Chapter 19: Epilogue

Robin & Arthur Spencer

After Maggie and Ricky move and settle into their new home Ricky calls Robin and leaves a message on her machine. He tells her that both houses have sold. She does not return his phone call.

Ricky watches the news closely and follows Arthur’s jump into politics. As expected he is nominated and wins the Lieutenant Governor’s position in the election. He is a popular moderate politician and is regularly found at various events around the state. The latest rumors are that he is being groomed for a larger role on a national stage.

Robin makes a stunning politician’s wife. She supports her husband by also being in the community and helping with fundraisers and volunteer efforts. As the couple becomes more well-known in the public eye Ricky begins to truly appreciate Robin’s wisdom in distancing herself from anything that could be consider scandalous from her past. He also thinks that if Robin or Arthur’s future was threatened she would deal with any obstacle in a ruthless manner.

Maggie & Ricky Woodson

Maggie and Ricky move into their new house without any complications. They use the extra money made on the premium listing of their house, plus some of the money they found in their old house, to pay off their new house in less than five years. Because the new house was vacant when they moved in, Ricky spent a day building a new shelving unit in the master bedroom that conveniently had an eighteen inch gap between the shelving and the wall. The hiding spot was nowhere as fancy as what they found at their old home, but it was not something that would be easily found.

At first, Maggie and Ricky were disappointed to lose the acreage they had with their old house. However, when they met their neighbors they were delighted to have the convenience of a short walk to one of several houses for dinner, drinks, and games.

Barb Martz

As planned, Barb stayed at a hotel for a few weeks until her house was ready. Maggie told her about the addition Ricky was adding to their bedroom, which meant he got volunteered to add a similar unit to Barb’s master bedroom before she moved her furniture.

The relationship with her doctor friend progressed rapidly. They married less than six months after Barb moved into her new home. He was quite surprised when Barb asked if he would be willing to sign a prenuptial agreement. He assumed he was worth much more than Barb, but thought it would protect his assets. Luckily, it does not seem to be an issue.

Barb and her new husband see Maggie and Ricky about once a month. One or the other couple will travel and stay in the other’s guest room for a weekend visit. During the summers they plan shared vacations on a cruise or all-inclusive resort.

Nick Martz

Nick’s future was harder to follow. Ricky confirmed his suspicion’s with extensive Internet searches. He found that there were a series of holding companies founded that were likely created by Nick to try and shield his interest in the houses. About a year after the houses sold they were on the market yet again. From the pictures posted by the listing realtor Ricky could see that Nick must have done significant damage in his searching for his treasure. There was new paint and flooring throughout the houses, and more interesting, the alcoves above both fireplaces were gone, replaced by a flat wall.

The only other thing Ricky knew with certainty came from a short voicemail message left by a gruff male voice he received shortly after the houses again went on the market.

“Mr. Woodson. A friend asked that I call and tell you that your shared problem has been addressed. If you or Mrs. Martz have any future problems be in touch.”

Occasionally Ricky would ponder exactly what happened with Nick. The voicemail message implied that he was not killed, but he was clearly removed from the equation. Maybe a bribe? A threat? Whatever happened, he was glad they could finally relax without having to wonder what would happen if Nick found them in their new homes.