Not a Happy Family (Shari Lapena)

ALSOBYSHARILAPENA
TheCoupleNextDoor
AStrangerintheHouse
AnUnwantedGuest
SomeoneWeKnow
TheEndofHerVIKING
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Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,places,andincidentseitheraretheproductoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfictitiously,andanyresemblancetoactualpersons,livingordead,businesses,companies,events,orlocalesisentirelycoincidental.
pid_prh_5.7.1_c0_r0Totheheroesofthepandemic—thescientists,themedicalpersonnel,thefrontlineworkerseverywhere—
thankyouCONTENTS
Cover
AlsobyShariLapena
TitlePage
Copyright
Dedication
Epigraph
Acknowledgments
Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
Chapter52
Chapter53
Chapter54
Chapter55
Chapter56
Chapter57
Chapter58
Chapter59
Chapter60
Chapter61
Chapter62
Chapter63
Epilogue
AbouttheAuthorAllhappyfamiliesarealike;eachunhappyfamilyisunhappyinitsownway.
—LEOTOLSTOY,AnnaKareninaACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Writingabookandgettingittomarket—especiallywithinthespaceofayear—requiresaconcertedteameffort,andI’mextremelyfortunatetohavethebestteamsoutthere!Hereweareatbooksix,andonceagainIgivemyheartfeltthankstoallthepeoplewhomakemybooksthebesttheycanbe,everysingletime.ThankyoutoBrianTart,PamelaDorman,JeramieOrton,BenPetrone,MaryStone,BelBanta,AlexCruz-Jimenez,andtherestofthefantasticteamatVikingPenguinintheU.S.;toLarryFinlay,BillScott-Kerr,FrankieGray,TomHill,EllaHorne,andtherestofthebrilliantteamatTransworldintheU.K.;andtoKristinCochrane,AmyBlack,BhavnaChauhan,EmmaIngram,andtheentireteamatDoubledayinCanada.Thankyouall,withanextrashout-outtomymuch-appreciated,hardworkingeditors,FrankieGrayandJeramieOrton!
Specialthanks,again,toJaneCavolinaforbeinganexceptionalcopyeditor.Ican’timaginehavinganyoneelsecopyeditmybooks.
Thanksagaintomybelovedagent,HelenHeller—
especiallythisyear,whenthepandemicmadeeverythingseemsomuchharder.Youalwayskeepmegoing,andIamgrateful.
ThanksalsotoCamillaandJemmaandeveryoneattheMarshAgencyforrepresentingmeworldwideandsellingmybooksintosomanymarkets.
Thanksagaintomyadviseronforensicmatters,MikeIles,MSc,oftheForensicScienceProgramatTrentUniversity,andalsotoKateBendelow,CrimeSceneInvestigator,intheU.K.
I’mverygratefulforyourhelp,bothofyou!
Asalways,anymistakesinthemanuscriptareentirelymine.
I’dalsoliketothankallthepeopleinthebookworldwhosteppeduptodoeventsvirtuallywhenwecouldn’tdotheminperson.
Thanksalways,tomyreaders.Iwouldn’tbehere,doingwhatIlove,withoutyoutoo.
Andfinally,thankstomyhusband,mykids,andPoppythecat.Manuelgetsaspecialmentionforendlesslysolvingtechnicalproblemsoverthepastyear.PROLOGUE
TherearemanyexpensivehouseshereinBreckenHill,anenclaveontheedgeofAylesford,intheHudsonValley.
SituatedontheeastsideoftheHudsonRiver,aboutahundredmilesnorthofNewYorkCity,it’sliketheHamptons,butslightlylesspretentious.There’soldmoneyhere,andnew.
Downthelongprivatedrive,pastaclumpofbirches,thereitsits:theMertonhome,onitsvastexpanseoflawn,presentedlikeacakeonaplatter.Aglimpseofaswimmingpooltotheleft.Behindisaravine,andthicktreesoneithersideofthepropertyguaranteeprivacy.Thisisprimerealestate.
It’ssostillandundisturbed.Aweaksunisout,interruptedbyscuddingclouds.It’sfouro’clockintheafternoononEasterMonday;elsewhere,childrenaregreedilyfinishingofftheirchocolatebunniesandfoil-wrappedeggs,gaugingwhat’sleftandeyeinghowmuchremainsinthebasketsoftheirsiblings.
Buttherearenochildrenhere.Thechildrenhavegrownupandmovedaway.Notfar,mindyou.Theywerealloverjustyesterday,forEasterSundaydinner.
Theplacelooksdeserted.Therearenocarsinthedriveway
—theyareshutawaybehindthedoorsofthefour-cargarage.
There’saPorsche911convertible;FredMertonlikestodrivethatone,butonlyinthesummer,whenhethrowshisgolfclubsinthetrunk.Forwinter,hepreferstheLexus.Hiswife,Sheila,hasherwhiteMercedeswiththewhiteleatherinterior.
ShelikestoputononeofhermanycolorfulHermèsscarves,checkherlipstickintherearviewmirror,andgoouttomeetfriends.Shewon’tbedoingthatanymore.
Ahousethisgrand,thispolished—glossywhitemarblefloorbeneathanelaborate,tieredchandelierintheentryway,freshflowersonasidetable—you’dthinktheremustbestaffforupkeep.Butthere’sonlyonecleaninglady,Irena,who
comesintwiceaweek.Sheworkshardforthemoney.Butshe’sbeenwiththemsolong—morethanthirtyyears—thatshe’salmostlikefamily.
Itmusthavelookedperfect,beforeallthis.Atrailofbloodleadsupthepale,carpetedstairs.Totheleft,inthelovelylivingroom,alargechinalampislyingbrokenonthePersianrug,itsshadeaskew.Alittlefartheralong,beyondthelow,glasscoffeetable,isSheilaMertoninhernightclothes,utterlystill.She’sdead,hereyesopen,andtherearemarksonherneck.There’snobloodonher,butthesickeningsmellofitiseverywhere.Somethingawfulhashappenedhere.
Inthelarge,brightkitchenatthebackofthehouse,FredMerton’sbodyliessprawledonthefloorinadarkandviscouspoolofblood.Fliesbuzzquietlyaroundhisnoseandmouth.
He’sbeenviciouslystabbedmany,manytimes,hisfleshythroatslit.
Whowoulddosuchathing?1
TWENTY-FOURHOURSEARLIER
DanMertonshrugsonanavyblazeroveranopen-necked,pale-bluedressshirtandasmartpairofdarkjeans.Hestudieshimselfcriticallyinthefull-lengthmirrorinthebedroom.
Behindhimhiswife,Lisa,says,“Areyouokay?”
Hesmileswanlyatherviathemirror.“Sure.Whywouldn’tIbe?”
Sheturnsaway.Heknowsshedoesn’trelishtheprospectofEasterdinnerathisparents’houseanymorethanhedoes.Heturnsaroundandlooksather—hispretty,brown-eyedgirl.
They’vebeenmarriedfouryears,andinthattimetherehavebeenchallenges.Butshehasstoodbyhim,andheknowshe’sluckytohaveher.Sheishisfirstexperienceofunconditionallove.Unlessyoucountthedogs.
Hetampsdownatwingeofuneasiness.Theirfinancialtroublesareasourceofstress,aconstantsubjectofdiscussion.
Lisaalwaystalkshimaround,though,andmakeshimbelievethingswillturnoutallright—atleastwhileshe’sstillintheroom.It’swhensheisn’ttherethatthedoubtscreepin,thecripplinganxiety.
Lisacomesfromhardy,middle-classstock—thatwasastrikeagainstherfromtheoutset,buthedidn’tcare;hisparentsaresnobs,butheisnot—sosheneverhadgreatexpectations.Whentheymet,shedidn’tevenknowwhohewas,becausetheydidn’ttravelinthesamecircles.
“She’stheonlyonewhowillhavehim,”heoverheardhisyoungersister,Jenna,saytohisoldersister,Catherine,whentheydidn’tknowhecouldhearthem
Perhapsthatwastrue.Buthismarriage,atleast,hasbeenasuccess—theyhaveallhadtoadmitit.AndhisfamilyhasgrownfondofLisainspiteofthemselvesandtheirprejudices.
“Areyougoingtotrytotalktoyourfather?”Lisaasksnow,apprehensiononherface.
Heavertshiseyes,closingtheclosetdoor.“Iftheopportunitypresentsitself.”
Hehatesaskinghisfatherformoney.Buthereallydoesn’tseethathehasanyotherchoice.
???
CATHERINEMERTON—shedidnottakeherhusband’ssurname—
looksforwardtoEasterdinneratherparents’placeeveryyear.
AndalltheotheroccasionswhentheygathertocelebrateholidaysatthelavishhouseinBreckenHill.Hermotherwillgetoutthespecialplatesandthesilver,andtherewillbeahugebouquetoffresh-cutflowersontheformaldiningtable,anditwillallmakeCatherinefeelelegantandprivileged.Sheisthefirstborn,andfavorite,child;theyallknowit.Sheisthehigh-functioningone,theonlyonetheirparentsareactuallyproudof.Adoctor—adermatologistratherthanacardiacsurgeon—butstill,adoctor.Danhasbeenabitofadisappointment.AndJenna—well,JennaisJenna.
CatherineputsinapearlearringandwonderswhatsurpriseJennamighthaveinstoreforthemtoday.Herlittlesisterlivesinasmall,rentedhouseontheoutskirtsofAylesfordandtravelsintoNewYorkCityfrequentlytostaywithfriends.Herlifestyleissomethingofamysteryandcausestheirparentsconsiderabledistress.DansaysJennaisoutofcontrol,butCatherineknowsbetter.Jennausesherlifestyleasameansof
control.Shehasthepowertoshockandshedoesn’tmindusingit.Jennaiscertainlynotwellbehaved,likeCatherine.
Notrespectableorpredictable.No,sheisanoutlier.Whentheywerekids,shewoulddoanythingonadare.Now,theirfatherisalwaysthreateningtocutoffJenna’sallowance,buttheyallknowhewon’tdoitbecauseshe’dmovebackhomeandthey’dneverbeabletostandit.Thefamilysuspectsdrugsandpromiscuity,buttheyneveraskbecausetheydon’treallywanttoknow.
Catherinelooksupfromtheseatathermirroredvanityasherhusband,Ted,walksintotheirbedroom.He’sbeenrathersubduedallday—hissubtlewayofshowinghisdispleasure,althoughhewouldneveradmitit.Hedoesn’twanttogotoEasterdinneratherwealthyparents’.Hechafesattheirexpectationofit,everyholiday.Hedoesn’tlikethetensionripplingbeneaththesurfaceduringthesemeals.“God,howcanyoustandit?”healwayssaysassoonasthey’reinthecarheadingbackdownthedriveway.
Shedefendsthem.“They’renotthatbad,”shealwaysreplies,tryingtomakelightofitastheyspeedaway.Now,shegetsupandgoesovertohimandkisseshimonthecheek.
“Trytomakethebestofit,”shesays.
“Ialwaysdo,”hereplies.
No,youdon’t,shethinks,turningaway.
???
“FUCK,IREALLYdon’twanttogotothis,”JennasaystoJake,whoissittinginherpassengerseatasshedrivestowardBreckenHill.HehadtakenthetraininfromNewYorkCityandshe’dpickedhimupfromtheAylesfordstation.He’sgoingtostaythenightatherplace.
“Thenpullover,”Jakesays,coaxing,strokingherthigh.
“Wecanwastesometime.Smokeajoint.Getyoutorelax.”
Sheglancesathim,raisesaneyebrow.“YouthinkIneedtorelax?”
“Youseemabituptight.”
“Fuckyou,”shesaysplayfully,withasmile.
Shedrivesfartheruntilshefindsaturnoffsheknowsandabruptlytakesit.Hercarbumpsalongtheroaduntilshepullsoverandstopsunderalargetree.
Jakeisalreadylightingupajoint,suckingindeeply.“We’regoingtoreekwhenwegetthere,”shesays,reachingtotakeitfromhim.“Maybethat’sagoodthing.”
“Idon’tknowwhyyouwanttoantagonizeyourparentssomuch,”Jakesays.“Theypayyourbills.”
“Theycanaffordit,”shesays.
“Mywildchild,”hesays.Heleansforwardandkissesher,runninghishandsunderherblackleatherjacket,upunderneathhertop,strokingherlightly,obviouslyfeelingthebuzzalready.“Ican’twaittoseewhatkindofpeoplespawnedyou.”
“Oh,you’llgag.They’resoself-righteousyou’dexpectapulpittoappeareverytimetheyopentheirmouths.”
“Theycan’tbethatbad.”
Shetakesanotherdeepdragandhandshimthejoint.
“Mom’sharmless,Iguess.Dad’sanasshole.Thingswouldbeeasierifhewasn’taround.”
“Parents—theyfuckyouup,”hesays,quotingthepoetPhilipLarkin,gettingitwrong.
Hegetsmostthingswrong,Jennathinks,lookingatJakethroughahazeofsmoke,meltingintothefeelofhisfingersonhernipple.Buthe’sentertaining,anddecentinbed,andthat’sgoodenoughfornow.Andhe’sgottherightlook.Terribly
sexyandrougharoundtheedges.Shecan’twaittointroducehimtothefamily.2
RoseCutterhasdonesomethingstupid.Andthethoughtofwhatshe’sdone,andwhatshemustdonow,isalwaysonhermind.Shethinksaboutitlateatnight,whensheshouldbesleeping.Shethinksaboutitintheoffice,whensheshouldbeworking.Shethinksaboutitwhenshe’stryingtonumbherselfbywatchingTV.
TheprospectofsittingthroughEasterdinnerwithhermotherandherauntBarbara,pretendingeverythingisfine,seemsalmostmorethanshecanmanage.Hermotherwillseethatsomethingiswrong.Shenoticeseverything.She’sremarkedoftenenoughthatRoselookstiredlately,thatshe’slostweight.Rosealwaysbrushestheconcernaway,triestodeflecttheconversationtosomethingelse,butit’sgettingharderandhardertodo.Shehasactuallystartedtovisithermotherlessoften,butshecan’tskipEasterdinner.Shestudiesherselfinthemirror.It’struethatherjeans,oncesnug,seemtohangonher.Shedecidestocompensatebyputtingonabulkyredsweateroverhershirt.Itwillhavetodo.Shebrushesherlongbrownhair,putsonsomelipsticktobrightenupherwanface,andattemptsasmile.Itlooksforced,butit’sthebestshecando.
Whenshearrivesathermom’shouse,itbeginsrightaway,themotherlyconcern,thequestions.Buthermothercan’thelpher.Andshecanneverknowthetruth.Rosegotherselfintothismessallbyherself.Andshewillhavetogetherselfout.
???
ELLENCUTTERTAKESonelookatherdaughterandshakesherhead.“Lookatyou,”shesays,receivingherdaughter’scoat.
“You’resopale.Barbara,doesn’tshelookabitpaletoyou?
Andhonestly,Rose,you’regettingsothin.”
BarbararollshereyesatherandsmilesatRose.“Ithinkyoulookgreat,”shesays.“Don’tlistentoyourmother.She’ssuchaworrywart.”
Rosesmilesatherauntandsays,“Thankyou,Barbara.Idon’tthinkIlookthatbad,doI?”Sheturnstolookatherselfinthehallwaymirrorandfluffsupherbangsalittle.
Ellensmiles,too,butinwardlyshe’sdismayed.Andhersistersendsheraquickglancethatconfirmsshe’snoticedthechangesinherniece,despitewhatshejustsaid.Ellen’snotimaginingthings—Rosedoeslookwornout.She’slosthersparklelately.Shetriesnottoworry,butwhoelseisshegoingtoworryabout?She’sawidow,andRoseisheronlychild.
Barbaradoesn’thaveanykids,sotherearen’tanyniecesornephewsforhertofussover.Ellenisreallyratheraloneintheworld,exceptforthesetwo,andherfriendAudrey.“Well,we’regoingtohavealovelydinner,”Ellensays.“Comeintothekitchen,I’mjustabouttobastetheturkey.”
“Whathaveyoubeenupto?”EllenhearsBarbaraaskRoseastheymaketheirwayintotheotherroom.
“Notmuch,”Rosesays.“Justwork.”
“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeyou,”Barbarasays.“Whatdoyoudoforfun?Doyouhaveaboyfriendthesedays?”
Ellenfurtivelywatchesherdaughter’sfaceasshetendstotheturkey,thesmelloftheroastingmeatfamiliarandcomforting.Roseusedtobesopopular,butshedoesn’ttalkaboutfriendsorboyfriendsanymore.It’salljustwork,work,work.
“Nooneatthemoment,”Rosesays.
“Iguessrunningyourownlawpracticeisprettydemanding,”Barbaraacknowledgeswithasmile.
“You’venoidea,”Roseagrees.
“There’ssuchathingaswork-lifebalance,”Ellensuggestsgently.
“Notifyou’reayoungattorney,”Rosesays.
ButEllenwondersifthere’smoretoitthanthat.
???
AUDREYSTANCIKhasbeenknockedsidewaysbyanastyspringflu.Shedidn’tbothertogettheflushotthisyearandsheheartilyregretsitnow.Insidehermodesthome,shesitsinbedinhermostcomfortable,fadedpajamas.Herhairistuckedbackinaheadband,but,evenill,hermanicureisperfect.
She’sproppedupbypillows,thetelevisiononinthebackground,butshe’snotreallywatching.There’sawastebasketfullofsoiledtissuesnexttothebedandaboxoffreshtissuesonhernightstand,besidetheframedphotographofherdaughter,Holly.Shefeelsutterlymiserable—hernoseisrunninglikeatapandshe’sachyallover.AudreywassupposedtobecelebratingEasterdinneratherbrotherFred’splacewiththefamily,andshehadbeenparticularlylookingforwardtoitthisyear.Shewouldhaveenjoyeditmuchmorethanusual,knowingwhatsheknows.She’sgoingtomissthatdeliciousmealwithallthefixings,andherfavorite,Irena’slemonpie.It’sreallyashame;Audreyenjoysherfood.
Butotherthanhavingtheflu,Audreyisquitehappythesedays.She’sexpectingawindfallsoon.Asignificantwindfall.
It’stoobadsomeonehastodieforhertogetit.
She’sgoingtoberich.It’sabouttime.3
Catherinestandsonherparents’doorstepwithTedbesideher,buzzingalittlewithnerves.Sheringsthedoorbell.It’salwayslikethis—wonderinghoweveryoneisgoingtogetalong,hopingforthebest.Butshe’snotgoingtoallowanyonetoruinthedayforher.
SheandTedhavealovelyhomeinAylesford,butit’snowherenearasimpressiveasthis.Theyhavethekindofhousetwoprofessionalincomes—adermatologistandadentist—canafford.Herparents’home,wheresheandhersiblingsgrewup,ismoreofamansion.Astheeldest,shewouldliketohavethishousewhenherparentsaregone.Shewouldliketolivehere,inBreckenHill,incomfortandwealth,andhosthersiblingsforholidaydinners,herownchildrenaroundher.Thisiswhatshefantasizesabout—andinherfantasyshe’sneververyold.Notmucholderthansheisnow.
Certainlynotasoldasshewouldbeifherparentslivedalonglifeanddiedofnaturalcauses.Butthenthat’sthepointoffantasies;bydefinitiontheyareneverrealistic.Shewantsthehouseandeverythinginit—thedishes,theantiques,theart.
Herparentshaveneverpromisedherthehouse,orevenhintedthattheywouldleaveittoher.Buttheywouldn’tleaveittoDan—hewouldn’twantitanyway.Jennawouldprobablytrashtheplace,orifshedidn’t,herfriendswould.HermotherwouldneverinflictJennaandherlifestyleontheirwealthyneighbors,Catherineissureofthat.
Thedooropensandhermotheristhere,welcomingtheminwithasmile.She’swearingblacktrousersandblackheels,awhitesilkblouse,andanorange-and-pinkHermèsscarf
aroundherneck.Catherinebrieflystudieshermother’sface,lookingforsignsofwhatsheherselfwilllooklikewhenshe’solder.Sheseeswateryblueeyes,goodskin,well-cuthair.Hermotherhasagedrathergracefully—butmoneyhelps.
“Hi,Mom,”shesays,leaningintoembracehermother.It’sapolitehugratherthanaheartfeltone.
“Hi,dear.You’rethefirst,”shesays,turningtogreetTed.
“Comeonin.I’llgetyousomethingtodrink.”
Shebustlesintothediningroomtotherightofthefoyer,saying,“Whatwouldyoulike?Champagne?”
Hermotheralwaysservesbubblyonholidays.“Sure,”
Catherinesays,takingoffherspringcoatandhangingitintheclosetasherhusbanddoesthesame.Theynevertakeofftheirshoes.
“Ted?”
“Yes,sure,”hesays,smilingagreeably.
Healwaysstartsoffwell,Catherinethinks;it’sonlyafterabitoftimethathebeginstofeelthestrain.
Sheilapourschampagneintoflutes,andtheytaketheirfizzingglassesacrossthewideentryhallthroughtothelivingroomontheothersideandsitontheplushsofas,thespringsunslantingthroughthelargebaywindows.Theviewoutoverthelawnislovely,Catherinethinkseverytime.Andthegardenshavebeguntobloomwithdaffodilsandtulips.Shewoulddomorewiththegarden,ifitwashers.“Where’sDad?”
sheasks.
“He’supstairs,he’llbehereinaminute,”hermothersays.
Shesmilestightly,loweringhervoiceandputtingherchampagneflutedownonthecoffeetable.“Actually,there’ssomethingimportantIwanttotalktoyouabout,beforeyourfathercomesdown.”
“Oh?”Catherinesays,surprised.
Somethingpassesacrosshermother’sface,uneasinessperhaps.Catherine’snotsurewhat,butitputsheronguard.
Andthenthedoorbellrings.ThatcanonlybeDan,shethinks.
Jennaisalwayslate.
