Continued...
Natalie entered the Coroner's Office and was allowed to go on to Terri's office unescorted, and without a visitor's badge. Natalie approached her boss' office and took a deep breath then knocked on the closed door.
"It's open. Come in."
Natalie opened the door and entered, shutting it behind her.
"I'm glad you came. I want to tell you how sorry I am for everything that happened. I didn't want to believe the evidence because it was quite contradictory to the woman I knew, but his plan was very good. The subtleness of the early drugging really helped plant the seeds for later. My hands were tied as far as what I could and could not do. I went out on a limb when I gave you the second chance."
"I know. I appreciate it. What do we do now?" Natalie asked.
"Your job's all yours if you want it. No restrictions. You'll be fully in charge of the night staff, including scheduling, hiring and firing. I'd give you a promotion but you'd be so buried in paperwork you'd rarely get into the field or autopsy bay. I think we both know you'd rather be out in the field than anywhere else. You will get full back pay, a formal letter of apology, and your record will be as clean as it was before this incident."
"I was hurt by those that know me well believing everything but me. I know I probably would've had the same thoughts, but I would've tried to find out the truth. I would've listened."
"I was torn between my personal feelings and my professional duty."
"I know. I understand and don't hold it against you."
"I was saving the best for last. I managed to get a small bonus for you as an apology, along with a small raise. Is there anything else I can do?"
"How about a raise for Grace. She's one of my best workers."
"I'll find the money somewhere." She saw Natalie's look. "No, it won't come at the expense of anyone else. I promise."
"What about Chris?" Natalie asked.
"I'll leave that up to you. You may keep her in your department, or transfer her back to days."
"I could use the extra body. When can I start?"
"Whenever you want." Terry handed Natalie back her badge, the one with full responsibilities and access. She loved the look on Natalie's face when she realized her clearance was a level higher than it had been before the incident. "It's my way of giving you a promotion without taking you out of the field."
"Thank you. I'm ready to start tonight."
Terri stood and walked around her desk. She extended her hand to Natalie, who took it. The two ladies shook hands.
"No hard feelings?" Terri asked.
"No. I know you were just doing your job. I know it wasn't easy for you."
Natalie left and headed for her office. Grace saw her and was optimistic.
"Well?" Grace asked.
"I'm back," Natalie said with a huge smile. "How about I fill you in over lunch?"
"Welcome back! I'll buy. I'm sorry I doubted you. Can you forgive me? Feel free to thwap me as I deserve it. You're my best friend and I didn't believe you."
"I forgive you. It really hurt to know you didn't believe me. I do understand why, but you could've tried a little harder. I know, I'd probably have reacted the same way if our positions were reversed."
"You don't know what a relief it is to know that none of it was true."
Chris entered.
"Just the person I wanted to see," Natalie said. "How would you like to stay on the night shift? You were fair and open minded when I needed it. Jessica's position is open."
"I'd like that. Thank you. I'm glad it turned out to be a frame up."
Natalie held to her promise and filled Grace in as they ate in her favorite Chinese place. She no longer had to fear being drugged, or having to pass drug tests.
She was shocked to see the throng of press outside the entrance to the Coroner's Office when she returned. Normally she would've avoided them like the plague, but she answered all their questions about her being framed.
Natalie turned on the evening news to see what happened and was pleased to see her story was the leading one. They explained exactly what happened. And promised more details on the next broadcast.
Schanke saw the morning paper and was pleased with the headline, knowing his friends would be too. The top headline was – Toronto's chief coroner framed. The sub heading mentioned that had never tried to kill herself nor did she take drugs. The rest of the article told her story, and the story of the very clever frame up. At the bottom of the page was a small apology from the paper for not checking their facts more carefully before printing the headline.
By the next night, word was out in every media format about how Natalie's record is untainted and she's still one of the best forensic examiner's in Toronto. She's pleased that she's been thoroughly cleared. Natalie, her friends and coworkers had been interviewed for about every newspaper, radio station and TV station in town, and some outside of town that ran the original story.
Before their shift, Natalie was at Nick's, having fallen asleep there that morning. Nick sees that something's bothering Natalie.
"I thought you'd be happy. Everyone knows the truth now."
"I am happy about that. I just wish I could do something about these," she says as her eyes focus on the scars on her wrists.
He briefly considered something, knowing there were risks involved.
"I might be able to help. But I won't know for sure until I try, if you'll let me. There might be some risks involved."
"Do whatever you need to. Just let me know if it's going to hurt."
"I'd never hurt you."
"I know."
Nick's fangs dropped. He punctured his index finger with one fang and rubbed it over the largest scar on her right wrist. When he didn't see an immediate change he rubbed a little more blood on it. A few moments later he saw the thick scar slowly being reabsorbed into her normal skin.
Natalie looked on shocked. She didn't think anything could be done. The plastic surgeon told her it was too soon to consider surgery, and due to the location and thickness there wasn't much he could do. That he might be able to make them slightly less noticeable, but that's all.
Nick healed all four scars within half an hour. The sheer joy on her face was more than thanks enough.
"Thank you! That's more than I dreamed was possible. Even the plastic surgeon said it was impossible." She gave him a big hug and kiss.
The end.