“Well,” she stalled, looking anywhere but in his eyes. “What if it wasn’t an accident? What if it had something to do with my research and the fact that we asked him for help?”

“Baby,” he comforted, softly, “even if for some strange reason, John’s death is related to our research, he wouldn’t have changed a minute of yesterday.”

Staring into his eyes, searching for reassurance, Susan asked, “How can you possibly know that?”

Lifting both of his hands to cradle her face, Justin said, “I know because John told me so.” Seeing the puzzled expression on her face, he explained, “When you used the restroom before we left his house, John told me that he had had a better time in those few hours we spent with him yesterday, than he has had in the last few years combined. He also said he was glad he followed his gut instinct and decided to meet with us. He told me that somehow, he just knew helping us was the right thing to do, no matter what the cost might be.” Resting his forehead on hers, he spoke quietly, “So you see, if given a second chance, I don’t believe John would have changed a single thing about yesterday.”

With a small smile, Susan whispered, “I’ll take your word on that.” Then she kissed him lightly on the lips and said, “Thanks. I needed that. Now, what do you say we finish with this mess?”

Smiling, Justin stepped back from her and in his best Genie impression replied, “Your wish is my command.”