Asifreadinghermind,hermotherturnsherheadtowardthefrontdoorandsays,“ThatmustbeDan.”
ShegetsuptoanswerthedoorwhileCatherineraiseshereyebrowsatherhusband.“Iwonderwhatshewantstotalkabout?”shewhisperstoTed.
Tedshrugsandsipshischampagne.TheywaituntilDanandLisajointheminthelivingroom,CatherineandLisaquicklyhugging,whilethemennodgreetings.DanandLisasitdownonthesofaopposite,whiletheirmotherfetchesthemglassesofchampagne.CatherinethinksDanlooksmoretensethanusual.Sheknowshe’sbeenstruggling.Shewondersifhermotherisgoingtolettheminonwhateverthesecretistoo.Butwhenhermotherrejoinsthem,shedirectstheconversationtothegeneralandsuperficial,andCatherinefollowsherlead.
Thedoorbellringsagainafewminuteslater—threeshort,sharpbursts—announcingJenna.Theirfatherhasstillnotappeared;Catherinewondersuneasilyifsomething’swrong.
Theyremaininthelivingroom,listeningtohermotherandJennaatthedoor.“Andwhohavewehere?”hermotherasks.
Great,Catherinethinkssourly.Jenna’sbroughtsomeone.
Ofcourseshehas—shealmostalwaysdoes.Lasttimeitwasa
“girlfriend,”andthey’dwonderedthroughtheentiregatheringifshewasjustafriend,orperhapsalover;itwashardtotell.
They’dallbeenalittleuncomfortableasJennaandherfrienddrapedthemselvesovereachother,andthey’dneverreallyfoundout.CatherinemakesafaceatTedandlistens.
“JakeBrenner,”aman’svoiceanswers,deepandconfident.
“Welcometoourhome,”hermothersays,overlypolite,atriflecold.
ThenCatherinehearstheheavytreadofherfathercomingdowntheelaboratefrontstaircase.Shestandsupandtakesabigswallowofchampagne,gesturingatTedwithherchintogethimonhisfeet.Hestandsreluctantly,switchinghischampagneflutetohislefthand.Togethertheymovetowardthefoyer.
Catherineacknowledgesherfatherfirst.Ashereachesthebottomofthestairs,shestepsforwardandhugshim.“Hi,Dad,HappyEaster.”
Herfatherhugsherbriefly,and,asshestepsback,hesayshishellosandreachesoutandshakeshandsfirmlywithTed.
There’snothingwarmaboutit;it’sratherformal.DanandLisahangbackinthelivingroomandattentionshiftstothecouplestandingatthedoor.CatherinenoticestheheavyblackeyelineraroundJenna’seyesandthenewpurplestreakinherhair.Evenso,she’sastrikingbeauty.Tallandleaninhercustomarytightblackjeans,heeledboots,andblackleatherbikerjacket,shelookslikesomethingoutoftheedgyNewYorkmusicscene,andCatherinebrieflyfeelstheusualstabofirritation—ormaybeit’sjealousy.Catherinecouldneverpullthatoff.Thensheremindsherselfthatshewouldneverwantto.Catherinehasherownlook—tasteful,classic,expensive—
andshe’shappywithit.Itreflectswhosheis.
Jennaisasculptor,andagoodone.Butshe’snotseriousenoughaboutittobesuccessful.She’smorelikeatalenteddilettante,apartygirllookingforanexcusetohangoutinNewYorkCity.SheknowsherparentsareafraidthattheNewYorkartscenewillruinher.NoneofJenna’sworksareondisplayinherparents’house;theyfindthemtooobscene.
Catherineknowsherparentsareinanawkwardposition—they
wanttobeproudoftheirtalenteddaughter,theywanthertobesuccessful,butthey’reembarrassedbywhatallthatobvioustalentproduces.
JakelookslikesomebodyJennawouldlike.Darkandsexyandinneedofashave.He’swearingjeansandaT-shirtandabatteredbrownleatherjacket.Catherinecansmelltheweedcomingoffthepairofthemfromherpositionatthefootofthestaircase.Theirfathergivesthembothastonystare.
“Hi,Dad,”Jennasaysbreezily.“Jake,meetmydad.”
Jakejustnodslaconically,spliffedout,doesn’tevenstepforwardandofferhishandtoshake.He’stallandlean,likeJenna,and,Catherinethinks,fartoolaidbackforthesituation.
Hehasnomanners.
“Comewithme.There’schampagne,”Sheilasays,headingintothediningroom.
FredMertonglancesatCatherineasiftosay,Whothehellisheandwhatishedoinginmyhouse?ThenhegreetsDanandhiswife.
???
ASHORTTIMELATER,Danstandsinthelivingroom,sippinghischampagne,andfeigninginterestinthegardensbeyondthewindow.Allthewomenareinthekitchen,gettingthemealreadytobringtothetable.TheyhavebeenjoinedbyIrena,theformernanny,nowcleaningwoman,whohasbeeninvitedtodinner.Andtocleanitallupafterward.TedisgamelyinvolvingtheratherloucheJakeinconversationonthesofainfrontoftheliving-roomwindow,whileFred,standingbesideDan,listens.TheyhavelearnedthatJakeisa“seriousvisualartist”withvariousunnamedjobsinthegigeconomythatkeephimfromcreatinghisownwork.Dancan’tdiscernwhetherJakeistherealthingorafraud,awannabe.Knowinghissister,hecouldbeeitherthenextJacksonPollock,orsome
losershepickeduplastnightatapartyandspontaneouslyinvitedtotheirfamilydinnerthenextday.
Danmovesclosertohisfatherandsaysinalowvoice,
“Dad,Iwashopingmaybewecouldtalk,afterdinner,inyourstudy.”Hemeetshisfather’seye,butthenlooksaway.Hisfatherintimidateshim.Danhasalwaysfelt,astheonlyson,thatenormouspressurewasplacedonhim.Hewassupposedtocarrythefamilymantle,takeoverthebusinesssomeday.
He’ddonehisbesttorisetothechallenge—he’dworkedhard.
Buthisfather,who’dmademillionsinrobotics,hadrecently
—andabruptly—soldthecompanyratherthanletDantakeover.He’ddoneeverythingaskedofhim—he’dbeenemployedthereinvariouscapacitiesfromthetimehewasinhighschool,expectingittobehisoneday.He’dearnedhisMBA.He’dworkedhisassoff.Buthisfatherdidn’tlikethewayhedidthings,andhewascontrollingandpigheaded,alwaysdanglingcarrotsandsnatchingthemaway.ThesaleofMertonRoboticshadguttedDan,lefthimunemployedandunmoored,andshatteredhisconfidence.Hestilldoesn’tknowwhathe’sgoingtodo.Thatwassixmonthsago,andhe’sbeenflounderingeversince,gettinghimselfintofinancialtrouble.
Hisjobsearchsofarhasyieldednothing,andhe’sgettingdesperate.
He’sneverresentedhisfathermorethanhedoesrightnow,thisveryminute—it’sbecauseofhisfatherthathe’sinthismess,andhedoesn’tdeserveit.Danevenwonderswhetherhisfathermeanttosellthebusinessallalong.
“I’mabusinessmanfirstandforemost,”he’dsaidtoDanthedayhetoldhimtheshockingnewsthathewassellingMertonRobotics.“Adamnedgoodone.Thisisaverygooddealforme,anofferIcan’trefuse.”
Hehadn’tevenconsideredwhatitmightmeanforhisson.
Now,hisfatherresponds,moreloudlythannecessary,
“Whatdoyouwanttotalkabout?”
Danfeelsasuddenflushstartinguphisneck.Somuchfortryingtobediscreet.He’sawarethattheconversationbetweenTedandJakehasstopped.Hisfatheralwayshumiliatedhimwhenhegotthechance.Hediditforsport.Danfeelstheheatspreadacrosshisface.“Nevermind.”Hewon’ttalktohisfathertoday.Henolongerhasthestomachforit.
“No,don’tdothat,”hisfathersays.“Don’tstartsomethingyouwon’tfinish.Whatdidyouwanttotalktomeabout?”
Whenhedoesn’tanswer,hisfathersaysbluntly,“Letmeguess.Youneedmoney.”
AfeelingofimpotentragefloodsthroughDan,andhewantstopunchhisfatherintheface.Hedoesn’tknowwhatstopshim,butsomethingalwaysdoes.
“Yeah.Idon’tthinkso,”hisfathersayscruelly.
Justthenhismother’svoicecalls,“Dinner’sonthetable.
Comebeseated,please.”
Danshrugspasthisfather,faceburning,andmakeshiswayintothediningroom.He’slosthisappetite.4
Irenadoesmostofthework,bringingthefoodquietlyandefficientlytothediningroom—thevegetables,potatoes,sidedishesandsauces,thegravy—whileSheilacarriesintheroastturkeyonanornateplatterandcarefullyplacesitnearFred.Irenawonderswhenitwillgettobetoomuchforher.
ThebirdisobviouslyheavyandSheila’snotgettinganyyounger.ShefearsthedaywhenSheilatwistsanankleinthoseheelsandgoesdownwiththeturkeyontopofher.Fredalwayscarves;it’ssomethinghetakesseriously,asthemanofthehousehold.Fredstands,whiletheyallsit,waiting.Hewieldsthecarvingknifewhiletellingsomestory,pausingtomakeapoint.Hedoesn’tcarethatthefoodisgettingcold.
Fredisattheheadofthetable,withSheilaattheoppositeend.Catherine,Ted,andLisaareonFred’sright,whileJenna,Jake,andDanareonhisleft.Irenaisclosesttothekitchen,shovedinkitty-cornerbetweenDanandSheila.
It’stoomuchtrouble,Sheilasays,toaddanotherleaftothetable,althoughitwouldbeIrenadoingit.IfAudreywerehere
—Fred’ssister—theleafwouldbeadded.ButAudreyisnotheretonight;shehasaspringflu.
WhileFredcarves,Irenaobservestheothersatthetablewithoutanyonetakingnotice.It’seasyenoughtodoifyou’rethehiredhelpwhohasbeenwiththefamilysincethechildrenwereindiapers.Noonepaysmuchattentiontoher,andsheknowsallofthemsowell.Sheilaishidingatremor;she’sclearlyworriedaboutsomething.IrenaknowsaboutSheila’snewantianxietymedsinthebathroommedicinecabinet.It’shardtokeepsecretslikethatfromthecleaninglady.She’s
wonderingwhySheilahasstartedtakingthem.Danisaduskyred,asifhehassufferedanotherrebuke,andhealoneisnotwatchingFredcarvetheturkey.Jennahasbroughtanotherplaythingwithher—aman,thistime.AndCatherine—well,Catherineisluxuriatinginthefinechinaandcrystalandtheglintofthesilver.She’stheonlyonewhoseemstobeenjoyingherself.Tedisonhisbestbehavior;Irenacansensehisrestraint.
Irenafeelsatugatherheartasshewatchesthemall.She’sfondofthechildren,andworriesaboutthem,especiallyDan,eventhoughtheyhavegrownupandmovedout.Theydon’tneedheranymore.
Thefoodisserved,andthemealbegins.Everyonedigsin
—darkmeatandwhite,stuffingandscallopedpotatoes,coldham,rollsandbutter,saladsandsauces.Andtheytalk,justlikeanyotherfamily.Fredisgoingonaboutafriend’snewyacht.Irenanotesthatheisdrinkingalotofwine—thebestchardonnayfromthecellar—andquickly,whichisneveragoodsign.
???
JENNAHASFINISHEDhermeal.Sheplacesherknifeandforkdiagonallyacrosshergold-rimmedplateandcastshereyesaroundthetable.Danhasbeensubdued;shenotesthathehasn’tsaidaword.Hiswife,Lisa,sittingacrossfromhim,haskeptaworriedeyeonhim.JennasuspectsDanandtheirfatheralreadyhadwordsearlier—there’safamiliartensionintheair.
Hermotherseemstobechatteringmorebrightlythanusual,asuresignthatsomethingiswrong.ShefeelsJake’srighthandcreepingupherthighunderthetablecloth.Catherineseemsherusualself—suchaprincess,always,inherpearls,herconventionallyhandsomehusbandchewingpolitelynexttoher.Herfatherhasbeendrinkingwinesteadilyandseemslikehehassomethingonhismind.Sheknowsthatlook.
Thenhetapshisglasswithhisforktogeteveryone’sattention.Hedoesthiswhenhehasanannouncementtomake,andhe’samanwholikestomakeannouncements.Hehassuchamonstrousego.Heenjoysdroppingbombshellsandwatchingthereactiononeveryone’sfaces.It’sthewayheranhisbusiness,apparently,andit’sthewayherunshisfamily.
Now,alleyesturntohimuneasily.EvenDan’s.JennaknowsDan’shadashittytimeofit.Surelythere’snothingmorehecandotoDan.Somaybeit’sherturn.OrCatherine’s.Shefindsherselftensing.
“There’ssomethingyoushouldknow,”herfathersays,lookingateachofthemaroundthetable.
JennacatchesCatherinelookingatherasifshe’sthinkingthesamething—it’syouorme.Theirfathertakeshistime,drawingouteveryone’sdiscomfort.Thenhesays,“YourmotherandIhavedecidedtosellthehouse.”
Catherinethen.JennaquicklyglancesatCatherine.Shelooksasifshe’sbeensuckerpunchedinthestomach.Sheobviouslyhadnoideathiswasgoingtohappen,andithasflooredher.Herfacehasgoneslack,herexpressionflat.TheyallknewCatherinewantedthishousesomeday.Well,itlookslikeshe’snotgoingtogetit.
Shelooksacrosstohermother,butSheilaislookingdown,avoidingherdaughter’seyes.Sothisiswhyallthebrightchatter,Jennathinks.Sheknewthiswascoming.Jennafeelsasurgeofrage.Whyishesobloodymean?Whydoeshermotherlethimgetawaywithit?
Catherineattemptstocomposeherself,butshe’snotfoolinganybody.“Whywouldyousellit?Ithoughtyoulovedthishouse.”
“It’stoobigforjustthetwoofus,”FredMertonsays.“Wewanttodownsize,getsomethingsmaller.Toomuchupkeeponthisplace.”
“Whatdoyoumean,upkeep?”Catherinesays,hervoicegrowingbolder,herangershowing.“Youdon’tevendoanyoftheworkyourself—youhaveagardeningcompany,asnowremovalservice,Irenadoesallthecleaning.Whatupkeep?”
Herfatherlooksatherasifhe’sjustnownoticingherdistress.“What,didyouwantitforyourself?”
JennaseesthewashofpinkspreadacrossCatherine’sfairskin.
Catherinesays,“It’sjustthat…wegrewupinthishouse.
It’sthefamilyhome.”
“I’veneverthoughtofyouassentimental,Catherine,”theirfathersays,casuallyrefillinghiswineglass.
Catherine’sfaceisnowanangryred.“WhataboutIrena?”
sheasks,glancingattheiroldnannyattheotherendofthetable,thenbackatherfather.
“Whatabouther?”Hespeaksasifshe’snotatthetable,asifshe’snotintheroom.
“You’rejustgoingtolethergo?”
Herfatherputshiswineglassdownonthetablewithaclunkandsays,“Iimaginewe’llkeepher,inareducedcapacity.ButCatherine,sheonlycomesheretwodaysaweekasitis.It’snotgoingtokillher.”
“She’spartofthefamily!”
JennasneaksaglanceatIrena.She’sperfectlystill,watchingtheirfather,butthere’saflashtohereyes.
Catherine’sright,Jennathinks—surelytheyowehersomething.Shepracticallyraisedthem.
“I’msorrytoupsetyourexpectations,”theirfathersays,notlookingsorryatall.“Butthedecisionhasbeenmade.”
“Ihadnone,”Catherinesaystartly.
“Good,”theirfathersays.“Becauseletmetellyousomethingaboutexpectations.It’sbetternottohavethem.
Becauseyouwillbedisappointed.JustlikeIexpectedDanheretotakeoverthefamilybusinesssomeday,butIsolditratherthanwatchhimrunitintotheground.”
Lisagaspsaudibly.Danlooksathisfather,hisfacewhite,hismouthsetinagrimline.Theirmotherisshakingherhead,almostimperceptibly,asiftellingherhusbandnottogothere.
Heignoresher,asalways.Sheistooweakforhim,shealwayshasbeen,Jennathinks.Attimestheyhaveallhatedherforit.
Fornotstandingupforthem,fornotprotectingthem.Evennow,it’sasiftheirmotherisn’teventhere.Hehasmadethisdecisionwithouther,despitewhathesays.JennacansenseJakebesideher,watchinginembarrassment.Hishandhasdroppedawayfromherthigh.
Buttheirfatherisjustgettingstarted.HappyEastertoall.
Thisonewillbememorable.“AndJennahere,”hesays,turninghisheavygazeonher.
Shewaitsforit.She’sbeentheobjectofhiswrathbefore.
Shewillnotshrinkbeforehim.He’sjustabully.Acontemptiblebully,andtheyallknowit.
“Wehadsuchhighhopesforyoutoo,”hesays,leaningtowardheroverthetableandglaringather.“Allthatsupposedtalent—whatawaste.Howmuchlongerdoyouexpectmetosupportyou?”
“Arttakestime,”shefiresback.
“You’vebeensuchadisappointment,”hesaysdismissively.
Shepretendstoignoreit,eventhoughithurtstohearhimsayit.
“Asyourparents,wehadexpectationstoo,”hesays.“Itcutsbothways.Weexpectedmoreofourchildren.Wewantedtobeproudofyou.”
“Youshouldbe,”Catherinesnapsathim.“There’slotstobeproudof.Youjustcan’tseeit.Younevercould.”
Hereplies,histonepatronizing,“It’strue,we’reproudofyou,Catherine.You’readoctor,atleast.Butwherearemygrandsons?”
There’sashort,shockedsilence.
“Ican’tbelievethis,”Tedsays,surprisingeveryone.Hestandsupabruptly.“We’releaving.”HetakesCatherinebytheelbowandsherisesbesidehim,unabletomeetanyone’seyes.
TogethertheyleavethetableandmarcharoundFred’sbackandouttothefoyer
Fredsays,“Yes,runaway—that’sverymature.”
SheilapushesbackherchairandhurriesafterCatherineandTed.Theothersremainatthetable,stillstunned.
ThenDanrisesand,throwinghisnapkindownlikeagauntlet,leavesthetableaswell,Lisarushingafterhim.
Jennasays,“We’releavingtoo.”ShegetsupandJakefollowsobediently.Theywillallmissdessert.Fromtheentryway,Jennaglancesbackoverhershoulderintothediningroom.Irenahasdisappearedintothekitchen,butherfatherisstillsittingaloneattheheadofthetable,tossingbackalongdrinkofwine.Shedespiseshim.
Sheturnsherbackonhim.Catherineispullingonhercoatwhiletheirmothertriestogethertowaituntilshecanpacksomepietotakehome.“No,it’sokay,Mom.Wedon’twantanypie,”Catherinesays.
“Thankyoufordinner,Sheila,”Tedsays.ThenCatherineandTedareoutthefrontdoorasfastasthey’reable.
Dankisseshismotherhastilyonthecheek,andheandLisadepartjustasquickly.Thedoorclosesbehindthem.ThenIrenaunexpectedlycomesdownthehallfromthekitchen,puts
onhercoat,andleaveswithoutaword,asSheilawatchesinsurprisedsilence.
Andthenit’sjustherandJake,aloneinthehousewithherparents.Jennachangeshermind;sheturnsbacktofaceherfather.5
CatherinesomehowmakesherwaytoTed’scarinthedrivewaywithoutbreakingdown,butassoonasshegetsintothepassengerseatandfastensherseatbelt,thetearsstarttoflow.
Tedturnstoherinconcern.Heleansoverandpullsherintohimtocomforther.Foramoment,shepressesherfaceagainsthischest.Thatcomment—wherearemygrandsons?—cuthertothequick.They’vebeentryingforababyforalmosttwoyearsnow.It’sasensitivesubject.Herfatherdoesn’tknowthat,buthemighthaveguessed.He’ssocruel,shethinks,andsoadeptatfindingvulnerabilities.Andthehouse—she’sfuriousthey’resellingit.It’snotbecauseoftheupkeep.He’ssellingitsothatshecan’thaveit.JustlikehesoldthebusinesssothatDancouldn’thaveit.
ShepullsawayfromTedsothathecandrive.Hefastenshisseatbeltandquicklystartsthecar,throwingitintoreverse.Heturnsthecararoundandspeedsdownthedriveway,enginerevving.Foronceshe’saseagertogetawayasheis.Shetakesadeepbreathandsays,“You’reright,Idon’tknowhowIstandit.Althoughthatwasmuchworsethanusual.”
“Yourfatherisamiserableprick.Healwayshasbeen.”
“Iknow.”
“Andyourmother—forChrist’ssake,what’swrongwithher?Hasshegotnospineatall?”
Theybothknowtheanswertothat.
“I’msorryaboutthehouse,”hesaysashecalmsdownandthecarslows.“Iknowhowmuchyouwantedit.”
Shestaresmiserablyoutthewindshieldattheroadahead.
Shecan’tbelieveit’snevergoingtobehers.
“Isthatwhatshewantedtotellyou?”Tedasks.
“What?”
“Whenwefirstarrived,yourmothersaidtherewassomethingshewantedtotalktoyouabout.”
“Yourguessisasgoodasmine.”
“Yourfamilyislikeafuckingsoapopera.Whatmorecouldtherebe?”Tedsays
“Maybeshe’sill,”shesays.“Maybethat’swhythey’resellingthehouse.”
???
LISADOESN’TEVENwanttoask.She’safraidofwhatshemightlearn.ButonthedrivehomeshescrewsuphercourageandasksDan,“Didyougetachancetotalktoyourfather,before
—”
“No,”hesayscurtly.Thenheglancesather,softenshisvoice.“Itried,buthewasinnomood.IfI’dknownwhatwascoming,Iwouldn’thavebothered.”
