10th Anniversary - James Patterson [91]
Avis signed the adoption papers without hesitation. Toni and Sandy signed the same papers with barely contained glee, and together they got up and hugged Avis. She was stiff at first, but her nose pinked up and she started to cry.
Photos were taken and Claire and I were asked to be in the group shot. People came up to us and thanked us for our part in this wonderful outcome.
Avis was one of them.
She said to me, “I’m sorry for lying to you, Sergeant Boxer. I know you’ve done a good thing for Tyler. It’s legal now.”
The baby was in Sandy Wilson’s arms and he laughed in the excitement. I reached out to him. He wrapped my finger in his little fist and gave me a good solid connection with his big brown eyes.
My heart swelled.
I was eager for this little boy to start his new life.
Back in the car, Claire texted Cindy and Yuki, saying the Women’s Murder Club was on for dinner tonight at Susie’s. She added, “Don’t be late!”
I said, “By the way, I won’t be drinking.”
Claire put the phone in her lap and turned her eyes on me, pursed her lips, and said, “It’s about time you told me, girlfriend.” She reached over and gave my arm a shake. “I can read it all over your face.”
We both cracked up.
Claire knew me that well. I didn’t even have to tell her the news that had irrevocably and fantastically changed my world.
Joe and I were having a baby.
A History of the Women’s Murder Club
2001
The first Women’s Murder Club novel, 1st to Die, is published. We are introduced to the series’ main character, Detective Lindsay Boxer of the San Francisco Police Department, and her three friends – Claire Washburn, a medical examiner, Jill Bernhardt, an Assistant District Attorney, and reporter Cindy Thomas – who come together to form the Women’s Murder Club.
2002
2nd Chance is published. Lindsay is left unsure whether to return to work after losing her partner in a shoot-out. But another horrifying case brings her back.
2003
1st to Die is made into a TV movie by US TV network NBC. The film stars Tracy Pollen as Lindsay Boxer, Pam Grier as Claire Washburn, Megan Gallagher as Jill Bernhardt and Carly Pope as Cindy Thomas.
2004
3rd Degree is published. The Women’s Murder Club is devastated by the brutal murder of Jill Bernhardt. The three remaining friends continue to work together, however, determined to bring Jill’s killers to justice.
2005
4th of July is published. Lindsay faces a court case brought against her for wrongful death. She befriends the young Japanese-American lawyer, Yuki Castellano, who helps represent her. Yuki joins the girls at their regular get-togethers at Suzie’s and becomes part of the Women’s Murder Club.
2006
The 5th Horseman is published. The friends face one of their toughest battles as a string of unexplainable deaths occur in a San Francisco hospital and the hospital launches a court case that grips the entire nation.
2007
The 6th Target is published. A terrible gun attack leaves Claire Washburn fighting for her life. Lindsay has to cope with the possibility of losing another friend whilst keeping a promise to find the gunman.
20th Century Fox Television adapts the novels into a television series titled Women’s Murder Club. This series ran on US TV network ABC from October 2007 to May 2008. It starred Angie Harmon as Lindsay Boxer, Paula Newsome as Claire Washburn, Laura Harris as Jill Bernhardt and Aubrey Dollar as Cindy Thomas.
2008
7th Heaven is published. San Francisco is terrified by an arsonist wreaking havoc through the city. And it is up to Lindsay to stop him.
2009
8th Confession is published. Lindsay’s relationship with her partner Rich Conklin is in danger of becoming far more than just professional. This creates a dilemma for Lindsay, and makes her question her relationship with Joe Molinari.
Spin-off computer game Women’s Murder Club: Games of Passion is released on the Nintendo DS.
2010
9th Judgement is published.