Were Bill alive, he would say the same.
Please continue with the wonderful work I saw you do, and remember that the people you help will always keep you in their hearts.
With my unending thanks,
Mrs. William HarrowFini
A/N: So, I ended another Diagnosis Murder fic of mine with a letter. Forgive me, but as Steve said, "This kinda behavior could be habit forming." Kids, I appreciate your reviews; I do whole-heartedly. Thank you. Now, it's the end of the story and I ask you to, please, review again. You know I'll be grateful. ~your humble author, jenben