Shelooksoutthewindowasherhusbanddrives.“He’ssuchashit,”shesaysvenomously,knowingherhusbandisthinkingthesamething.ShefeelssorryforCatherine—hewasawfultoher.Butasmuchasshefeelsbadaboutthat,somesmallpartofherisglad—ormayberelieved—thathehasturnedononeofhisotherchildrenforonce.It’sreassuring.ItmakesitlooklesslikeDan’sfaultthatFredsoldthefamilybusiness.She’striedtokeepthefaith,butlatelyit’sbeenhard.Watchingherhusbandflounder,unemployed,withoutdirection.He’sdonesomethingunwisewiththeirinvestments.IsDanagood
businessmanornot?Shedoesn’treallyknowanymore.Butshehasdoubts.
Whenshemarriedhimfouryearsago,hehadagoodpositioninFred’scompany,withageneroussalary,bonuses,andabrightfuture.Hewasneverhappythere—hisfathermadehislifemiserableatwork—buttheythoughtFredwouldretireandthatDanwouldrunthecompanysomeday.Theworldwastheiroyster.WhenFredsolditoutfromunderthemafewmonthsago,itwaslike—itwaslikeadeath.AndDanstillhasn’tgottenoverthegrief.She’sdoneherbesttocomfortandsupporthim,toprophimup,tohelphimfindanewpath.Buthehasalwaysstruggledwithdepression,andsincethebusinesswassold,ithasbecomethatmuchworse.
Somedaysshehardlyrecognizeshim.
Nowshesays,“Thatwasalowblow,aboutthegrandsons.”
“Yup,”Danagrees.
“Doyouthinkheknowsthatthey’vebeenhavingtroubleconceiving?”
“Idoubtit.It’snotlikeshe’dtellhim.ShemighthavetoldMom,butshewouldhaveswornhertosecrecy.”
“Catherinetoldmeinconfidence.Shesaidshewasn’tgoingtotellyourmother,butIwonderifshedid.”
Danglancesoverather.“Shetoldyoubecauseyou’rekind.
You’reright—shewouldn’ttellthem.Itwasprobablyaluckyguess.”
She’ssilentforamoment.“Shewantedthehouse,didn’tshe?”
Dannods.“She’salwayswantedthehouse.Idon’tcare,onewayortheother.TheplacecouldburndownasfarasI’mconcerned.”Hisvoiceturnsdark.“It’snotlikewehavealotofhappymemoriesthere.”
Shelooksathimmoreclosely.“Areyouallright?”sheasks.
Acariscomingtowardthem.Itpassesandtheroadisemptyinfrontofthemagain.
“I’mfine,”Dansays,rigidatthewheel.
“Okay.”Shewatcheshimuneasily.
Whataretheygoingtodo?They’dbeenbankingonDan’sfatherloaningthemsomemoneytotidethemoveruntilDangothimselftogether.Butthat’snotgoingtohappen.6
WhenDanandLisaarrivehometheytalkforawhile,thenLisaretirestothedentoread.Dandoesn’tjoinher.Hecan’tsitstill,andhecan’tfocus.Hehasn’tbeenabletofocusonmuchofanythingthesedays,otherthanhisproblems.Hethinksaboutthoseendlessly,obsessively,butnotproductively.Now,afterwhathappenedathisparents’,hefeelstheurgetodosomethingdrastic,somethingfinal—anythingtofindaresolution.
Dankeepsthesethoughtstohimself.
Hepourshimselfawhiskeyinthelivingroomandpacesrestlessly.Hedoesn’tbotherturningonthelights,andtheroomslowlygrowsdark.
Hecan’tseehiswaythroughtoanewbeginning.Hestillfeelsasifhe’sinshock,thathehasn’trecoveredfromthepainofhisfathertellinghimhewassellingthebusiness.Atfirst,he’dhopedthenewownerswouldkeephimon,atleastforayearortwo.Hebrieflynursedaprivateambitionofrisinginthecompanyhisdadhadsoldandtakingittonewheights.Buthe’dbeentoldhisserviceswouldn’tberequired,andthatwasthesecondblow.Hisfatherhadsneered,“Whatdidyouexpect?”
Lisahadn’ttakenitwell,althoughshe’dtriedvaliantlytopretendotherwise.Shehasalwaysbeenhisrock.
Ifhedoesn’tfindgainfulemploymentsoon,theywillbeinserioustrouble.HehasanMBA.Hehasgoodexperience.Heneedsanexecutiveposition,andthosearen’tsoeasytocomeby.Hecan’tjustgoworkinacarwash.
Lastfall,he’dunwiselytakenabigchunkofmoneyoutoftheirinvestmentportfolio—overtheobjectionsofhisfinancialadviser—andputitinaprivatemortgagethatguaranteedamuchhigherrateofreturn.Butthenhisfatherhadsoldthebusinessandhe’dlosthisjob.Andunlikehispreviousinvestments,whichhadsomeflexibilityaboutwithdrawals,hecan’tgetthemoneyoutuntilthemortgagetermisup.Andnowhisfatherhasscrewedhimagain—won’tevengivehimashort-termloan.
There’sonethingthatkeepshimgoing,thatgiveshimhopeforthefuture.He’sgothisinheritancetolookforwardto—buthowlongbeforehegetsthat?Heneedsthemoneynow.Hisparentsareworthafortune.Theirwillsdistributethemoneyequallyamongtheirthreechildren.Atleastthat’swhatthey’vebeenledtobelieve,eventhoughhisparentshavealwaysplayedfavorites,Catherinebeingtheclearfront-runner.Danistheleastfavorite,andheknowsit.TheydoabigsonganddanceaboutJennaallthetime,butheknowsthatshecomesinsecond,theirbeautiful,“talented”daughter,despitehersometimesappallingbehavior.
Ifhisfatherwasanormalfatherandnotacompletebastard,hecouldaskhimforanadvanceonhisinheritancenow,andgetit.That’swhatarealdadwoulddo.Hecouldmaybestarthisownbusiness.Buthecan’tevengetagoddamnedloanfromhisfather.Hisfatherhasruinedhim,andhe’senjoyeddoingit.
Danslumpsintoanarmchairandsitsinthedarkforalongwhile,mullingoverhisshittysituation.Finally,hegetsupandpopshisheadinthedenandsaystoLisa,“I’mgoingforadrive.”Heoftendoesthisatnight.Itrelaxeshim.Somepeoplerun,hedrives.It’ssoothing.Itfeedssomeneedinhim.
Sheputsherbookdown.“Whydon’tyougoforawalkinstead?”shesuggests.“Icancomewithyou.”
“No,”heinsists,shakinghishead.“Youreadyourbook.
Youdon’tneedtowaitup.Ijustwanttoclearmyhead.”
Oncehe’sinthecar,heturnsontheignitionandturnsoffhiscellphone.
???
LISALISTENSTOthefrontdoorcloseandturnsherattentionbacktohernovel,butsoonputsitdownagain.Shecan’tconcentrate.ShewishesDanwouldn’tgooutfordrivesatnightlikethis,especiallyafterhe’shadadrink.Whydoeshedoit?Whydoesheprefertogoforlongdrivesratherthanspendhistimewithher?Sheknowsit’sahabit,thatithelpshimwinddown,butshewisheshewouldfindsomeotherwaytodealwithstress.Walkingorrunningwouldbebetterthandriving.They’vegotaperfectlygoodexercisebikeinthebasement.
Sheunderstandshisanxiety,though—she’sstressedtoo.IfFreddoesn’tloanthemmoneysoon,they’llbeinrealtrouble.
IfonlyDanhadfoundanotherjob,theywouldn’tbeinthisposition.She’dgonetocollege,shecouldgetajob,butwhenshesuggestedit,heseemedwounded.Hedidn’tlikehowitwouldlook.He’sgothispride.Alotofgoodthat’sdoingthemnow.
Onceshestartsworrying,shecan’thelpgoingdowntherabbithole.Shedoesn’tknowhowhisjobsearchisgoingbecausehedoesn’ttellher,andhe’svaguewheneversheaskshim.Sheknowshesignedupwithanexecutivesearchcompany—aheadhunter—andtheygothimacoupleofinterviewsearlyon,buttherehasn’tbeenmuchlately.Hespentweeksfiddlingwithhisrésuméupstairsinhisoffice,butshecancountononehandthenumberoftimeshe’sdressedinasuitforaninterview.They’vebeen“exploratory”interviewstoassessfit.Shedoesn’tknowifhe’sdoneanyfollow-up
interviewsatall.Whyisn’thegettingmorecallsfromtheheadhunter?Arethingsreallyasslowashesays?
Shecastsasidethecozythrow,getsup,andleavestheden.
Sheclimbsthestairstothesecondfloorandmakesherwaytohisofficeattheendofthehall.Thisishisprivatespace.She’sneverdonethisbefore,neversnooped.Sheknowsit’scrossingaline,butshecan’thelpherself.Sheflicksonthelamponhisdeskratherthantheoverheadlight,incasehecomeshomesuddenly.
Hislaptopisclosed.Sheopensit,butshehasnoideawhathispasswordis.Shequicklygivesupandclosesthelid.Sheseeshisdayplanneronthedeskandpullsittowardher.Shelooksattoday’sdate.Sunday,April21.Thepagesforthispastweekareblank.Sheturnsthepage—nothingtherefornextweekeither.Shepagesforward—therearenoappointments,otherthanonewiththedentistinthreeweeks.Thenshegoesbackwardfromtoday’sdate.Thosepagesareblanktoo,exceptforadoctor’sappointment.Butshewascertainhehadinterviews,atleasttwoofthem,inMarch.Shedistinctlyremembershimdressinginhissteel-graysuit,lookingverydapper,andgoingout.Sherecallsanotherdayheleftinhisnavysuit—bothtimeswerejustlastmonth,butthere’snorecordofeitherappointmentinhisplanner.Maybehedoesn’tnotethingsdowninhisdiary—maybeit’sallonhisphone?
Butthere’sadentistappointmentinthediary.Andthatdoctor’sappointmentfromacoupleweeksago.Shegoesbackmonths.Thereareonlytwootherappointmentsnoted,bothwithhisheadhunter.Sheremembershowhopefulshe’dbeeninthoseearlydaysthathe’dfindagoodjoband,bestofall,notwithhisfather.Shefocusesonthediaryagain.There’snothingsincethosetwoinitialmeetingswiththeheadhunteralmostsixmonthsago.
Herheartsinks.Hashebeenlyingtoher?Dressingupinagoodsuitandtieandcarryinghisslim,expensiveattachécase
togositandhavecoffeealonesomewhereforacoupleofhours?
???
WHENCATHERINEANDTEDreturnedhomefromtheawfulEasterdinner,they’dbinge-watchedsomethingonNetflixtotaketheirmindsoffthings.Now,astheclosingcreditsrollupwardonthescreen,Tedturnstohiswifeandasksherifshe’dliketowatchsomethingelse.Hethinksshestilllookstoowounduptosleep.
“I’mnottired,”shesays.
“Meeither.Doyouwantmetomakeyouadrink?”
Sheshakesherheaddismissively.“No.Butyougoaheadifyouwant.”
“Iwon’tifyoudon’t.”
“Iwonder,”hiswifesays,“iftherewassomethingelseMomwantedtotalktomeabout.”
Hecanheartheworryinhervoice.WhataparticularlyshittyEaster,hethinks.Tedsayspatiently,“Whydon’tyougooverandseehertomorrow?It’sEasterMonday,you’vegotthedayoff.Youcanfindoutthen.Nopointinworkingyourselfupanymoretonight.”Butheknowshiswife.She’slikeadogwithabonewhenshe’sgotsomethingonhermind.Shewon’tletitgo.Shegetsabitobsessiveaboutthings.Likepregnancy.
Buthe’sheardthatmanywomengetlikethatwhentheycan’tconceive.It’safixationwithatickingclockattached.
Hethinksaboutwhatit’sbeenlikeforherthelastfewmonths.Thecyclemonitoring—runningintothefertilityclinicfirstthinginthemorning,beforework.Havingherbloodtaken,hereggfolliclesmonitored.Hisownrolehasn’tbeenasonerous,onlytheawkwardnessofprovidingasemensamplefortesting.Thefirstthreemonthsofcyclemonitoring,armed
withtheknowledgeofperfecttiming,theyhaddoneittheold-fashionedway—athomeinbed.Butlastmonththeysteppeditup.Itwasthefirsttimetheytriedartificialinsemination.Hewentinattheappropriatetimetoprovideanothersample,butotherthanthat,therewasn’tmuchforhimtodo.Hehopesitworksandtheseinterventionscanstopsoon,ratherthanbecomingevenmoreintrusive.Ifnothingelse,it’smessinguptheirsexlife.
“IthinkI’lljustcallher,”Catherinesays,breakingintohisthoughts.
“It’slate,Catherine,”hesays.“It’saftereleven.”
“Iknow,butshewon’tbeasleepyet.Shealwaysreadsatnight.”
Hewatchesasshepicksuphercellphonefromthecoffeetableandcallshermother.Hehopesitwillbeashort,reassuringcall,thentheycangotobed.ButSheilahadsaiditwasimportant.Hetellshimselfitwasprobablyaboutsellingthehouse,andthere’snothingelse.
“She’snotansweringhercell,”Catherinesays,turningtohiminconcern.
“Maybethey’vegonetobedandsheleftitdownstairs.Trythelandline.”
Catherineshakesherhead.“No.Idon’twanttochancespeakingtomyfather.”Sheseemstobeconsideringsomething.“MaybeIshouldgooverthere,”shesays.
“Catherine,honey,”heprotests.“Youdon’tneedtodothat.
Sheprobablyjustleftherphonesomewhere—youknowwhatshe’slike.”ButCatherinelooksworried.“Sheprobablywantedtotalktoyouaboutthehouse,”Tedsays.“Youcanwaittilltomorrow.”
ButCatherinesays,“IthinkI’lljustpopoverthere.”
“Really?”
Shecomesclosetohim.“Iwon’tbetoolong.IjustwanttotalktoMom,findoutwhateveritwasshewantedtotellme.
OtherwiseI’llneverbeabletosleep.”
Tedsighs.“Doyouwantmetocomewithyou?”heoffers.
Sheshakesherheadandgiveshimakiss.“No.Whydon’tyougotobed?Youlooktired.”
Hewatcheshergo.Oncehercarhasdisappeareddownthestreet,heturnsawayfromthedoor,andashepassesbyonhiswayupstairs,henoticesthatshe’slefthercellphoneonthehalltable.7
DetectiveReyesofAylesfordPolicestandsonthedrivesurveyingthemansioninfrontofhim.It’sTuesdayaftertheEasterweekend,shortlyafter11:00a.m.,andthey’vebeencalledouttowhat’sbeendescribedasabloodbath.
DetectiveBarr,hispartner,standsbesidehim,followinghisgaze.“Sometimeshavingalotofmoneycanbeabadthing,”
shesays.
Theplaceisbusy.Theambulance,patroldivision,andthemedicalexaminer’sofficehaveallarrivedwithinthelastfewminutes.Thescenehasbeenmarkedoffwithyellowtape.Thepresshasbeguntogatherattheendofthedrive,andsoon,nodoubt,theneighborswillappear.
Auniformedofficerfrompatroldivisionapproaches.
“Morning,detectives,”hesays.Reyesacknowledgeshimwithanod.“Thesceneissecure,”theofficerinformsthem.
“Tellme,”Reyessays.
“Victimsareanoldercouple,FredandSheilaMerton.Oneinthelivingroom,oneinthekitchen.Theylivedalone.”HeglancesatDetectiveBarr,nodoubtnoticingherfreshskinandstillbright,blueeyes.
Reyessmileseversoslightly;heknowsBarr’sstomachisstrongerthanmost.Shehasakeencuriosityaboutmurderscenes,borderingonthemacabre.Itcomesinhandy.Buthewonderswhatwillhappenifsheeverhasafamily—she’sonlythirty.Willshestillstickpicturesofcorpsesandcrimescenes
uponherkitchenwall?Hehopesnot.Reyeshasawifeandtwokidsathomeandifhedidsomethinglikethat,hissensiblewifewouldfilefordivorce.Hetriestokeepabalance,triesnottobringhisworkhomewithhim.Notthathealwayssucceeds.
Theofficersays,“Thecleaningladyfoundthem.Shecalled911attenthirty-ninethismorning.She’sinthepatrolcar,ifyouwanttotalktoher.”Heindicatesthecarwithhischin,thenturnsbacktoReyes.“Itlookslikethey’vebeendeadawhile.”
“Okay,thanks.”ReyesandBarrleavethecleaningladyfornowandmaketheirwaytothehouse.Anotherofficerisstationedbythefrontdoor,keepingtrackofwhogoesinandout.Hetellsthemtobecarefulofthebloodyfootprints.ReyesandBarrpullonbootiesandglovesandenterthefrontfoyer.
Assoonashestepscarefullyinside,Reyessmellstheblood.
Helooksaroundslowly,gettinghisbearings.There’sasinglesetoffresh,bloodyfootprintsleadingfromthekitchenhecanseeatthebackofthehouse,anddownthehall,towardthem,fadingastheyapproachthefrontdoor.Anotherless-distinctsetofbloodyfootstepsseemstoheadfromthekitchenupthecarpetedstairs.
Helookstohisleft,intothelivingroom,seesabrokenlamponthefloor.Beyondthat,atechnicianiskneelingnexttothebodyofawoman.Avoidingthebloodyfootprints,Reyeswalksover,Barrfollowing,andsquatsdownbesidethetechnician.Thevictimiswearinganightieandalightbathrobe.Heseesthemarksaroundthewoman’sthroat,thetelltalebruising,theeyesfleckedwithred.“Ligaturestrangulation,”Reyessays.Thetechniciannods.“Anysignofwhatshewasstrangledwith?”
“Notyet,”theothermansays.“We’vebarelystarted.”
Reyesnotesthatherringfingersarebare,spotsacellphoneflungunderanendtable,andstandsup.HewaitsasBarrtakesacloserlookandtriestoimaginewhatwentoninthisroom.
Sheopensthedoor,Reyesthinks,realizeshermistake,fleesintothelivingroom.There’sastruggle.Whydidn’therhusbandhearanything?Perhapshewasasleepupstairs,andthesoundofthelampfallingandbreakingwasmuffledbythethickcarpet.Barrrisesfromherstudyofthebodyandthetwoofthemreturntothefoyer.Fromthere,Reyesglancesintothediningroom,seesthedrawersofthebuffetpulledopenandlefthanging.Attheendofthelonghallthatrunsstraighttothebackofthehousefromthefoyer,heseesfiguresinwhitesuitsmovingaroundinthekitchen.Hewalksforwardsoundlesslyinhisbooties,closetothewalltoavoidthebloodyprints,Barrrightbehindhim.
It’sabloodbath,allright.Thesightandsmellofitbrieflyoverwhelmhim.Foramomentheholdshisbreath.Heglancesathispartner—hersharpeyesaretakingeverythingin.Thenhefocusesonthescenebeforehim.
FredMertonliesonhisstomachonthekitchenfloor,hisheadturnedtotheside,inblood-soakedpajamas.He’sbeenstabbedmultipletimesinthebackandhisthroatappearstohavebeenslit.Reyescountsthestabwoundsasbesthecan,leaningoverthebody.Thereareatleasteleven.Afrenzied,violentcrime.Acrimeofpassion,perhaps,ratherthanarobbery?Unlessitwasathiefwithsomeunresolvedangerissues.“Christ,”hemutters.Outhere,noonewouldhearthemscream.HelooksupandrecognizesMayBannerjee,theheadoftheforensicsteam,averycapableinvestigator.“Anyideahowlongthey’vebeenlyinghere?”Reyesasksher.
“I’dsayit’sbeenatleastaday,”Bannerjeetellshim.“We’llknowmoreaftertheautopsies,butmyguessistheyweremurderedsometimeSundaynightorearlyMondaymorning.”
“Anysignofthemurderweaponforthisone?”Reyesasks,ashecastsaneyearoundthekitchen.There’snobloodyknifeanywherethathecansee.
“Notyet.”
Hetriestodecipherwhatmighthavehappened.Barrismakingherownsilentstudyofthescene.There’satremendousamountofbloodspatter,onthewalls,theceiling,theisland.Reyeslooksdownatthesmearedfloorandthebloodytrailsleadingoutoftheroom.“Whatdoesthislookliketoyou?”heasksBannerjee.
“Myguess—thekillerworethicksocks,maybemorethanonepair—andnoshoes.Possiblybootiesontop.Thatwaywecan’tgetanyusableprints,orevenareliableshoesize.”Reyesnods.“Youcanseehewenttothecupboardunderthesink—
there’sbloodalloverit.Heenteredthediningroomfromhere.”Shepointstotheentryinthekitchenthatopensdirectlyintothediningroom,separatefromthemainhall.“Healsowentintothestudy,offthekitchen.”Shepointsherheadtowardtheothersideofthehouse.“Andhewentdownthehallandupstairs—lookslikehetoretheplaceapartafterthemurderslookingforcashandvaluables,thenexitedouttheback.Wecanseethefootsmearsandthere’sbloodonthebackdoorknobandonthepatio.There’sabloodyspotonthebacklawnwhereheprobablychangedhisclothes;afterthat,nothing.”
“Howdidhegetintothehouse?Anysignofforcedentry?”
“We’restillgoingovertheperimeter,butnothingobvioussofar.Thecleaningladysaidthefrontdoorwasunlockedwhenshegothere,somaybethefemalevictimopenedthedoor.”Sheturnstowardthekitchensinkunderthewindow.
“Someprettyobviousfresh,clearfootprintsfromthebodytothesink,andthenouttothefrontdoor—thosewillbefromthecleaninglady.”
Thevictimswereintheirnightwear,possiblyalreadyinbed,Reyesthinks.SheilaMertonmighthaveputonherrobeandcomedownstairstoopenthedoortothekiller.Shewasobviouslykilledfirst,astherewasnobloodtransferredtoherfromthemurderer,whowouldhavebeendrenchedinitafterkillingthehusband.Theyneedtofindoutwhat,exactly,hasbeentaken.Thecleaningladymightbeabletohelpwiththat.
“Whatdoyouthink?”Reyesasks,turningtoBarr.
“Itseemsunnecessarilybrutalforarobbery.Imean,didtheyhavetostabhimthatmanytimes?”Barrsays,staringatthebutcheredbodyonthekitchenfloor.“Maybeit’sjustsupposedtolooklikearobbery,andit’snotarobberyatall.”
Reyesnodsinagreement.Barradds,“Andtheyreallywenttotownonhim,comparedtoher.Overkill,I’dsay.”
“Indicatingthattheragewasforhim,nother.”
“Maybe.Andshewasjustthere,intheway.”
“Althoughstrangulationisalsoquitepersonal,”Reyessays.
“Let’stalktothecleaninglady.”Astheyexitthehouseandwalktowardthedriveway,Reyes’seyeisdrawnupwardtothedarkshapescirclingabovethem.Fiveorsixlargebirdsareglidingonthecurrents,highintheair.
“Whatarethose?”Barrasks,shieldinghereyesandstaringupatthehoveringbirds.
“Turkeyvultures,”Reyessays.“Theyprobablysmelltheblood.”8
Irenasitsaloneinthebackseatofapatrolcar,hunchedoverinherspringjacket,tryingtogetwarm.It’sabrightday,butit’sonlyAprilandstillcool.Ormaybeit’stheshock.She’sshiveringandshefeelsnauseatedtoo.Shecan’tstopthinkingaboutFredandSheila.Allthatblood,thestenchofit.ThelookonSheila’sface,staringupather,asifshewantedtosaysomething.Sheilaprobablyknewwhoherkillerwas,butshe’snotgoingtobeabletotellanyone.
Irenatremblesandwaits.Shenoticesthereisbloodonhershoes.
Oneoftheofficersopensthecardoorandpopshisheadin.
“Thedetectiveswouldliketotalktoyounow,ifthat’sallright,”hesays.
Shenodsandgetsoutofthecar.Twopeoplearewalkingtowardher—atall,dark-hairedman,probablyaboutforty,andawomanwhoisshorterandyounger.Bothareinplainclothes.
Irenaswallowsnervously.
“Hello,”themansays.“I’mDetectiveReyesandthisisDetectiveBarrofAylesfordPolice.Iunderstandyoufoundthevictims.”Shenods.“Doyoumindifweaskyouafewquestions?”
Shenodsagain,thenrealizesthisisconfusingandsays,“Idon’tmind.”Butsheisshakinglikealeaf.
ReyesturnstoBarrandsays,“There’sablanketinthetrunk,canyougrabit?”
Shelopesoff,returningwithanavywoolblanket,whichshedrapesoverIrena’sshiveringshoulders.
“It’stheshock,”Reyestellsher.Heraiseshiseyestotheyardandsays,“Whydon’twegositinthegazebo—wecantalkthere.”
Theymaketheirwayacrossthelawntotheprettystructure,whereshesettlesonabench,huggingtheblanketaroundher,andfacesthetwodetectives.Sheusedtoplayinherewiththechildren,alongtimeago.
“Canwehaveyourname,please?”Barrasks.
“IrenaDabrowski.”Shespellsitout,watchingthefemaledetectivewriteitdown.IrenamayhaveaPolishnamebutherEnglishisperfectandunaccented.Herparentscameherewhenshewasababy.
“Iunderstandyou’retheMertons’cleaninglady,”Reyessays.Shenods.“Howlonghaveyoubeenworkingforthem?”
“Alongtime,”shebegins.“Istartedwhentheirfirstchildwasborn.Iwasalive-innannyhereformanyyears—tillthelastchildwenttoschool.ThenIcontinuedonashousekeeper,andthenastheircleaninglady.Icomeintwiceaweeknow.”
“Soyouknowthefamilywell.”
“Verywell.They’relikemyownfamily.”Sherealizessheshouldprobablybecrying,butshejustfeelsnumb.Irenabreathesinfreshair,tryingtodispelthesmellofblood.
“It’sokay,”Barrsaysgently.“Takeyourtime.”
“Ijustcan’tbelieveit,”shesayseventually.
“WhenwasthelasttimeyousawtheMertonsalive?”
Reyesasks.
“ItwasonSunday,atEasterdinner.Iwashereall-daySaturday,cleaning.TheywerehavingthefamilyforEaster,
andSheilawantedtheplacespotless.Ihadextrapolishingtodo.AndthenIcamebackonSunday,tojointhemfordinner.”
“Whocametodinner?”
“Thekidswereallthere.Catherine,theeldest,andherhusband,Ted.Dan,themiddleone,andhiswife,Lisa.AndJenna,theyoungest.Shebroughtaboyfriend.Theyalwayscomehomeforholidaymeals—itwasexpected.UsuallyFred’ssister,Audrey,comes,too,butshewasn’tthereonSunday.”Shelooksupatthem.“Dothekidsknowyet?”sheasksthedetectives.“Havetheybeentold?”
“Notyet,”Reyessays.
“They’llbeabsolutelydevastated,”shesays.
“Willthey?”Barrsays,lookingoutfromthegazebotothehouse,whichisworthmillions.
Whatanextraordinarilytactlessthingtosay,Irenathinks.
SheglancesatReyesasiftoconveythisthoughttohim.Barrdoesn’tmissitandshedoesn’tseemtomind.
“Iimaginetheystandtoinheritquitealotofmoney,”Barrsays.
“Isupposeso,”Irenaagreescoolly.
Reyessays,“Soyoucameherethismorning—wasittocleanthehouse?”
Sheavertshereyesandlooksatthehouseinstead.“Yes.IusuallydoMondaysandThursdays,butMondaywasaholiday,soIdidn’tcomeintilltoday.”
“Takeusthroughwhathappenedwhenyougothere.Everystep.”
Shebreathesdeeplyandexhales.“Idroveinatjustaftertenthirty.Itwasveryquiet,noneofthecarswereinthedriveway.
IknockedlikeIusuallydo,butnooneanswered.Iletmyselfin—thedoorwasunlocked,soIassumedtheywerehome.”
“Goon.”
“AssoonasIgotinside,Inoticedthesmellandsawthebloodinthehallway.Iwasafraid.Isawthelamponthefloor,andthenIsawSheila.”
“Didyougonearherbody?”
Shenods,remembering.Shenoticesthatherhandsarestilltremblinginherlap.“ButIdidn’ttouchher.ThenIwenttothekitchen,and—Isawhim.”Sheswallows,forcingthebiledown.
“Didyougoinsidethekitchen?”Reyesasks.
Shesuddenlyfeelsdizzy.“I’mnotsure.”
“It’sjustthatthere’sbloodonthebottomofyourshoes,”
Barrsays.
ShelooksatBarr,startled.“Imusthave—itwassoshocking,butyes,Iremembernow—IwalkeduptoFredandlookeddownathim.”Sheswallowsagain.
“Didyoutouchhim,ortouchanythinginthekitchen?”
Reyesasks.
Shelooksatherhandsinherlap,turnsthemover,asiflookingfortelltaleblood.They’reclean.“Idon’tthinkso.”
“Youdidn’twalkovertothesink?”Reyespresses.
Shefeelsconfusednow.“Yes—IwasafraidIwasgoingtothrowup.Ididthrowup,inthesink.AndIwasheditdown.”
Sheknowsshe’sbeingalittleunclear,butwhatdotheyexpect?She’sneverbeeninthissituationbefore.It’scompletelyunnervedher.
“It’sokay,”Reyessays.“DoyouknowiftheMertonshadanyenemies?Anyoneyoucanthinkofwhomightdothis?”
Sheshakesherhead.“No,Idon’tthinktheydid.”Shepausesandadds,“Butyouneverreallyknow,doyou?”She
looksatthem.“Imean,Ijustcomeintocleanthehousenow.Idon’tlivehereanymore.”
“Whataboutsecurity?”Reyesasks.“Wasthereany?”
“No.Therearesomesecuritycamerassetuparoundthehouse,butthey’veneverworked,asfarasIknow.They’rejustforshow.”
Barrasks,“Didtheykeepanyvaluablesinthehouse?”
Irenalooksbackather,thinkingthatthisyoungdetectivemustbeabitofanidiot.“Thehouseisfullofvaluables.Thepaintingsareworthquitealot,thesilver,herjewelry,andsoon.”
“Whataboutcash?”Reyesasks.
“There’sasafeinFred’sstudy,onthefirstflooratthebackofthehouse.I’mnotsurewhattheykeepinit.”
“We’dlikeyoutogothroughthehousewithusandtakeaquicklooktoseeifanythingismissing.Doyouthinkyoucandothat?”
“Idon’twanttogobackintothekitchen,”shewhispers.
“Ithinkwecanskipthekitchen,fornow,”Reyessays.“Isthereanyoneelsewhoworksontheproperty,agardener,perhaps?”
Sheshakesherhead.“Theyuseaservice.”
“Youwouldn’thappentohavecontactinfoforthethreechildren,wouldyou?”Barrasks.
Irenareachesforherphone.“Yes,ofcourse.”9
ReyeswatchesasIrenastaresdownatthebodyofSheilaMerton,herhandcoveringhermouth.Finally,shesays,
“Shealwaysworetwolargediamonds—herengagementringandanotheronherrighthand.”Shelooksupathim.
“They’regone.”
Aquicktourofthehouseinthecompanyofthecleaningladyrevealsafullerpicture.Thesilverismissingfromthediningroom,butnoneofthepaintings,eventhemostvaluableones,havebeentouched.Fred’sstudyhasbeenransacked,butthesafe,hiddenbehindapaintingofalandscape,appearstohaveescapedtheintruder’snotice.Still,theywillhavetogetitopened.
ReyesandBarrclimbthestaircasetothesecondfloor,steppingcarefullytoavoidthebloodtrail.Achandelierhangsdowninthecenter,andasReyesdrawslevelwithit,henotestheabsenceofdust.Theyenterthemasterbedroom—it’satthefrontofthehouse,withfloor-to-ceilingwindowsoverlookingthelawnandgardens.It’salargeroom,withaking-sizebedandmatchingwalnutdressers.Thedrawershavebeenpulledopenroughly,clothesspillingout.Ahandbaghasbeendumpedhaphazardlyontotheunmadebed,somesmearsofbloodonitspaleleathersurface.Fred’sandSheila’swalletshavebeenemptiedofcashandcreditcardsandflungtothefloor.
ThejewelryboxonSheila’sdresserisopenandaskew,asifsomeonehadpawedhurriedlythroughit.Thebloodysmudgesconfirmit.ReyesstandsbesideIrenaandtogethertheylookdownintotheemptyvelvetinterior.“Shehadsomediamond
dinnerrings,somepriceyearringsandbracelets,somepearls
—butshemighthavekeptthoseinthesafedownstairs,”shetellsthem.“Theinsurancecompanywillhavearecord.”
ThedetectivesthankIrenaoncetheyarebackoutside.Astheyheadtotheircar,Reyesthinks,We’llcatchthemwhentheytrytousethecreditcardsorfencethejewelry.Whoeveritwastookonlythingsthatwereeasytocarry,easytoconverttocash.
Butitwassuchasavagecrime.Perhapsitwasn’tprimarilyarobberyatall.
???
THEDETECTIVESPULLUPoutsideCatherineMerton’sdowntownmedicalpractice.Reyeshassentapairofuniformstothehomesofeachoftheothersiblingstodothedreadeddeadknock—toinformthemofthemurderoftheirparentsbeforetheyhearitonthenews.NeitherDannorJennaMertonhaveaworkplaceatthemoment,accordingtoIrena.
It’sabusyclinic,withseveraldifferentpractitionerssharingspace.Thedetectivesfindthefrontdeskonthethirdfloor,showidentification,andaskforDr.CatherineMerton.Thereceptionist’seyeswidenwhensheseestheirbadges.“I’llgetherforyou,”shesays,andleavesthedesk.
Whenshereturns,shesays,“Ifyoudon’tmindwaitinginRoomCjustdownthishall—she’lljoinyouinacoupleofminutes.”
ReyesandBarrmaketheirwaytotheexaminationroom.
Theydon’thavetowaitlong.
There’salightknockonthedoorandthenawomaninherearlythirties,wearingawhitecoat,enterstheroom.Reyesstudieshercarefully.She’spleasantlooking,withregularfeatures.Herblackhairisshoulderlength,partedattheside,
andshewearspearlsaroundherneck.Hereyesarefullofinquiry.
“I’mDr.Merton,”thewomansays.“Myreceptionistsaidyouwantedtoseeme?”
Reyesintroducesthemandsays,“I’mafraidwehavesometerriblenews.”Sheseemstofalter.“Perhapsyoushouldsitdown,”hesuggests,andCatherinesinksintoaplasticchair,whileheandBarrremainstanding.
Shelooksupatthemandswallows.“Whatisit?”
“I’mafraidit’syourparents.They’vebeenfounddeadintheirhome.”Heletsthissinkin.
Shestaresbackathimindisbelief.“What?”shegasps.
Reyessaysasgentlyashecan,“Theyweremurdered.”
Hershockseemsgenuine.Theywaitassheprocessesthenews.Finally,sheasks,appalled,“Whathappened?”
“Itlookslikearobberygonewrong,”Reyessays.“Moneywastaken,creditcards,jewelry.”
“Ican’tbelieveit,”shesays.Shelooksupathimandasksfearfully,“Howdidtheydie?”
There’snoeasywaytosayit,andshewillfindoutsoonenough.“Yourmotherwasstrangled;yourfatherwasstabbed,andhisthroatwasslit,”Reyessaysquietly.
“No…”CatherineMertonwhispers,shakingherheadmournfully,herhandpressedupagainsthermouthasifshemightretch.Whenshe’sable,sheasksinachokedvoice,
“When—whendidthishappen?”
“Wedon’tknowyet,”Reyessays.“Ms.Dabrowskifoundthem,aroundeleveno’clockthismorning.ShementionedthattherewasafamilydinneronEasterSunday?”
Shenods.“Yes.WewereallthereonSunday.”
“Andwaseverythingfinethen?”
“Whatdoyoumean?”sheasks.
“Wasthereanysignofanythingbeingwrong?Didyourparentsseemdifferent,nervous,likeanythingwasbotheringthem?”
“No.Everythingwasthesameasusual.”
“Whattimedidyouleavetheirhouse?”Reyesasks.
“Aboutseveno’clock,”shesaysdistractedly.
“Didyouhaveanycontactwithyourparentsanytimeafterthat?”
Sheshakesherhead.“No.”She’sstaringdownatherhandsinherlapnow.
“WethinktheywerekilledsometimelaterSundaynight,orearlyMondaymorning,”Reyestellsher.
“Howmuchmoneydoyouthinkyourparentswereworth?”
Barrasksbluntly.
Catherinelooksupather,takenaback.“Theywerewealthy.
Idon’tknowhowwealthy,exactly.”
“Ballpark?”Barrsays.
“Idon’tknow.You’dhavetoasktheirlawyer,”shesays.
“WalterTemple,atTempleBlack.”Sherisesfromthechair.“I
—Ihavetotalktomybrotherandsister.”
Reyesnods.“They’rebeinginformednowaswell,”hesays.“We’resosorryforyourloss.”Hehandsherhiscard.
“We’llbeintouchshortly,ofcourse,abouttheinvestigation.
We’llseeourselvesout.”10
Catherinewatchesthemgo,thenclosesthedooroftheexaminingroomandcollapsesbackintothechair.Shecanhardlycatchherbreath.Shefeelslight-headed,queasy,unabletothink.Shehaspatientswaiting,andCindyatthefrontdeskwillwonderwhat’shappenedtoher.Shemustpullherselftogether.
Thisissodifficult.Shewonderswhatthedetectivesthoughtofher.She’dliedtothem.Couldtheytell?
ShemusttalktoDanandJenna.She’llhaveCindyrescheduleherpatients.They’llunderstandoncetheyfindoutwhy.Noonewouldexpecthertocarryonwithworkafterwhat’shappened.Shehearsalighttapatthedoor.“Yes?”shesays.
Cindyopensthedoortentatively.“Areyouokay?”sheasks,clearlyworried.“What’shappened?”
Hervoiceleaden,Catherinesays,“Myparentshavebeenmurdered.”Cindy’seyeswideninhorroranddisbelief.She’sspeechless.Catherinesaysbrusquely,“Canyoupleaserescheduleallmyappointments?I’mgoingtoneedafewdaysoff.Ihavetoleave.”
CatherinewalkshurriedlypastCindytoherownofficetohangupherwhitecoat,putonhertrenchcoat,andgrabherhandbag.Shestridesrightpastthepatientsinthewaitingroomwithoutacknowledgingthemandoutofherpractice,intotheelevator,andstraightouttohercarintheparkinglot.Onceshe’sseatedinsidethecar,shegrabshercellphoneoutofher
purse.Herhandsareshaking.ShetakesadeepbreathandcallsTed.
Fortunately,he’snotwithapatientandheanswers.“Yes?”
Shetriestostifleasob,butitescapes.
“Catherine—what’swrong?”heasksquickly.
“Thepolicewerejusthere,atmyoffice.”She’sbeginningtopanicnow.Herbreathingisfastandragged.“Myparentsaredead.They’vebeenmurdered.Intheirhouse.”
There’scompletesilenceontheotherendofthephoneforamoment;Tedisobviouslystunned.“That’s—that’s—oh,Catherine,howawful.Whathappened?”
“Theythinkitwasarobbery,”shesays.Hervoicesoundsstrainedtoherownears.
“Staythere,”hesays.“I’llcomegetyou.”
“No,don’tdothat.Ihaveto—I’llgotoDanandLisa’s.
They’llknowbynow.Maybeyoucouldmeetmethere?AndI’llcallJenna,tellhertojoinus.”
“Okay,”hesays,hisvoicetight.“Thisis—it’sunbelievable.
Imean—youjustsawthemonSundaynight.”
Shehesitatesandsays,“Aboutthat.”
“What?”
“Weneedtotalk.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Just—don’ttellanyonethatIwentovertherelaterthatnight,okay?I-Ididn’ttellthepolice.I’llexplain.”
???
JENNAWAKESBLEARILYtothesoundofherphonebuzzing.Sheopensoneeye,seestheemptyspacewhereJakeshouldbe—
it’shisbed,hisapartment,hissexyscentonthesheets—and
thenreachesforherphoneonthefloor.Jesus,it’slate.Jakemusthavegonetoworkandlethersleep.It’shersister,Catherine.Sheacceptsthecall.“What?”shesays.
“Jenna—havethepolicespokentoyouyet?”
“What?No.Why?”
“Whereareyou?”
Shecanhearthedistressinhersister’svoice.“I’matJake’s,inthecity.Why?”
“Oh.Ihavesomebadnews.”
Jennasitsupinthebed,brushingherhairbackfromherforehead.“What?”
“MomandDadaredead.They’vebeenmurdered.”
“Fuck,”Jennasays.“Forreal?”Herheartissuddenlyracing.
Theytalkbriefly—CatherinetellinghertomeetthematDan’s—thenJennagetsoutofbed,throwsonsomeclothes,andgoesintothekitchentoleaveanoteforJake.Buthe’salreadyleftoneforher.
HiGorgeous,
Stayaslongasyouwant.Orcomedowntothestudio
whenyouwakeup.XO
Shedecidesagainstanote.Bettertotellhimoverthephone.
???
THROUGHTHEKITCHENWINDOW,LisaseesCatherine’scarpullintotheirdriveway.Danhasbeenhoveringanxiously,waitingforher.Lisaturnsaroundandglancesatherhusband.He’sbeensoagitatedsincetheygotthenews,andnowthat
Catherinehasarrivedhelookslikehe’sabouttojumpoutofhisownskin.
Shewalkstowardthefrontdoor,butDanbrushespasther,opensit,andmeetsCatherineoutsideonthedriveway.
LisahearsCatherinesay,“Let’sgetinside.”
Catherinelookspaleanddistressed.She’sobviouslybeencrying,Lisathinks.Shehearsthesoundofanothercarandtheyalllooktothestreet—LisarecognizesTedinhissportscar,thetopdownonthispleasantAprilday.Catherinedoesn’twaitforherhusband,justwalksstraightintothehouse,andDanfollows.LisawaitsforTedandwordlesslytheygoinside.
Ted,too,seemsshaken.
ThedistresscomingoffCatherineisupsettingtoLisa,whoabsorbsotherpeople’sstresslikeasponge.ShegoestoCatherine—whomshethinksofasasister—andgivesherawarmhug,feelingherowneyesfillingupinsympathy.Theyallmaketheirwayintothelivingroom.
“Jennaisonherway,”Catherinesays.“Icalledhertojoinus,butshe’sinthecity.Ihadtotellher.”Catherineslumpsintoanarmchairanddropsherpurseatherfeet.
LisaglancesatDanasshesitsdownonthesofa—he’spacingaroundthelivingroom,hismovementsjumpy.TedgoestostandbesideCatherineandrestshishandprotectivelyonhershoulder.
Catherinesays,bluntly,“TheywereprobablymurderedonSundaynight.”CatherinelooksatDanasshesaysit.There’ssomethinginthewayshe’slookingathimthatLisadoesn’tlike.
“Ican’tbelieveit!”Danexclaims.
Lisawatcheshim,disturbedathowhighstrungheis.
“Iknow,”Catherinesays.“Ican’tbelieveiteither.Buttwodetectivesjustcametomyoffice.”Hervoiceisabitshrill.
“They’reopeningamurderinvestigation.”
“Jesus—thisis—surreal,”Dansays,stoppingsuddenly.
Lisagesturestohimtocomesitbesideherandhedoes,droppingheavilyontothesofa.
Catherinestaresatthem.“DidtheytellyouthatIrenaistheonewhofoundthem?”
Dannodsnervouslyfromthesofa.HegrabsLisa’shandandclutchesit.
It’sfinallyhittingher.They’rebothdead,Lisathinks.Shecan’tbelieveiteither.Shecan’tbelievetheirgoodluck.Thischangeseverything.Sheglancesatherhusband.Maybethingsaren’tsobadafterall.Maybethey’rerich.
Danasks,“Whatdidthedetectivessay?”
“Theyseemtothinkthatitwasarobberythatturnedviolent.”There’satingeofhysteriainCatherine’svoice.
“Momwasstrangled.Dad—Dad’sthroatwasslit,andhewasstabbed.”
“MyGod,”Dansays,standingupagainsuddenlyandrunningahandthroughhisdarkhair.“That’shorrible.Theydidn’ttellusthat.”
LisalooksbackatCatherineinhorror.Theyhadn’theardthosedetailsfromtheofficersatthedoor,onlythatFredandSheilahadbeenmurdered,nothow.Nowshefeelslikeshe’sgoingtobesick.
Danhesitates,thenturnstoCatherine.“But—youknowwhatthismeans,”hesays.
Lisawatchesherhusband,tryingtokeepdownthebilewithahandpressedagainsthermouth.
“What?”Catherinesays,asifsheisn’tfollowinghim.
“We’refree.Allofus,we’refreeofhim.”
Catherine’sfacefalls;shelooksappalled.“I’mgoingtopretendyoudidn’tsaythat,”shesaysrepressively.“AndIwouldkeepthoughtslikethattoyourself.”
Lisawatchesuneasily,thesickfeelinggrowinginthepitofherstomach.ShewishesDanhadmoreofCatherine’sself-control.LisaisprettysurethesamethoughtwasoneofthefirstthingstocrossCatherine’smindwhensheheardthenews,butshehasmoresensethantoadmitit.11
AsLisadepartsforthekitchentomakecoffee,DansaystoCatherineandTed,“PoorIrena.”
“Itmusthavebeenawful,findingthem,”Catherineagrees,staringintospace.ThenshelooksupatTed,andDanseeshishandsqueezehershoulderreassuringly.
“Whathappensnow?”Danasks.
“Idon’tknow,”Catherinesays.
Heruncertaintymakeshimfeelmomentarilyunglued.IfCatherinedoesn’tknowwhattodo,howwilltheymanage?
ButthenCatherineseemstopullherselftogether.“Wehavetoplanafuneral.”
“Right,”Dansays.Hehadn’tthoughtofthat.
“Andthedetectiveswillwanttotalktoallofus,”Catherinesays.
“Talktous,”Danrepeats.“Why?”Whyisshelookingathimlikethat?“Ididn’tdoit,”Danprotests.Theylookathiminsurprise.Whydidhesaythat?Heneedstogetagrip.
CatherineiswatchinghimcloselyandTedisregardinghimuneasily.
Suddenlyexhausted,Dancollapsesontothesofaandleanshisheadback.Hefallsintoasortofpleasantreverie.Hisparentsaredead.Nomorefamilydinners.Nomoreaskingformoneyandbeingtoldno.Nomoredemeaningdigsfromhisfatherinfrontofotherpeople.And,oncethefuneralisoverandthingssettle,thereistheestatetobedealtwith.He
wonderswhotheexecutoris.ProbablyCatherine.Ormaybehisfather’slawyer,Walter.Onethingiscertain,itwon’tbehim.
Allthatlovelymoneycomingtheirway.Hecanfeelhischestexpandingwithhappiness.Catherinecanpretendallshewants,buthe’ssureshe’sashappyaboutthisasheis.Shecanhavethehousenow;shecantakeitaspartofhershare.Hewantshisincash.Lisawillberelievedthatthey’reoutfromunderhisfather’scrushingheelatlast,outfromunderallthisdebilitatingfinancialstress.Theycanbehappyagain.AndTed
—DanhasnodoubtthatTedisasdelightedastherestofthem,despitethefakelookofconcernonhisface.Hecouldn’tstandtheirfather.AndTedappreciatesthefinerthings;DanhasalwaysbeenratherjealousofTed’ssportscar,aBMWZ3
convertible.Buthealwaystoldhimselfthatthat’swhatdentistsdo—theybuysportscarstocompensateforhowboringandunpleasanttheirjobis.NowTedcanretireifhewantsto.AndJenna—shewon’tevenpretendtobesorrythey’regone.
Thetruthis,they’reallsomuchbetteroffnowthattheirparentshavebeenmurdered.Nolongyears—perhapsdecades
—ofwaitingfortheirinheritance.Nomorejumpingtotheirfather’stune,noendlessyearsofdepressing,dutifulvisitstoold-agehomes.They’vebeensparedallthat.Theycanstarttolive.Ifitwouldn’tbesounseemly,theyreallyoughttobehavingacelebration.Hefeelslikepoppingabottleofchampagneintothefridge.
???
TEDISDISTRACTEDfromhisstudyofDanwhenLisareturnswithatrayofcoffeecups,milk,andsugar.There’saweirdvibeintheroomandit’smakinghimuncomfortable.Also,he’sbeenthinkingaboutwhatCatherinesaidtohimonthephone.Whydoesshenotwantanyonetoknowthatshewent
overtherelaterthatnight?Surelyshe’sbeingfoolishaboutthis.Ofcourseshemusttellthepolice—itwillhelpthemtobetterestablishatimelineofwhathappened.He’llhavetotalktoheraboutitassoonastheygethome.
HetriestoreadLisa’sfaceassheplacesthetrayonthecoffeetable,butit’shiddenbyherthick,brownhairswingingforward.Danisbeingabitodd—heseemsoverexcited,andTedwantstoknowifhe’stheonlyonewho’snoticed.HelooksfromDantoCatherine,wonderinghowwellheunderstandseitherofthem.Theysharedanunusualchildhood,Catherine,Dan,andJenna.Achildhoodofprivilegeandpain.
Oftheirparentswithholdingloveandplayingfavorites.FromwhatCatherinetellshim,ithascausedlong-standingriftsandrivalriesamongthem,butitalsobindstheminsomestrangewaytoo.Teddoesn’thaveanysiblings,hedoesn’tknowhowitworks.Catherinehastriedtoexplainherrelationshipwithherbrotherandsistertohim,butasanonlychild,it’shardtograsp.Therearethingsgoingonherethathejustdoesn’tget.
Catherinereachesforacoffee,andtheyeachbusythemselveswiththeircupsforamoment.
Dansays,“WeshouldcallIrena.Askhertocomeover.”Hepicksuphiscoffee—hiscuptremblesalittleashebringsittohismouth.“Afterall,she’sfamily,sheshouldbehereatatimelikethis.”Thenhelooksapprehensiveandsays,“It’sstrangethatshedidn’tcallus,don’tyouthink?”
“I’llcallher,”Catherinesays,digginginherpurseatherfeetforhercellphone.
ThisisanotherthingTedhasneverreallyunderstood—therelationshipoftherichtotheirhiredhelp.TheysayIrenaislikefamily.Butfromwhathe’sobserved,FredandSheilatreatedherlikeadomesticworkerandnotmuchelse.IrenahadleftwiththerestofthemwhenEasterdinnerblewup—
she’dsidedwiththekids.They,atleast,seemtothinkofherfondly.CatherinehastoldhimthatIrenapracticallybrought
themallup.Shewasmuchmorehands-onthantheirownmother.HewondersifIrena,too,willbesecretlypleasedattheturnofevents,onceshe’sovertheshock.Shewillbeoutaclient,butmaybethereissomethingforherinthewills
Thewills.That’swhatthey’reallthinkingabout.Eventhoughnoonehasmentionedityet.Hewonderswhowillbetheonetofinallybringitup.Jenna,probably.
Beingpleasedthatsomeoneisdeadisn’tsomethingyouadmitto,butTedknowsyoucanbegladwhensomeonedies.
Whenhisownfatherdiedofcirrhosisoftheliver,Tedwastwelveyearsoldandmostlyrelieved.Hismotherwasperfectlyappropriateasthegrievingwidow,butwhentheywerehomealoneatnight,andhewasinhisbedroom,hewouldhearherhummingaboutthehouse,soundinghappyforthefirsttimeinyears.He’dbethefirsttoadmitthattheworldisbetteroffwithoutcertainpeopleinit.
Catherineputsdownherphone.“Irenasaidshe’llcomerightover.”Sheadds,“AndwhenJennagetshere,wecanstartmakingplansforthefuneral.”
Dannodsandsays,“Sinceshefoundthem,maybeIrenacantelluswhat’sgoingonoverthere.Whatthepolicearesaying.”Helooksbackatthemall,attheirsilence.“What,aren’tyoucurious?”
Tediscurious.HesuddenlywonderswhokilledFredandSheila,ifitwasarobberyatall.HewantstoknowwhatIrenacantellthem—he’ssuretheyallwanttoknow.HefindshimselflookingatDanandwondering.HerememberstheexchangebetweenDanandhisfatherEasterSundayinthelivingroom,theflushofimpotentragecreepingupDan’sneck.TedknowsaboutDan’sfinancialtroubles—Catherinehastoldhim.Lisahasbeenconfidinginherabouthowstrappedtheyareforcash.AndheknowsCatherinehasbeenworriedaboutDanlately.
Hewonderswhen,exactly,FredandSheilawerekilled.HethinksbacktoSundaynight,afterthatmiserablefamilydinner.
Catherinehadgonebackoverthere,andhe’dgonetobed.
Whenshegothome,hedoesn’tknowwhen,hewasasleep.Hewokebrieflyasshecrawledintobedbesidehim.
“Gobacktosleep,”shewhispered.
“Everythingallright?”hemurmured.
“Yes,everything’sfine.”Shekissedhimandturnedonherside.
Thenextmorningshe’dtoldhimatbreakfastthatsheandhermotherhadtalkedthenightbefore.Sheexplainedthathermotherhadlefthercellphonedownstairs,andthat’swhyshemissedhercall.
“Whatdidshewanttotalktoyouabout?”heasked.
“ShewantsmetotalktoDadaboutJenna.Hewantstocutoffherallowance,andsheaskedmetointercede.Shedoesn’twantJennamovinghome.”Now,Tedlooksathiswifeandfeelshisstomachcurdlealittle.It’sjustoccurredtohimthatshemighthavemissedthemurdersbyashorttime.Whatifshe’darrivedthereinthemiddleofit?
She’dbedeadtoo.12
Audreyisfeelingmuchbetter,havingmostlyrecoveredfromhernastyflu.Theonlysignofitisalingeringrednessaroundhernose.She’sinthecaronherwaytothegrocerystoretopickupsomemilkandbread.Shehastheradioon,andshe’shummingalongwhenthenewscomeson.
TheleadstoryisaboutawealthycouplemurderedinBreckenHill.Sheturnsthevolumeup.That’salittletooclosetohome,shethinks.
Thereisnonameoraddressgivenforthevictims.ShepullsoverintoaplazaandcallsFredtoseewhatheknowsaboutit.
Whenthere’snoansweronthelandline,shetrieshiscell,whichgoestovoicemail.Still,she’snotreallyconcerned.Shedoesn’tlivefaraway,althoughherhomeisinamuchlesswealthyneighborhood,andoutofcuriosityshedecidestoheadtoBreckenHill.
Shedrivesthroughthefamiliarwindingenclaveofwealthyhomes.It’sonlywhenshe’sapproachingFredandSheila’shousethatsheseesalltheactivity.Therearepolicecarsstationedattheendofthedriveway,andasshetriestopullin,herheartthumpinghardnow,she’sturnedaway.Shecatchesaglimpseofanambulanceandothervehiclesupclosertothehouse,yellowtape,andswarmsofpeople,anditsuddenlyhitsher.
Shehastopullthecarovertothesideoftheroadforafewminutestoprocessit,herhandstremblingonthesteeringwheel.FredandSheilaarethemurderedcouple.Itseemsimpossible.Fred,murdered.He’stheleastlikelymurder
victimshecanimagine—he’salwaysbeensopowerful,sointimidating.Hemustbefurious,shethinks.
Thischangesthings.She’sgoingtogetherwindfallalittlesoonerthansheexpected.
ShereachesforhercellandcallsCatherine’shouse—shedoesn’thavehercellnumber.There’snoanswer,butAudreyrealizesshe’dbeatwork.Sheforgetsaboutthegroceries.ShedecidestodrivetoDan’shousefirstsincethere’snoansweratCatherine’s.Ifthere’snoonethere,she’lltryCatherine’s.SheknowstherewillbeagatheringofthefamilyateitherDan’sorCatherine’s,andnooneisgoingtotellher.
???
AFTERLEAVINGCATHERINEMerton’soffice,ReyesandBarrreturntothecrimescene.Thevulturesarestillcirclingoverhead,darkagainstthepale-bluesky.ReyescatchesBarrglancingupuneasilyatthebirds.Hespotsthemedicalexaminer,JimAlvarez,andheandBarrwalkovertospeaktohim.
“Quiteamessyone,”theMEsays,asReyesnodsagreement.“We’llmovethebodiesinabit,gettotheautopsieslaterthisafternoon.Probablystartwiththefemale.”
Alvarezadds,“Whydon’tyoucomebytomorrowmorning,weshouldhavesomethingforyoubythen.”
Insidethehouse,inthekitchen,ReyesapproachesMayBannerjee.FredMertonisstilllyingonthekitchenfloor.
“Anythinginteresting?”heasks,Barrathiselbow.
“Ithinkwefoundthemurderweaponforhim,”Bannerjeesays.“Here,takealook.”Sheleadsthemovertothesinkandshowshimaknifeinaclearevidencebaglyingontheadjacentcounter.“It’sthecarvingknifefromtheknifeblockthere,”shesays,pointingtoit.“Itwasallcleanedupandputbackintheknifeblock.”
Reyesglancesdownattheknifeandthenattheknifeblock.
“You’rekidding.”
“Nope.”
“Anyprints?”
“No.It’sbeenthoroughlywashedandwipeddown.Buttherearestillmicroscopicflecksofblood—it’shardertowashthoseaway.We’llknowforsureinabit.”
ReyeslooksatBarr,whoisassurprisedasheis.Thisdoesn’tfitwiththekindofcrimescenetheyfoundhere.Youwouldexpectthekillertotaketheknifeandthrowitawaysomewhereitwillneverbefound—intheHudsonRiver,forinstance.Whycleanandreturntheknifetoitsplace?“Anysignofwhatwasusedastheligatureonthewife?”
“No,butwe’restilllooking.Anyway,I’mnotfinishedabouttheknife,”Bannerjeetellshim.“Look,here,”shesays,squattingdownandpointingoutsomemarkingsinthebloodonthefloor.“Theknifelayonthefloorbesidethebodyforquiteawhile—youcanseetheoutlineofit,wheretheblooddried.Itwasthereforperhapsadayormorebeforeitwaspickedup,cleaned,andreturnedtotheblock.”
“What?”Barrexclaims.
“So—notbythekiller,”Reyessays.
Bannerjeeshakesherhead.“Notunlesshecameback,andthere’snoevidenceofthat.”
“Thecleaninglady,”Barrsays.“Herbloodyfootprintsgorighttothesink.”
Reyesnodsthoughtfully.“Maybeshedidit.Andthere’sonlyonereasonshewoulddothat.”
Barrcompleteshisthought.“Toprotectsomebody.”
Reyesbiteshislowerlip.“Whatabouttherestofthehouse?”heasks.
“We’vegotseveralsetsofprintstoeliminate—probablyfromfamilyoverfordinneronEaster,andthecleaninglady.”
Sheadds,“Won’tgetanytiretracksoffthatpaveddrive.”
“Okay,thanks,”Reyestellsher.“Let’stakeacloserlookaround,”hesaystoBarr.Theyheadbackupstairs.Therearetwotechniciansinthemasterbedroom,stilldustingforfingerprints.Oneofthemlooksupwhenheseesthedetectives.“Bloodsmearsbutnoprintsonthewallets,handbag,drawers,andthejewelrybox—whoeveritwasworegloves.”
Reyesnods,unsurprised,andheandBarrmoveintotheensuitebathroom.Reyesopensthemedicinecabinetwithhisglovedhandsandlooksatthemedicationsontheshelf.
There’sanassortment—thekindsofthingsyou’dexpecttofindinthemedicinecabinetofanoldercouple.There’saprescriptionforstrongpainmedicationforFred.Hepicksupanothervial,forSheilaMerton.Hechecksthedate.Theprescriptionwasfilledlessthantwoweeksago.Alprazolam
HeturnstoBarr.“DoyouhaveanyideawhatAlprazolamis?”
Shelooksatthevialinhishandandnods.“Xanax.It’sapowerfulantianxietymedication.”
“Lookatthedate,”Reyessays.“WhatwasSheilasoanxiousaboutlately?”Heplacesitbackinsidethecabinet,andBarrnotesthenameofthemedicationandthedoctorwhoprescribeditinhernotebook.
Togethertheysystematicallygothroughtherestofthehouse,butotherthanthedownstairsandthemasterbedroom,theplaceappearstobeuntouchedbytheintruder.Onthesamefloorasthemasterbedroomisasparebedroom,anotherbathroom,andanotherlargeroomwithanattachedsittingroomandanensuitebaththatusedtobeIrena’swhenshelivedwiththem.Theyknowthisfromtheirearlierwalk-
throughwithIrena.ReyesentersIrena’soldbedroomnow,hismindturningtothecleaninglady.
Shemovedoutlongago.Thedresserdrawersareempty,theclosetisbare;therearenobooks,notrinketsontheshelves,nothingintheadjoiningbathroomorsittingroom.Theroomshaven’tbeeninhabitedforyears.HewonderswhatitwaslikeforIrenawhenshelivedhere.It’saluxurioussuite,butshewasstillthehiredhelp.Readytowakeupinthenightifoneofthechildrencalledoutintheirsleepandneededtobesoothed.
Upearlytogetthebreakfastsready,tomaketheschoollunches.Thenthecleaning,takingorders.HewondershowcloseIrenareallywastothefamily.Perhapsshewasclosertosomeofthemthanothers.Whatwerethedynamicshere?Doanyoftheadultchildrenconfideinher?Hethinksaboutthecarvingknife,returnedtoitsplace.
Heturnsawayfromtheroomandclimbsupthestairstothethirdfloor.Thesearethechildren’soldrooms.Therearethreespaciousbedroomsuphere,aformerplayroom,andtwobathrooms.TheyhavebeenemptiedofanythingfromtheMertons’childhoods.Theyhavebeendoneoverasattractiveguestrooms,redecoratedsotheylookliketheyneverhadchildrenlivinginthematall.Reyesthinksofhisownclutteredhouseandwonderswherealltheirstuffis—theirpictures,sportsequipment,books,schoolprojects,Legomodels,dolls,stuffedanimals.Isitallpackedawayinthebasementsomewhere?
“Notexactlysentimental,werethey,”Barrsays.13
JennahashadtheentiredriveupfromNewYorkCitytothink.Herparentsaredead,andthischangesthingsprofoundly.Forallofthem.
Shethinksabouthowitwillaffectherfirst.Shewillgetathirdofherparents’estate.It’salotofmoney.Shedoesn’tknowhowmuchexactlyorhowlongittakestosettleanestateandgetitpaidout.Sheknowsittakesabitoftime,buthowmuchtime?Presumablytheallowancesheiscurrentlyreceivingwillcontinueuntilshegetshershare.She’sgoingtoberich.ShecanbuyaplaceinNewYork,astudiomaybe,ontheLowerEastSide.
ShethinksofDannext.Ofthethreeofthem,heistheweakest.Emotionally,mentally.Shehasalwayswonderedifit’sbecauseofhowtheywerebroughtup,orwhetherhewasjustbornthatway.They’reallsodifferent,andyettheyallgrewupinthesamefucked-upfamily.Buttheyweren’ttreatedthesame,sothere’sthat.MaybeDan’sscarsrundeeper.Butnowtheirfathercan’thurthimanymore.He’llberich.Hewon’thavetoworkatallifhedoesn’twantto.
It’sfunnyhowtheyallturnedout.Catherine,theoldest,isthemostconventional.Hardworking,conservative,notwantingtorocktheboat.Ofcourseshebecameadoctor.Ofcourseshewantsthehouse.Shewantstobecometheirmother.
Okay,maybethat’sabitharsh.
Peoplethinkthere’snoharminCatherine,butJennaknowsbetter.
PeoplealsothinkthatDanwasgiveneveryopportunitytosucceed,butJennaknowsthatisn’treallythecase.Itwasmorelikehewassabotagedbytheirfatherateveryturn.Theirmotherwasn’tthatinterestedinthem.Shecouldbewarmsometimes,andoccasionallyfun,butshewouldalsosimplydisappearwheneverthingsgotdemandingordifficultortense.
Notthatshe’dgoanywhere,shejustdisappearedinsideherself.Shecoulddetachherselffromanysituation.Poof,andshewasgone.Sheneverstooduptotheirfather;shefailedtoprotectthemandtheyresentedherforit.Itwaspatheticreally,Jennathinks,howmuchtheyallcravedherattention,howtheycontinuedtoturntoher,knowingshe’dletthemdown.
Theyallhatedtheirfather.She’sgladhe’sdead.She’scertaintheothersfeelthesameway.
It’sawful,thewaytheydied.Butit’sforthebestreally.It’salotofmoney,andit’stheirsnow.Iftheirparentshadn’tbeenmurdered,theywouldprobablyhavelivedforalongtime.
AsshedrivesnorthonthehighwaytowardAylesford,thecityfallingbehind,herthoughtsturntoJake.SheandJakehadn’tleftthehouserightaftertheothersonSunday.They’dstayedlonger,andtherehadbeenanargument.She’dcalledJakewhileleavinghisapartmentonherwaytohercar.She’dcrieddowntheline,madeabigdealabouthowherlastwordswithherparentshadbeenharsh,andhowmuchsheregrettedit.Thensheworkedinthatitwouldbebestifnobodyknewaboutthatargument,bettertosay,ifanyoneasked,thatthey’dleftrightaftereverybodyelse,andthathe’dbeenwithherallnight.Itwouldjustbeeasier.
Jakehadbeensupportive.Hetoldhernottoworry.Hehasthatmanly,protectivestreakinhim,andshekindoflikesit.
Sheremembersthenighttheymet,aboutthreeweeksearlier—inaloud,pulsing,undergroundnightclub.She’dgoneintothecitytopartywithfriends.ShewasspacedoutonMolly,drinkingheavily,butshelookedgoodonthepacked
dancefloorandsheknewit.Shelikestoenjoyherself;she’lladmitshe’sabitofahedonist.Shecaughthimwatchingherfromthesidelines.Shestumbledovertothebar.Heboughtheradrink.Sheguessedfromthesmellofhim—paintandturpentine—thathewasanartist,andshefoundherselfattractedtohimrightaway.Hewassexyandbroodinganddidn’ttalktoomuchandhewantedtotakeherhomewithhim.
Shewasmorethanwilling,butshewasn’treadytoleave.Shetoldhimtowaitforherandwentbackoutontothedancefloorwithherfriends,wheresheproceededtostripoffhertightT-shirtanddancetopless.Shelikestopushtheboundaries,likestogetareaction.She’sanartist,afterall;she’ssupposedtochallengethestatusquo.Sheknewhewaswatchingher.
Everyonewaswatchingher.Whenabouncertriedtogiveherahardtime,Jakemadehiswayovertoher,wrappedhisleatherjacketaroundher—herT-shirtwaslostsomewhere,trampledunderfoot—andtookherhome.
She’ssolostinthoughtthatshearrivesinDan’ssuburbinAylesfordbeforesheknowsit.Andmaybeshe’sbeenpressingthegastothefloor,anxioustogetthere.SheseesCatherine’scarinDan’sdrivewayandspotsTed’sonthestreet—theymusthavearrivedseparately.Sherecognizesanothercarparkedonthestreet—Irena’soldclunker.Butthensheseesanothercarsherecognizesandfeelsastabofannoyance.ItbelongstoherauntAudrey,herfather’sirritatingsister.Whatthefuckisshedoinghere?Theydon’twantherhere.Notyet.
Sheparksherowncaronthestreetandwalksupthedriveway.Shecanseethemallgatheredinthelivingroomthroughthelargewindow.Shedoesn’tbothertoknock,butwalksrightin.They’reexpectingher.
Assoonassheenterstheroom,it’sobviousshe’sinterruptingsomething.Catherineisseatedinanarmchair,herfacestrained;Tedisbyherside,onadining-roomchairthat’sbeenpulledupnexttoher.LisaandDanareonthesofa
together,unitedinalookofdismay,andIrenaissittinginanotherarmchair,herfacesetlikestone.Audrey,whoisinanotherdining-roomchairthathasbeenbroughtin,appearstohavejustbrokenoffinthemiddleofsayingsomething
“Jenna!”Catherinesays,standingup.ShecomesoverandgivesJennaaquickhug.“Yougotherefast.”
IrenarisesandhugsJennaaswell.Audreyfoldsherarmsacrossherchest.Shelookslikeshe’sirritatedatthesightofJenna,butstill,sheseems—triumphant.What’sgoingonhere?
Lisabringsinanotherchairfromthediningroom,andJennasitsdown.
Atensesilencehasfallenovertheroom.Catherinesays,
“AudreywasjusttellingusthatDadchangedhiswillbeforehedied.”
???
AUDREYSTANCIKLOOKSaroundtheroomatallthesespoiledchildren,sosmug,soentitled,sosurethey’regoingtogetwhattheythinkthey’reowed.Butnowit’sherturn.She’stheonewho’sgoingtogetwhatshouldbecomingtoher.Despitethecircumstances,shecan’tsuppressasmile.
Jennaisnowregardingherwithopenhostility.Theywereallunhappytoseeher,eveniftheyinitiallymadeafeebleattemptatpretendingotherwise.ButFredwasheronlybrother.Hewasallthefamilyshehadleft,otherthanherowndaughter.Shedoesn’tconsidertherestofthemfamily.
NowJennasays,hervoicecold,“Whatthefuckareyoutalkingabout?”
Audreyregardsherwithdislike.ShehasnevergotonwithJenna,whodoeswhateverthehellshewants,withflagrantdisregardforhowitaffectsanybodyelse.Nowsheenjoys
takingsomeofthewindoutofhersails.Shedoesn’tbothertohideherglee.“Infact,hediditlastweek.”
ShewatchesJenna’seyesflickertoCatherine,thenDan.
She’salreadydroppedthislittlebombshellontheothers,anditgotasimilarlydisturbedreactionfromthem.
“Whatthefuckisthis?”JennasaystoCatherine.
Jennadoesn’tevenhavethedecencytodirectthequestiontoher,Audreythinkssourly.Well,it’salwaysbeenthatway,hasn’tit?They’vealwaystreatedherastheunwantedoutsider,thehanger-on,thepoorrelationoutsidetheirlittleclub.Itinfuriatesher.Theydon’thaveanyideawhatsheandherbrotherwentthrough,whatshedidforhim.They’veneverhadtogrowup.Theyhavenoclue.
Catherineturnstoher.“Tellher,Audrey,whatyoutoldus.”
Audreysitsbackinherchairandcrossesonelegovertheother.She’sgoingtotellthemagain,forJenna’sbenefitthistime.Althoughit’sshockingandupsetting,what’shappenedtoFredandSheila,shecan’thelpsmilingalittle—thisishermoment,afterall.Shesays,“Ivisitedyourfatherjustoveraweekago,onMonday.Hecalledmeandaskedmetocometothehouse.Wehadalongdiscussion.Hetoldmehewasgoingtochangehiswill—thathewouldseeWalteranddoitlaterthatweek.Sheilaalreadyhadasignificantamounttoliveonuntilshedied,andtoleaveasshewished,butregardingthebulkofhisestate—halfwouldgotomeandtherestwouldbesplitamongtherestofyou.”
“Idon’tbelievethat!”Danexclaimsvehemently,fromthesofa.“Whywouldhedothat?”
“It’swhathewanted,”Audreysaysfirmly,turningonDan.
“There’sstillplentytogoaround.”Butsheknowsthey’regreedyandtheywantasmuchaspossibleforthemselves.Andtheydon’twanthertohaveanyofit.
“Idon’tbelieveiteither,”Jennasays.“You’rejustmakingthisup!You’vealwayswantedDad’smoney.”
Audreywantstohissbackather,Lookwho’stalking,yougreedybitch,butinsteadshetakesadeepbreath,allowshersmiletowiden,andsays,“Yourmotherwastheretoo.Shedidn’tlikeit,buttherewasn’tmuchshecoulddoaboutit.
She’dalreadysignedapostnupagreementforwhatshegotyearsago;hecoulddowhatheliked.”
“Thisisfuckingunbelievable!”Danburstsoutangrily,standingupsuddenly.Audreyjumpsalittleinherchair.
Catherineinterjects.“Let’sjustallcalmdown,please.Dan,sitdown.”Hesinksbackontothesofa.Catherinesays,“AsfarasIknow,Iamtheexecutorofourparents’estates.IwillcallWalterandfindoutwhatthewillscontain.I’msuretherewillbenosurprises,”shesaysmeaningfully,lookingatAudrey.
“ButI’mnotgoingtodoitthisminute.Ourparentshavejustbeenmurdered—howwoulditlook?”
That’sCatherineforyou,alwaysconcernedabouthowthingslook—thecompleteoppositeofhersister,Audreythinks.Butshe’sright—itwouldbeinappropriatetocallthelawyeracoupleofhoursafterthediscoveryofthebodies.Shesurveysthemallwithdistaste.Theywerealwaysbratsaschildren,andtheyhaven’tchangedanyasadults.
Fredcouldbecruel;sheknowsthataswellasanyone.
Audrey,hislittlesister,isprobablytheonlypersonalivewhoreallyunderstoodhim,knewwhathewasmadeof.Shelooksaroundtheroomateachofthem—Catherine,Dan,andJenna.
Thenewsontheradiosuggestedthatitwasaviolentrobbery,butwhatifitwasn’t?Whatifitwasoneofthem?
Sheseesthemnowthroughneweyes.She’sneverreallyhadtoconsideritbefore.Butnowshethinksaboutthefamilytaint—thestreakofpsychopathythathasrunthroughthe
Mertonfamily.Shewondersifitlurkshiddeninsideoneofthem.
Perhapssheshouldbemorecareful,shethinksuneasily.14
Intheearlyafternoon,RoseCutterstepsoutofherstorefrontofficeonWaterStreettograbacoffee.There’sacoffeemakerintheoffice,buthernervesareonedgeandsheneedstogetoutforabriskwalk.Sheslipsintoherfavoritecafé.There’sashortlineofpeopleinfrontofher,andshewaitsimpatiently.Atelevisionisonbehindthecounterofthecoffeeshop,thevolumeoff,andwhileshewaitsforherlatte,sheseestheimagesofamansionswarmingwithpoliceandreadsthesilentlyscrollingtextbeneath.FredandSheilaMertonfoundmurderedintheirhome.
Asshepicksuphercoffeetotakebacktotheoffice,herhandisshaking,andshecan’tmakeitstop.
???
FINISHEDWITHTHEHOUSE,ReyesandBarrcanvasstheareaaroundtheMertons’homeforanyonewhomighthaveseensomethingaroundthetimeofthemurders.TheyapproachthehouseontheeastsideoftheMertons’,whichisalsoattheendofalongdrive.Reyesstepsoutofthecarandnotesthat,fromhere,theMertonhousecan’tbeseenatall.Thelotsareenormous,thehousestoofarapart,andtherearethickstandsoftreesbetweenthem.
Reyesringsthedoorbell,whileBarrsurveystheproperty.
Awomananswersthedoor.She’sinhersixtiesandseemsanxiousatthesightofthem.Theyshowtheirbadgesandintroducethemselves.
“Isawitonthenews,”shesays.
“Maybeweshouldsitdown?”Reyessuggests.
Shenodsandleadsthemintoalargelivingroom.Thenshetakesacellphoneoutofhersweaterpocketandtextssomeone.Shelooksupatthem.“Justaskingmyhusbandtojoinus.”Soonenoughamancomesdownthestairsandintothelivingroom.TheyintroducethemselvesasEdgarandJuneSachs.
Reyesasks,“DidyouseeorhearanythingunusualonthenightofEasterSunday,orearlyMonday?”
Mrs.Sachslooksatherhusbandandshakesherhead.“Wecan’tseeorheartheneighborsfromhere.”
Herhusbandagrees.“It’sveryquietaroundhere,veryprivate.Ididn’tnoticeanything.”
Mrs.Sachstiltsherheadforasecond,asifshe’sjustrememberedsomething,andsays,“IdidseeapickuptruckgobythatIdidn’trecognize.Itwentpasthere,awayfromtheMertons’place.”
“Aboutwhattimewasthat?”Reyesasks.
“Idon’tknow.We’dgonetobed.ButIwokeupbecausemylegswereachingandgotuptotakesomeAdvil.Ihappenedtolookoutthefrontwindowofthebedroomandnoticedthetruck.Ihavenoideawhattimeitwas.Sorry.”
“Whattimedidyougotobed?”
“Aroundten.Soitwassometimeafterthat.Ioftenwakeupinthenightandhavetotakesomethingformylegs.”
“Whatdidthetrucklooklike?”Reyesasks.
“Itwasquitedistinctive.Notreallythekindofvehicleweseearoundhere.Iknowwhateverybodydrivesandnobodyhasatrucklikethat.Andweallusethesamegardeningservice,withwhitetrucks,anditwasn’toneofthose.Itwas
dark—black,maybe,andithadyellowandorangeflamesalongtheside,likethoseoldHotWheelstoys.”
Reyesthanksthemfortheirtime,andheandBarrspeaktotheotherneighbors.There’sonlyonehomeontheothersideoftheMertons’house,andthat’swheretheroadends.Therehadbeennovisitorstherethatnight,andnoonehadseenatruckatall.Norhadanyoneintheotherneighboringhouses.
ReyeswondersbrieflyifthepickupwasafigmentofMrs.
Sachs’simagination.Oneneighborvolunteeredthathe’drecognizedJennaMerton’sMiniCoopergopasthisdrivewayawayfromtheMertons’whenhewasoutwalkinghisdogonEasternight,justaftereighto’clock.Barrmakesanote.ReyesandBarrheadbacktothepolicestation.It’smidafternoon,andthey’rebothstarving.Theystopatafavoritelunchspotandgrabsandwichesandcoffeeontheway—hamandcheeseforhimandchickensaladforher.
???
CATHERINEWATCHESOUTthelargefrontwindowofDanandLisa’shouseasAudreygetsinhercaranddrivesaway.Shetakesadeepbreathandthenturnstofacetherestofthem.
They’reallrelievedthatAudreyhasgone,buttheirreliefistingedwithworry.Theylookatoneanotherinconcern.
Catherineleansbackinherchairandcloseshereyesforamoment,exhausted.
Jennabegins,“Youdon’thonestlybelieveher,doyou?
She’sjustsayingthattotrytoguiltusintogivinghersomemoney.”
“Idon’tknow,”Catherinesays,liftingherheadandopeninghereyes.“YouknowwhatDadwaslikethelasttimewesawhim.Hewashorribletoeveryone.Hesaidtheyweregoingtosellthehouse.”Sheadds,“MaybehedidchangehiswillinfavorofAudrey.God,Ihopenot.”
“It’sjustthesortofthinghewoulddo,”Dansaysangrily.
“Givehalfhismoneytosomeonewedon’tevenlike,justsothatthere’slessforus.”Headdspettily,“Hedidn’tevenlikeher.”
“Well,I’mnotbuyingit,”Jennacounters.“She’smakingitup.Ifhe’djustchangedhiswillinherfavor,hewouldhavetoldusallaboutitatEasterdinner—andhewouldhaveenjoyedit.”
“Goodpoint,”Catherineagrees.Theyhadalwaysbeenledtobelieve,inanoffhandway,thattheestatewouldbesplitequallyamongthethreechildren,butwhatifthingshadchanged?Catherinerealizesshehasnorealcertaintyatallaboutwhatthewillscontain.Sheobservestherestofthem.
“Lookatus,”shesaysafteramoment.“Thewaywe’retalking
—asifallwecareaboutismoney.”Thatfallsalittleflat.Sheleansforward.“Look,wehavetopulltogether.”SheturnstowardIrena,whohasbeenalmostmutesinceAudreyarrived;beforethat,she’dgivenheraccountofwhathappenedthatmorningatthecrimescene.“Yousaidthepoliceseemedtothinkitwasarobberythatgotviolent,butthey’restillprobablygoingtoquestionallofus.”Shelooksateachoneoftheminturn,evengivingherhusbandawarningglance.“Isuggestyoukeepyourfeelingsaboutourfathertoyourselves.
Let’strytolooklikeafunctionalfamily.Andtrynottolooktoohappyaboutthemoney.”Sheadds,“Andnoneofusspeakstothepress,gotit?”Theyallnodagreement.“Now,wehaveafuneraltosortout.Andithastobedoneproperly.”
Theyspendthenexthourcomingupwithaplanforthefuneral.TheywouldlikeittobeheldatSt.Brigid’s,thechurchherparentsattended.Theyexpectalargecrowd.Theirparentswillbelaidtorestinthecemeterynearby,theonerichpeopleuse,theonewithallthemausoleums.
Catherinewillsayafewwordsatthefuneralservice,astheeldest.Theydiscusswheretoinvitepeopletogoafterward.
Theobviousplacewouldhavebeenthefamilyhome—it’stheonlyoneoftheirplaceslargeenoughforit,butit’sanactivecrimescene,soit’sout.Theydecideonthegolfandcountryclubtheirparentsbelongedto.Theycandothefoodtoo.
Catherinewillcallthemandthechurch,firstthingtomorrow.
Finally,shegetsuptoleave,feelingcompletelydrained.It’shardtobelieveit’sonlyfouro’clockintheafternoon.Shethinksshewillrememberthedayherparentswerediscovereddeadasoneofthelongestdaysofherlife.ButshemuststilltalktoTedwhentheygethome.Wherenooneelsecanhearwhattheysay.15
AudreyhaddrivenawayfromtheunpleasantsceneatDan’shousedirectlytothehomeofherclosestfriend,EllenCutter.They’veknowneachotherfordecades,frombackwhentheybothworkedforherbrotheratMertonRoboticsintheearlydaysofthecompany.EllenknewFredwell,havingbeenhispersonalassistantformanyyears,althoughitwasalongtimeago.
WhenAudreyarrived,Ellenwasexpectingher—she’dalreadyheardaboutthemurdersontheradio.TheyprocessedtheshockingnewsovercoffeeinEllen’ssunnykitchen.Theydidn’tknowhowFredandSheilahadbeenkilled,asthatinformationhadn’tyetbeenreleased.Thefamilyhadtoldhertheydidn’tknowyet.ItfeltbizarretoAudreytobedoingsomethingshedidsooften—havingcoffeeatEllen’s—butdiscussingsomethingsoentirelyoutofthenorm.Ellenwasclearlyshakenbythenewsofthemurders.ShealreadyknewthatAudreywasgoingtogethalfherbrother’sestatesomeday,becauseAudreyhadconfidedinher.UnlikeFred’schildren,Ellenhadbeenhappyforher.Butneitherofthemhadexpectedittohappenquitesosoon.Audreymighthavesaidabittoomuchabouthowthiswouldchangeherlife.Butshecouldn’thelpitif,eveninthemidstofsuchatragedy,itgaveherpleasuretodiscussit.
Theytalkedabouttakingatriptogether,acruisemaybe,aroundItaly.Audrey’streat.
???
LISASTANDSATthefrontdoorwatchingastheothersleave.SheseesIrenastopatCatherine’scar,asTedsaunterstohisownvehicle,fartheraway.Heleansagainstitandlightsupacigarette.Jennajoinshimandlightsup,too,theonlysmokersinthefamily.LisaturnsherattentionbacktoCatherineandIrena.They’retalkinginlowvoices.Whataretheysayingthattheycouldn’tsayinside?ShefeelsDanbehindher,canfeelhiswarmbreathonherneck.
Catherineglancesbacktothehouse,whereLisaandDanarewatchingfromthefrontdoor,andabruptlystopsspeakingtoIrenaandgetsintohercar.Afterthat,theyalldriveoff—
CatherinefirstinherVolvo,Tedfollowinginhissportscar,IrenainheroldToyota.Jennastaysbehind,atherowncarnow,tosmokeanothercigaretteandscrollthroughherphone.
Lisaturnsaroundsuddenlyandcatchesanoddexpressiononherhusband’sface,beforeitquicklyvanishes.Whatwasit?
Butnowhe’slookingatherinhisusualruefulwayandshecan’tbesure.
Heturnsawayfromher,runningahandthroughhishair.
Shefollowshimintothekitchen,poursherselfanothercupofcoffeefromthecarafe.Sheturnsaround,herbacktothecounter,watchinghimclosely.“Areyouallright?”sheasks.
Hesitsdowninoneofthekitchenchairs,hiselbowsonthetable,handsclaspedtightly.“I’mnotsure.”
Shethinksabouthowtoputit.“Iknowyouhadyourissueswithyourfather.ButIalsoknowhowmuchyoulovedyourmother.Ican’timaginehowdifficultthismustbe.”
Lisahasn’tlosteitherofherparentsyet,andwhenthetimecomes,she’ssureitwillbedifficult.Shehasagoodrelationshipwithbothofthem.Dan’srelationshipwithhisparentswascomplicated.He’stoldhersomestoriesfromhischildhood,andshe’sobservedenoughsinceshemarriedhimtofeelnoparticularregretthatFredMertonisoutofthe
picture.She’ssadaboutSheila,though—shelikedhermotherin-lawwellenough.ButDancouldneverrelyonher.Herlovewasalwaysconditional.Couldn’tsheseehowmuchthathurtherson?
Lifehasbeensouncertainlately.Butthischangesthings.
AndmaybeDanwillfinallybeabletoburyhisparentsandwhattheydidtohim.
Shechewsherbottomlip,stilllookingathim.Shewondersifhewillbreakdownandcry;ifhedoes,shewillgotohim,putherarmsaroundhim.
Instead,hestaresintospace.Helooks…empty.She’sneverseenhimthiswaybefore;itmakesheruneasy.
Shecomesoverandsitsdownatthetablenexttohim.
“Dan,”shesays,puttingherhandonhisarm,shakingitalittle.Hestartsandfocuseshiseyesonhers.
“Ikeepseeingthem,”hesays.Forasecondhisfacetwists.
“Whatdoyoumean?”Shepullsbackinstinctively.
“Ikeepimaginingthem,Momstrangled,andDad’sthroatslit,himstabbedoverandover,likeIrenasaid.”Hisvoiceholdsatremor.Heturnshisglazedeyestoher.“Imaginehowmuchthatmusthurt.”
Shegraspshishandtightlyonthetable.Shefeelsslightlysick.“Trynottothinkaboutit,”sheurges.“Youcan’tthinkaboutthat.It’sover.They’renotfeelinganypainnow.Wehavetolookforward.Thingswillbebetternow,forus.”Shedoesn’tplanonsayingit,it’snotreallyappropriate,butitjustslipsout.“Onceyougetyourinheritance,wewon’thavetoworryaboutmoneyanymore.Thinkhowmuchbettereverythingwillbe.”Henodssilently.Encouraged,sheleansforwardalittleandinasoftervoicesays,“Maybewecantravel,likewe’vealwayswantedto.Iknowweneverreally
couldbefore,whenyouwereworkingforyourdad—butthiscouldbeanewbeginningforus.”
Heputshisotherhandontopofhersandsays,“Yes,anewbeginning.”Hekissesher.It’sasweetmoment;buthebreaksoffthekiss,sitsbackinhischair,andsays,“But—”
“Butwhat?”
“WhatifDadchangedhiswill?”Dansays,lookingworriednow.“Wealwaysthoughtthethreeofusgotallofitinequalshares.WhatifAudreygetshalf,likeshesays?OrwhatifIgetnothingatall?AftereverythingI’vedone,aftereverythingI’veputupwithalltheseyears?”
“Fredwouldn’tdothat,”sheassureshim.Butitgivesherafright.Wouldhe,though?ShethinksbacktothatdreadfulEasterdinner.
“Andtherewillbeaninvestigation,”Dansays.“Thepolicewillcomehere,askingquestions,diggingintoourfamily.It’sgoingtobeawful.”
Heseemssoagitated,Lisathinks.“Youjusthavetogetthroughit,Dan.You’llallgetthroughit.AndI’mhereforyou.”
Buthisfaceremainsunsettled.“I’mgoingtocallWalter,”
Dansays.“Idon’tcareabouttheoptics.”Hestandsupandleavestheroom.
Athoughtscurriesacrosshermind,likearatscuttlinginacorneroutofsight.Somethingthathasn’toccurredtoheruntilnow.Thenightofthemurders.He’dgoneoutagain,afterward,foradrive.Andhe’dbeengonealongtime.She’dlaininbed,awake,waitingforhim,butsheeventuallyfellasleep.Whatifthepoliceaskthemaboutthat?
Thesoundofthefrontdooropeningmakesherjump.SheexitsthekitchenandseesJennainthehall.Shehadn’tleftwiththeothersafterall.“Dan’scallingWalteraboutthewill,”
shesays.ThensheturnsandhastensupthestairstowardDan’soffice,Jennaquicklyfollowing.16
TedisonlymomentsbehindCatherine,followinginhisowncar.He’sgratefulforthetimealone.There’ssomuchtogethisheadaround.FredandSheiladead.Amurderinvestigation.Hiswifelyingtothepolice.Whywouldshetrytohidethatshewentbackovertherethatnight?Whywouldn’tshejustsayso?Herparentswereobviouslyfinewhensheleftthem.
Sowhydoesn’tshewantanyonetoknow?
Heparksinthedrivewayandletshimselfinthehouse.
Catherineiswaitingforhiminthelivingroom,sittingonthesofa,hereyesdowncast.
Hestandsstillattheentrytotheroomandsays,“Catherine,whatisit?What’sgoingon?”
“Sitdown,”shesays.
Hecomesinandsitsdownonthesofabesideher,lookingatherinconcern.
“I—IthinkImighthavemadeamistake,”shesays.She’sgrippingherhandstightly;thecomposuresheshowedatDan’shouseisdesertingher.“ThedetectivesaskedmeifIhadanycontactwithmyparentsafterweleftthedinneronSundaynight,andItoldthemno.”
“Whywouldyoudothat?”Hedoesn’tunderstand.
“Idon’tknow.”Sheshakesherheadasifshecan’tunderstanditherself.“Itwasaknee-jerkreaction.Ijustsaidno.Iguess—IguessIdidn’twantthemtoseemeasasuspect.”
Hestandsupnowinconsternationandlooksdownather.
“Catherine—that’sridiculous.Whywouldtheysuspectyou?Itwasarobbery.”Shelooksupathim,andshe’smoredistraughtthanhe’severseenher.
Shesays,hervoicerising,“Youweren’ttherewhentheytoldme.Thewaytheylookedatme,asiftheyweresuspicious.”Shestartstalkingfaster,rushingherwords.
“They’regoingtothinkitwasoneofthefamily,they’regoingtosuspectallofus,soonerorlater,becauseofthemoney.Ididn’twantthemtoknowIwentbackovertherethatnight—itwouldlook…bad.”
Heshakeshishead.“Itdoesn’tlookbad.Youwantedtotalktoyourmom.Youhavetotellthepolice.”
“No,Idon’t.”Shelooksathimabitwildly.“Ican’ttellthemnow.NotafterIliedtothem!”
“Whatiftheyfindoutanyway?”heprotests,genuinelyworriednow.“Thatwilljustlookworse.”
“So,what,ItellthemIjustforgotthatIwentovertherethatnight?Thatitslippedmymind?Tellthemthateverythingwasfine,IspoketoMomandleft?Whatiftheydon’tbelieveme?”
“Catherine!Whywouldn’ttheybelieveyou?Thinkofwhatyou’resaying!Youcan’thonestlythinktheywouldsuspectyouofmurderingyourownparents!”
Shegetsupthenandwalksnervouslyaroundtheroom.Shefinallyturnstohimandsays,“Irenatoldmesomething,atthecarwhenwewereleaving.Shewantedtogivemeaheads-up.”
“What?Whatdidshesay?”
“Shesaidthedetectivesseemtothinkitmightbesomeonemyparentsknew.”
“Whywouldtheythinkthat?”heasks,concerned.
“Sheoverheardthemsaytheythoughtitlookedpersonal.”
Tedsays,“Shetoldusthattheythoughtitwasarobberygonewrong.”
Shepauses.“Shesaidtheyseemtobeveryinterestedintheinheritance.”
Hismind,unbidden,turnsautomaticallytoDan.Surely…
Shefastenshereyesonhim,andshelooksdeadlyserious.
“Idon’twantthosedetectivestoknowIwastherethatnight.
AndDanandJenna—theycan’tknowIwentovertherethatnight,thatIkeptitfromthepolice.”
“Whynot?”
“Idon’ttrustthem,”shesays,avertinghereyes.
???
AFTERAUDREYISGONE,EllenCuttersitsinthekitchenforalongwhile,staringathercupofcoffee,thinkingaboutthemurders.Now,shegetsupandpourshercoldcoffeedownthesink.It’ssodreadfulthattheMertonshavebeenmurderedthatshecanhardlycometogripswithit.She’sneverknownanyonewho’sbeenmurderedbefore.It’ssomethingthathappenstostrangersonthenews.
It’sniceforAudrey,ofcourse,thatshe’sgoingtoberich.
Shedidn’thavetogoonaboutitquitesomuch,though.
Ellen’smindturnstoCatherineMerton,whoisoneofherdaughter’sclosestfriends.Whatashockthismustbeforherandhersiblings.Theywillallbewealthynow,althoughnotquiteaswealthyastheyexpected.
EllenwondersifRosehasheardthenews.Shepicksupthephonetocallher.
???
ATTHEAYLESFORDPOLICESTATION,ReyesandBarrestablishateamtohandletheMertonhomicides.Thetwodetectiveswillgetsomehelpfrompatroldivision,buttheinvestigationwillfallmostlytothem.It’snotabigdepartment.ReyesassignsasmallteamtosearchtheareasurroundingtheMertonhouseforanysignofdiscardedbloodyclothingfromthekiller,ortheligatureusedonSheilaMerton.TheywillgraduallywidenthesearchtoincludethenearbyHudsonRiver,woodedareas,localdumpsters.Theyputoutapolicebulletinaboutthepickuptrucktheyaretryingtolocate.
Theyreviewallthebackgroundinformationonthefamilytheycanfind,butthereisn’tmuch.FredMertonwasanextremelysuccessfulbusinessman,andheandhiscompanyhavebeencoveredextensivelyinthemedia.Butthere’sverylittleaboutthefamily.Theyseemtohavebeenveryprivate.
Reyeswonderswhatsecretstheymighthave.17
ReyesandBarrgetintoReyes’scaranddrivetooneofthenicerpartsofAylesford,asuburbofdoctors,lawyers,andexecutives,withlargedetachedhomesontree-linedstreets.It’supscale,butit’snoBreckenHill.
“Richpeople,”Barrsays.“Theyneverthinktheyhaveenough.Theyalwayswantmore.”
“Knowalotofrichpeople,doyou?”Reyessays,smiling.
“Notreally,no,”sheadmits.
HepullsuponthestreetoutsidethehomeofDanandLisaMerton.It’sacomfortabletwo-storyhouseofyellowbrick,wellmaintained,asallthepropertieshereare.Agardenofshrubsandspringflowersrunsalongthefrontofthehousebeneathalargewindowlookingintothelivingroom.
ReyesandBarrwalkuptothefrontdoorandknock.Thedoorisopenedbyapetite,attractivewomanwithbrownhairandbrowneyes.
“LisaMerton?”Reyesasks.
Shenods,lookingapprehensive.Reyesproduceshisbadgeandsays,“I’mDetectiveReyes,andthisisDetectiveBarr.
Maywecomein?”Hecanhearatelevisiononsomewhere.
“Yes,ofcourse,”shesays,drawingbackandlettingthemin.Sheturnsherheadandcalls,“Dan!”
DanMertonappearsinthefronthall.He’sofmediumheightandbuild,withrecedingblackhair.Veryaveragelooking.Rightbehindhimisawoman,probablyinher
midtwenties,tallandslimanddressedallinblack.She’sratherstriking.
Reyesholdsuphisbadgeonceagainandrepeatstheintroductions.“You’reDanMerton?”Dannods.
“I’mJennaMerton,”theotherwomanvolunteers.
Shedoesn’tlookanythinglikeheroldersister,Reyesnotes,whoincontrastisquiteconservative.Heremembersthepearlsaroundtheoldersister’sthroat,showingbeneaththewhitedoctor’scoat.Jennahasaslashofpurpleinherblackhairanddramaticeyeliner.Therearenosignsofthatmakeupbeingruinedbyrecenttears.“Maywesitdown?”Reyessuggests.
“Ofcourse,”Lisasays,flustered.Sheleadsthemallintothelivingroom,wheretheyeachtakeaseat—Reyesandhispartnerinthearmchairs,theotherthreesharingthesofa.
“I’msosorryforyourloss,”Reyesbegins.Hetakesamomenttoregardthemcarefully.DanMertonseemstense.
Hissisterlessso,butshe’swatchinghimascarefullyashe’swatchingher.“We’reinvestigatingthemurderofyourparents,”Reyesbegins.
Dansaysquickly,“Wewantyoutocatchwhoeverdidthishorriblethingasquicklyaspossible.Istillcan’tbelieveit.Imean—we’realljustdevastated.”
Reyesnotesthecuriousecho;that’swhatthecleaningladyhadsaid.
“Wejusthaveafewquestions,”Reyessays,“fornow.AsI’msureyouknow,we’vealreadyspokenbrieflytoyoursister,Catherine.”
“Ofcourse.”Danwaits,poisedtoanswer,asifhe’sonaquizshow.
“Didyourparentshaveanyenemiesthatyouknowof?”
Reyesasks,lookingfromDantoJennaandbackagain.
“Enemies?”Danrepeatsnervously.“No.”
“Pleaseconsiderthequestioncarefully,”Reyessays.“Yourfatherwasawealthyman,asuccessfulbusinessman,Iunderstand.Mighthehaveangeredsomeone?”
Danshakeshishead.“Myfather’sbusinesswascompletelyaboveboard,detective.Iwouldknow—Iworkedthere.Iwaspracticallyhisright-handman.Andbesides,hewasretired;hesoldthebusinessseveralmonthsago.”
“Isee,”Reyessays.“Doyouknowifanythingwasbotheringeitherofyourparentsrecently?Didtheyseemworriedaboutanything?”
Danshakeshishead,hismouthturneddowninafrown.
“NotthatIknowof.”Helooksathissister.
“HowwouldIknow?”shesays,shrugging.“Ididn’tseethemthatoften.”
“It’sjustthatyourmotherhadrecentlystartedtakingantianxietymedication,”Reyessays.Theylookbackathiminapparentsurprise.“Noideawhythatmightbe?”DanandJennashaketheirheads.“ThelasttimeyousawthemwasforEasterdinneronSunday,isthatright?”Reyesasks.
“Yes,”Dansays.“Wewereallthere.MeandLisa,Catherineandherhusband,Irena,andJennaand—whatwashisnameagain?”
“Jake,”Jennasays.
“Whattimedidyouleavethatnight?”Reyesasks.
Dansays,“CatherineandTedleftfirst,aroundseven.LisaandIwererightbehindthem,andIsawIrenacomeoutafterus.”
“Andyou?”Reyessays,turningtoJenna.
“Weleftacoupleofminuteslater,”shesays.
Reyesnotesthelie.Heknowsshedidn’tleaveuntilaftereighto’clock.Heletsitgo,fornow.“Anyofyouseethemortalktothemafterthat?”Theyshaketheirheads.“Andnothingstruckyouasbeingoutoftheordinarythatevening?”Headds,“Theywerelikelymurderedsometimelaterthatnight.”
Nothingissaid,butReyescanfeelsomethingchangeintheroom.He’dbetdollarstodonutssomethingwasoffthatnight.
“NothinghappenedatEasterdinner?”Barrpresses.
Shemustsenseit,too,Reyesthinks.
“No,”Dansays,frowningagain,shakinghishead.“JustaregularEasterdinner.Turkeyandpie.”
“Sameasever,”Jennaagrees.
ReyesglancesatLisa.Sheseemsfrozeninplace,hergazelockedsomewhereintheairbetweenhimandBarr.
ReyesletsalongsilencestretchoutuntileveryonebutheandBarrisuncomfortable.
Dansays,“Anyway,itsaidonthenewsthatitwasarobberythatturnedviolent—thattheirmoneyandjewelrywerestolen.Isn’tthatwhatitwas?”
“That’sonepossibility,”Reyessays.
Thenheasksthemaboutthemoney.
???
IRENASITSINherfavoritearmchairinhersmallbungalowaseveningfalls,herfattabbycatonherlap,asecondhandAnthonyTrollopenovelopenfacedownandignoredonthearmofthechair.Shecan’tconcentrateonthebook.Shecan’tthinkaboutanythingbutFredandSheila,thehumancarnageonthekitchenfloor,stickywithFred’sblood.She’dwashedthatfloortoomanytimestocountovertheyears.Thekidsusedtoplayonthosetileswhileshebakedcookies.
Whatagoodthingthatwecan’tseethefuture.
Shecan’tstopthinkingaboutthem,thosechildrenshebroughtupwhileFredandSheilacouldn’tbebothered.Whatwillhappentothemnow?Ofcoursethekidswillbesuspects.
There’salotofmoneyatstake.Aslongastheyallkeeptheirmouthsshutanddon’tstartpittingthemselvesagainsteachother,allmightstillbewell.It’simportantthatthedetectivesdon’tfindoutwhatthingswerereallylikeintheMertonfamily.
Itwasalwaysadysfunctionalhousehold,butshestayedbecausethekidsneededher.Shehadbeenthere,watchingoverthem,protectingthem.Guidingthem,tryingtohelpthembebetter.
Andnowshehasinterferedwithamurderscene.
???
ONCETHEY’VESEENthedetectivestothedoor,Jenna,Dan,andLisastareateachotherforamomentwithoutspeaking,asifnobodywantstobethefirsttovoiceanopinion.Theyneedtodissectwhatjusthappened.Theyreturntothelivingroom.
“God,”Dansays,stridingacrosstheroom.“Ineedadrink.”
Hepourshimselfaglassofwhiskeyatthecredenzathatservesasabar.Heturnshisheadtoask,“Anybodywantone?”
JennaandLisabothsayno.Hecomesbacktothesofaandslumpsontoit,andLisasitsdownbesidehim.
Jennathrowsherselfintoanarmchair—theonerecentlyvacatedbyDetectiveReyes—andsays,watchingherbrother,
“Theyhavetodotheirjob,youknow.Theyhavetoaskquestions.”
“Fuck!”Dansays.
“What’swrong,Dan?”Jennaasks.
“Theyobviouslythinkit’soneofus.AllthatabouthowmuchmoneyDadwasworthandwhogetsit.”Whenhepicksuphisglasshishandistremblingslightly
JennaglancesatLisa—she’snoticedittoo.
“They’reprobablygoingtothinkitwasme,”Dansays.“Itwon’tmatterthatI’mcompletelyinnocent!EveryoneknowshowDadsoldthebusinessoutfromunderme,ruiningmylife.
They’llfindoutsoonenough.Andthey’llfindout—”Hestopssuddenly.
“Findoutwhat,Dan?”Jennaasks.ShedartsanotherlookatLisa,whosefaceispale.
Hehesitatesandthenadmits,“Thatwedon’thaveanymoney.”
Jennaissurprisedtohearthis.Shestudieshimforamomentbeforesaying,“Well,you’reunemployed.Ofcoursetimesaretoughrightnow.Anyonewouldunderstandthat.Youcan’tactuallybebroke.Youmusthavesavings.They’renotgoingtothinkyou’reamurderer.”
Heshakeshishead,agitatednow.“It’sworsethanyouthink.BeforeDadsoldthecompanyandIlostmyjob,Imadeaninvestment.MostofoursavingsaretiedupinitandIcan’tgetthemoneyoutforanothersixmonths,I’vetried.Andtherestwe’vespent,toliveon.”Headds,“We’vebeenlivingoffcreditcards.”Thenhetakesanotherdrink,finishingoffhisglassandslammingitdownontothecoffeetable.
Lisaseemstoshrinkdeeperintothesofa,andJennanoticesthatshedoesn’tlookwell.
Danturnstohiswifemiserablyandsays,“I’msorry.I’msuchafuckup.”Thenheclutcheshisheadinhishands.18
OnWednesdaymorningat9:00,AylesfordPoliceholdapressconferenceabouttheMertonmurders.It’sasunnyspringday,andit’sheldoutside,infrontofthestation.
Interestisstrong.Notonlythenewsoutletsarepresent,butmanypeoplewholiveintheareahavecomeinpersontohearwhathehastosay.Reyessuspectsthattheyarehopingtolearnthatanarrestisimminent.They’regoingtobedisappointed.
Hestepsuptothepodiumandwaitsforthephotographytodiedownandforthecrowdtosettle.Thenhesays,“Thankyouforcoming.IamDetectiveEricReyesofAylesfordPolice.WeareconductinganinvestigationintothemurdersofFredandSheilaMertonintheirhomeinBreckenHill.Theirbodieswerediscoveredthereyesterday.Atthistime,weappealtothepublicforanyinformationleadingtothearrestandconvictionofthepersonorpersonsresponsibleforthemurdersofFredandSheilaMerton.Inparticular,weareinterestedinspeakingtoanyonewithknowledgeofapickuptruck,darkincolorwithorangeoryellowflamesonthesidepanels,thatwasseendrivingawayfromthedirectionoftheMertons’propertyonthenightofSunday,Apriltwenty-first.”
Hetakesabreathandcontinues.“Weareencouragingmembersofthepublictocallthetipline.”Herecitesthenumberslowlyandrepeatsit.“Wewillnotrestuntiltheperpetratorsofthisawfulcrimearebroughttojustice.Thankyou.”
Reyesstepsawayfromthepodium.Thereportersstartcallingoutquestions,butReyesturnshisbackandwalksinsidethestation.
???
AUDREYSTANCIKWATCHESthepressconferenceontelevision.Itrevealspreciouslittle.TherewasmoreinformationintheAylesfordRecordthatmorning.SomeenterprisingreporterhadfoundoutthatthebodieswerediscoveredbyIrena,andthatSheilawasstrangledandFredwasstabbednumeroustimesandhisthroatslit.Sonowsheknows.Readingthat,Audreyfoundherselfshaken.Thehousehadbeenransackedandvaluablesweremissing.Therewerenofurtherdetails.WhenAudreyhadbeenatDan’sthedaybefore,noonehadtoldherthatIrenahadfoundthem,andhowthey’dbeenkilled.AndIrenawasrightthere.She’dhadtogetitfromthenewspaper.
Audreygetsinhercaranddrivesdowntowntoseeherbrother’slawyer,WalterTemple.Shedoesn’thaveanappointment,butshe’ssurehewon’tturnheraway,notunderthecircumstances.Shesimplycan’twaitanothermoment.
Walterseesherrightaway.They’veknowneachotherformanyyears.Theygreeteachothersolemnly.HetellsherhowsorryheisaboutFredandSheila.Buttheattorneyseemsnoticeablyillatease,anditmakesAudreynervous.
Shesummonshercourageandsays,“Fredcametoseeyoulastweekabouthiswill,didn’the?”
She’sexpectingaquickconfirmation,butWalteravertshiseyesandstartsstraighteningtheedgesofthepapersonhisdesk.She’sworryinginearnestnow.Heclearshisthroatandsays,“Iwasawayalllastweekunexpectedly.Ididn’tseehim.”
Shefeelstheblooddrainfromherupperbody;Walter’sfaceswimsinfrontofhereyes.“What?”
“Apparentlyhewantedtoseeme,but,asIwasunavailable,hemadeanappointmentforthisweek—hewassupposedtoseemetoday,atteno’clock.Buthediedbefore…”Hisvoicetrailsoffdelicately.
Audreysagsinthechair,allherhopesshipwrecked.“Butthatcan’tbe,”sheprotests.“Hepromisedhewoulddoitlastweek.”
“Yes,hedidtrytocomein,butIwasawayonbusiness.I’msorry.”
“Maybehesawanotherlawyer?”
“Apparentlynot,no.”
“Hewasgoingtochangehiswill,”shesays,hervoicerising,allherplanscrashingtopiecesaroundher.“Hepromisedme.HewasgoingtochangeitsothatIgothalfandhiskidssharedtheotherhalf.AndifIdiedbeforehim,mysharewastogotomydaughter.”
Walterlooksbackatherinobviousdiscomfort,butit’snothingtowhatshe’sfeeling.“I’mtrulysorry,Audrey.Buthediedbeforehecouldmakeanychangestohiswill.Hecouldn’thaveknownwhatwasgoingtohappen—”
Shesitstherestunned,notmoving,disbeliefturningtorage.
Itwasheroneshotathavingsomethingforherself,andforherdaughter.Andnowit’sgone,justlikethat.JustlikeFred.Andnowallhishard-earnedmoneyisgoingstraighttohisthreespoiled,undeservingkids.“Sheknew!”Audreycries.
“What?”theattorneysays,startled.
“Sheilaknew.SheknewFredwasgoingtochangehiswilltogivemehalf.Shewasthere—andshedidn’tlikeit.Sheneverlikedme.”He’sclearlyuncomfortable,wantingnopartofthis.“Youknowwhatmusthavehappened,don’tyou?”shesays.Hemeetshereyeswarily.“Shetoldthekidswhattheirfatherwasgoingtodo.Andoneofthemmurderedthemboth
beforehecoulddoit.”Sheaddsbitterly,“Andtheyneversawitcoming.”
“That’sabsurd,Audrey,”Waltersays,turningpale.
Shegetsupabruptlyandleavestheofficewithoutanotherword.Descendingintheelevator,inherfury,she’scertain.
Sheilamusthavetoldoneofthem.Whichone?Ormaybeshetoldallofthem.AndoneofthemmurderedFredandSheilawithoutashredofregret.
She’sgoingtofigureoutwhoifit’sthelastthingsheeverdoes.Andtheywillpay.
???
REYESANDBARRdrivetothemedicalexaminer’soffice,notfarfromthepolicestation.Heparksinthelotandtheyenterthelowbrickbuilding.
Thetwodetectivesmaketheirwaytotheautopsyroom.
Thesightofthegleamingmetalcountersbelowthehighrowofwindows,thebodiesrestingonthematchingmetaltables,theawfulsmell—Reyesneverreallygetsusedtoit.Heslipsacoughdropintohismouth.HeglancesatBarr,butsheseemsunbothered.Sometimeshewondersifshehasanysenseofsmellatall,orifit’simpairedsomehow.
Oneoftheforensicpathologists,SandyFisher,isstandingoverabody,garbedinfullprotectivegear.“Goodmorning,detectives,”shesays.
They’vecomerightinthemiddleofherworkonFredMerton,Reyesnotes.Thebodycavityisstillopen,andthere’sastomachsittingontheweighscales.Heturnsaway,focusingonthecoveredcorpsefartherdowntheroom,behindthepathologist.ThatmustbeSheilaMerton.
“I’vefinishedwithher,”Sandysays,noddingoverhershoulder,“butIstillhavealottodoonthisone.”
Shestepsawayfromtheopencorpseandbeckonsthemovertotheotherbody.Thepathologist’sassistantpullsdownthecoverfromSheilaMerton’scorpsetorevealherupperbody.“Prettystraightforward,”Sandybegins,astheystareattheunfortunatewoman.“Ligaturestrangulation,mostlikelywithsomethingverysmooth,likeanelectricalcord.”
“Andthere’snosignofitanywhere,orofithavingcomefromanywhereinsidethehouse,”Reyessaysthoughtfully.
“Sowhoeverkilledherlikelyhaditwithhim.Therewasnosignofabreak-in—hemighthaveknownitwouldprobablybeSheilawhowouldanswerthedoor.”Hepausesforamoment,gazingatSheilaMerton’sdeadface.“Someoneshoweduponthatdoorstepwearinggloves,thicksocksandnoshoes,holdingsomethinginhishandstostrangleherwith.Then,whenshewasoutoftheway,hegrabbedtheknifeinthekitchenandwaitedforFred.”
Barrnodsthoughtfully.“Possiblysomeonewhoknewthem,knewthehouse.”
Reyesasks,“Timeofdeath?”
“Well,youknowthat’salwaysjustaroughestimate,”
Sandysays.“Butmybestguessissomewherebetweenteno’clockSundayeveningandsixo’clockMondaymorning.”
Sheadds,“I’llknowmorewhenI’vefinishedwithhim.ButIcanconfirmthattheknifefromthekitchenblockwasindeedthemurderweapon.”19
Backatthestation,ReyesandBarrlearnthatnoneofthesecuritycamerasattheMertonhousewereworking.Thecleaningladywasright.Thesafehasbeenopened,andseemedundisturbed.Therewasnojewelryinside.Thepreliminaryforensicreportofferslittlenewinformationtohelpthem.Reyesscansitquickly.Therearenumeroussetsoffingerprintsinthehouse,especiallyinthekitchen,whichyouwouldexpectafteradinnerparty.PrintswillbeobtainedfromeachofthefamilymembersandIrenatodayforexclusionarypurposes—perhapstherewillbeastrangeprintthattheycan’tplace,butReyesisnotexpectingit.Thekillerwasobviouslyverycareful.They’llhavetotrackdownJakeaswell.
ReyesgrabshisjacketoffthebackofachairandsaystoBarr,“Come.We’regoingtotalktoFredandSheilaMerton’slawyer.”
Theydrivetheshortdistancedowntown.ItcomesasnosurprisethatFredMertonusedoneofthetopfirmsinAylesford.WalterTempleisbusywhentheyarrive,butaflashoftheirbadgesdoesthetrick.“He’llseeyounow,”thereceptionistsaysafteronlyacoupleofminutesandleadsthemtohisoffice.
WalterTempleextendshishandtoeachofthemastheyintroducethemselvesandoffersthemeachaseatbeforesittingdownbehindhisdesk.“Iimagineyou’rehereaboutFredandSheila,”hesays.
Reyesnods.“Yes.We’reinvestigatingtheirmurders.”
“I’mjustguttedbythis,”theattorneysays,visiblydistressed.“Fredwasafriend,aswellasalong-timeclient.”
“Whatcanyoutellusabouthim?”Reyesasks.
“FredMertonwasahugelysuccessfulbusinessman.Hemadeafortuneinrobotics,thensoldhiscompany—MertonRobotics—foranotherfortunelastyear.Hisnetworth,atthetimeofhisdeath,aftertaxes,wasroughlytwenty-sixmilliondollars.”
Reyessays,“That’sagreatdealofmoney.”
“Itis,”thelawyeragrees.“Sheilaleavesaboutsixmillionaswell.”
“DidFredMerton,orhiswife,Sheila,haveanyenemiesthatyouknowof?”
Thelawyerleansbackinhischairandavertshiseyes,lookingdownattheblotteronhisdesk.“No,Idon’tthinkso.
Theywerewellliked,respected.Fredcouldbeverycharming.”Heliftshiseyesandadds,“Theyweregoodpeople.MywifeandIdinedwiththemregularly.”
“Didyounoticeanythingdifferentabouteitherofthemrecently?Didtheyseemworriedaboutanything?Mentionanythingunusual?”
Theattorneyshakeshisheadandfrowns.“NotthatInoticed.Butyoushouldaskmywife.She’smuchmoreperceptiveaboutthesethings,althoughshenevermentionedanythingtome.SheandSheilawereclose.Mywife—
Caroline—she’sathome,ifyou’dliketospeaktoher.”HewritesouthisaddressforthemandhandsittoReyes.
Reyesasks,“WhoinheritstheMertonfortune?”
“IsupposeIcantellyouthat,”theattorneyreplies.
“Sheila’swealthgoesequallytotheirthreechildren.Under
Fred’swill,thereareacoupleofspecificbequests,butthebulkoftheestateistobeequallydividedamonghischildren.”
“Whatwerethespecificbequests?”
“OnemilliontoFred’ssister,AudreyStancik.Onemilliontothelong-timehousekeeper,IrenaDabrowski.”Theattorneyclearshisthroat.“There’ssomethingelseyoushouldknow,”
hesays.“TherearefourchildrennamedinFred’swill,notthree.Fredincludedachildhehadfatheredoutofwedlockasoneoftheequalbeneficiaries.AwomanbythenameofRoseCutter.”Headds,“Thisisgoingtocomeasaratherunpleasantsurprisetothelegitimatechildren.Probablyanicesurpriseforher,though.Idon’tthinkshehasanyidea.”Heasks,“Wouldyoubeabletoputofftalkingtoheruntiltheotherchildrengetthenewsfromme?Thatwillprobablybeearlynextweek,afterthefuneral.”
“Ithinkwecandothat,”Reyessays,beginningtorisefromhisseat.
“Thereisoneotheroddthing,”thelawyersays,andReyessinksdownagain.“DanMertoncalledmeyesterdayafternoon.Fred’ssister,Audrey—apparentlyshewasoveratDan’shouseyesterdaywiththefamilyafterthenewsoftheirdeathsgotout.ShetoldthemthatFredhadchangedhiswilltogiveherhalf.”Hechewshislipandadds,“Shewasjusthere,thismorning,andtoldmethesamething.Shewasquiteadamantthathe’dmeanttodoitlastweek.”
Reyesraiseshiseyebrows,skeptical.
“Iknow,itsoundsunlikely,butIwascalledawaysuddenlyalllastweek,andwhenIgotback,Inoticedthathe’dtriedtoseeme.WhenIwasunavailable,mysecretarymadeanappointmentforhimtoseemethisweek.Thatappointmentwastobethismorning,atteno’clock.Iguesswe’llneverknowforsure.”
???
AFTERTHEDETECTIVESLEAVE,Walterremainsathisdesk,reflectinguneasilyonthesituation.He’sratherdisturbedbywhatAudreyhadsaid.Andthedetectivesbeinghere—well,he’sacorporateandestateattorney,he’snotaccustomedtodealingwithdetectivesconductingamurderinvestigation.
Hehadn’texactlybeenforthcomingwiththedetectives,notwantingtospeakillofthedead.Hehadn’tsaidanythingthatwasuntrue.Fredcouldcertainlybecharming,andhedidn’thaveanyenemiesthatWalterknewabout,buthedidhaveanedgetohim.Fredwasn’talwaysafinefellow.
Hehadn’ttoldthedetectiveseverythingAudreyhadsaid,either—accusingFred’sownchildren.Itwastooawfultomention.Tooawfultoimagine.20
Walter’swife,CarolineTemple,isvisiblyupsetabouttheviolentmurderoftheMertons.Sheinsistsonservingteatothedetectivesinproperchinacups,asiftopretendeverythingisnormal.ButReyesunderstands—there’snothingnormalaboutbeinginterviewedbyhomicidedetectivesinyourlivingroomforawomanlikeCarolineTemple.
“HowwelldidyouknowSheilaandFred?”Reyesasks.
“Weknewthemsociallyformanyyears—decades,actually.”
“YourhusbandsaidyouandSheilawereclose.”
“Didhe?Well,itprobablylookedthatwaytohim.Butweweren’tparticularlyclose.Shewasn’tonetobarehersoul.
WalterwasfriendswithFred,buttobehonest,Ididn’tcareforhim.”
“Whydidn’tyoulikeFred?”Barrasks.
Shehesitatesamomentandsays,“Youknowmen.”ShegivesanapologeticglanceatReyes.“It’sallaboutbusinessandgolf.Theydon’treallygetintothepersonalstuff.ButSheilatoldmethingsthatmademedislikehim.”
“Suchas?”Reyesasks.
“Idon’tthinkhewasaneasymantolivewith.Hehadameanstreak.”Shetakesasipofhertea.“Imean—thewayhesoldthebusinessoutfromunderhisson!”Shetellsthemallaboutit,howhardDanhadworked,howupsethe’dbeen,howhehasn’tfoundsubsequentemployment.HowFredtoldthem
hediditsothatDanwouldn’trunhisbusinessintotheground.
“Peopledon’ttreattheirkidsthatway.Sheilawasn’thappyaboutit,Icantellyouthat.”
“Didshetrytochangehismind?”Reyesasks.
“NobodycouldchangeFred’smind.Hewasstubborn.Idoubtsheeventried.Sheneverstooduptohim.”
Barrasks,“DidSheilaseemparticularlyworriedlately?”
“Actually,yes,”Carolinesays.“Shetoldmethatshe’dstartedtakingmedicationforanxiety.”
“Didshetellyouwhy?”Barrpresses.
Carolineshakesherhead.“No.Itriedtogethertoopenup,butSheila—she’dofferabitandthenwithdraw.Stiffupperlipandeverything.Me,I’mapuddlewhenI’mupset.”Carolinepauses,asifrememberingsomething.“Shedidtellme,thelasttimeIsawher,thatthekidsweren’tgoingtobehappyabouttheirfather’swill—thatitwasn’tgoingtobewhattheyexpected.”
ReyesflicksaglanceatBarr.“Howso?”
“Idon’tknow.Shewouldn’ttellmeanymorethanthat.AsIsaid,shewasratherprivate.”Shestopstopourmoreteaandthencontinues.“Thekidsdidn’tgetalongwiththeirfather,anditseemedtobegettingworse.Noneofthemlikedhim—
shetoldmethat.Fredseemedtoenjoymistreatingthem.Theonlythinghecaredaboutwashimself.”Sheleansforward,abouttoimpartsomethingimportant.“Betweenyouandme,”
Carolinesays,“I’mprettysureFredMertonwasapsychopath.
Apparentlylotsofverysuccessfulbusinessmenare.”
???
TEDHASN’TGONEintoworkathisdentalpracticethismorning.
He’sstayedhometoofferemotionalandpracticalsupporttohiswifeasshearrangesadoublefuneral.Catherineis
constantlyonthephone,andpeoplearecomingtotheirdoor,offeringcondolencesandleavingfood.TherearesomanyinterruptionsthatCatherineiscomplainingthatit’shardtogetanythingdone.Herlaptopisopenonthecoffeetabletocatchanynewsupdatesonthemurders.
Tedtriestohelpasmuchashecan,ashestudieshiswifeandfretsaboutwhattodo.He’scertainthepolicewillwanttoformallyinterviewher,andpossiblyhim,aswell.Whatthehellishegoingtotellthem?Ifhecan’tgetCatherinetochangehermind,doeshelietoo?Sayshewashomewithhimallnight?Hedoesn’tlikeit.Hethinkssheshouldcomecleanwiththedetectives.
Butshe’salreadyliedtothem.Suchastupidthingtodo—
andhe’sangryatherforit.Hedoesn’tunderstandherreasons.
Fromwhathecansee,ifthedetectivesthinkit’soneoftheadultchildren,Danisthemostobvioussuspect.Hewasbehavingalittlestrangelyyesterday.ButonecouldarguethatCatherineisbehavingstrangelytoo.
Hethinksaboutthephonecall.Shecalledhermother’scellphoneonSundaynight,fromherowncell.Therewillbearecordofit.Won’ttheyaskheraboutthat?Theywillseethetimeoftheunansweredcallandmightthinkherparentsweredeadalready,whenCatherineandhebothknowthattheywerealiveforsometimeafterthat.Allofthisrunsthroughhismindashestandsonthedoorstepacceptingacovereddishfromfamilyfriends.
HeseesJenna’scarpulluponthestreetwhilehemanagessomepleasantriestothewell-wishers.TheyarebeginningtoleaveasJennareachesthedoor,butthentheyhavetohugherandoffertheirsympathiesalloveragain.
“How’sshedoing?”Jennaaskshimwhenthey’refinallygone.
ShemeansCatherine.TedlooksatJennawithneweyes,wonderingwhyhiswifeisafraidtotrusther.Whathistorydotheyhave?“Okay,considering,”Tedsays.“I’mgladyou’rehere.Howareyoudoing?”
“BetterthanDan.”Shewalkspasthimandentersthehouse,andTedfollowsherintothelivingroom.
“Weshouldtalk,”shesays,glancingbetweenhimandCatherine.
“What’swrong?”Catherineasks,alerttotrouble.
“ThedetectivescamebyDan’splaceyesterdayafteryouleft,whileIwasstillthere.Theyaskedusabunchofquestions.Itwasfine,butDanseemedtofallapartaftertheyleft.”ShesitsdownbesideCatherineonthesofaandsaysafteramoment,“Doyouthinkhecouldhavedoneit?”
TedwatchesasCatherineavertshereyesandsays,“Idon’tknow.”
Tedswallows,feelsslightlysick.
“Meeither,”Jennaadmits.There’salong,fraughtsilence.
FinallyJennasays,“Ithinkhe’slosinghisgrip.Heseemsconvincedthey’regoingtothinkitwashim.BecauseofDadsellingthebusiness.And—didyouknowthathe’sgotnomoney?”
Catherinelooksathernowandnodswearily.
“Youknew?Ididn’t.Hesaysthepolicearegoingtocomeafterhimandthey’regoingtogointoitwithblindersonandconvincethemselvesthathedidit,andtheywon’tbeabletoseeanythingelse.”
Tedclearshisthroatandsuggests,“Maybeheshouldgetalawyer?”
Catherineturnstohimandnods.“Maybe.Inthemeantime,wesaynothing.”SheturnstoJennaandlooksherintheeyes.
“Okay?”
Jennanods.“Okay.”
“Youdidn’ttellthemaboutwhathappenedatEasterdinner,didyou?”Catherineasks.
“Ofcoursenot.”
“Good.”Sheseemstorelaxalittle.ThenCatherinesays,afurrowinherbrow,“Danisn’twrongtobeworried.Yesterday,aswewereleavinghisplace,Irenatoldmeshethinksthepolicemightnotbelieveitwasarobberyatall.Theymightsuspectitwasoneofus.”
“Whydidn’tshesaythattoallofus?”Jennaasks.
“Sheprobablydidn’twanttoupsetDan.”
TedwatchesJennanod.“IimagineDanhastoldyouthegoodnews?”Jennaasks.
“Whatgoodnews?”Catherinesays.
“HecalledWalteryesterday,afteryouleft,beforethepolicearrived.”
“What?”Catherinesayssharply.
TedcantellbyhertonethatCatherineisn’thappyaboutit.
“Daddidn’tchangehiswilltobenefitAudrey.He’dmadeanappointment,buthehadn’tdoneitbeforehewaskilled.Sothere’sthat.”Sheadds,withasmirk,“IwonderifAudreyknowsyet?”21
Jennahasofferedtovisittheflorist,mostlytogetoutofthehouse.ShewantstogetawayfromCatherine.SomethingaboutthewayCatherinetakeschargeofeverythingirritatesher,eventhoughJennacertainlydoesn’twanttotakeonmanagementofthefuneralarrangementsherself.
AsJennadrivesdowntowntoordertheflowers—fromthesamefloristthatusedtodeliverfreshbouquetstoherparents’
houseonaregularbasis—herthoughtsturntowhatIrenatoldCatherine.Sothedetectivesalreadysuspectitwasoneofthem.Becauseoftheinheritance,obviously.Butistheresomethingmore?WhatdidIrenahear,exactly?Shedecidesthatafterherbusinessattheflorist,shewillpayIrenaavisitandaskherherself.
ThebellonthedoortotheflowershoptinkleswhenJennaenters.Inside,sheisassaultedbyariotofcolorandthesweet,pleasantsmelloffreshplants.Shespendssometimechoosinganumberofarrangementsforthefrontofthechurch—liliesandroses.SheknowsCatherinewillbepleased.Whenshe’sfinished,JennaleavestheshopandissurprisedtospotAudreyacrossthestreet,staringather.ShewondersifAudreyisfollowingher,whethershealreadyknowsshe’snotgoingtoberichafterall.
JennagivesAudreyasmileandaflippantwave,thenturnsherbackonher.
???
ATTHESTATION,ReyesandBarrarediggingthroughbackgroundinformationontheMertons’adultchildren.
Catherineandherhusband,Ted,arequitewell-off—butthey’llbeinanotherleagueentirelywiththeinheritance.
DetailsofDanMerton’sfinancialsituationrevealsignsofdesperation,however.Hehasnotworkedinsixmonths—sincehisfathersoldhiscompany.Heandhiswife,whodoesn’tappeartohaveajobeither,musthavebeenlivingonsavings.
Theyhaverecentlybeenusingnewcreditcardstopaytheminimumsonothercreditcardsthataremaxedout.Hisparents’deathscouldnothavecomeatabettertime,Reyesthinkscynically.
Theyoungest,Jenna,seemstolivefrommonthtomonth,relyingmostlyonthegenerousallowanceprovidedbyherparents,occasionallysellingsomepiecesofherartformodestamounts.Therearenosignsofanyrecentproblemsshemighthavehadwithherparents.Butshe’dliedaboutwhensheandherboyfriendhadleftthehouseonEasterSunday.Why?
WhohefindsmostinterestingrightnowisIrenaDabrowski,thecleaninglady.Shecleanedtheknifetoprotectsomeone.Itwasratherfoolishofher,butshewouldn’thavebeenthinkingclearly.ObviouslyshethinksthemurderswerecommittedbysomeoneclosetoFredandSheila,someoneshecaresabout,mostlikelyoneofthekids.
Hewantstoknowwhy.
???
IRENAPUTSDOWNthephone,unhappy.Shehasbeenaskedtocometothepolicestationtoanswerafewquestions.There’sanunpleasantsurgeofadrenalinecoursingthroughherbody.
ShenoticesJenna’scardriveupasshelocksherbungalowbehindher.
“Irena!”Jennacalls,gettingoutofhercarandapproachingher.“Doyouhaveaminute?”
“I’monmywayout,”Irenasays,asJennareachesherandgivesherabriefhug.
“Where?”
“Oneofthosedetectivesjustcalledme;theywanttoaskmesomequestions.”
“Whatareyougoingtotellthem?”Jennaasksbluntly.
“Nothing,”Irenareplies.“Ihavenothingtotellthem.WhywouldI?”
“Good.”Jennastudiesher.“IwasoveratCatherine’sthismorning,”shesays.“Shesaidyoutoldherthatthepolicemightsuspectoneofthefamily.Whatdidtheysay,exactly?”
Irenashiftshereyesaway.Shedoesn’twanttotalkaboutthisrightnow.“It’sjust—theymadeabigdealaboutthemoney.”
“Ofcoursethey’regoingtomakeabigdealaboutthemoney,”Jennareassuresher.“Butthatdoesn’tmeananything.
Itwasprobablyarobbery.”
“IheardthemsaythatFredandSheilamighthaveknowntheirkiller.”Irenafeelsdizzy,sayingthistoJenna.
Jennalooksatherintently.“Whydotheythinkthat?”
“TheythinkSheilamusthaveopenedthedoortowhoeveritwas,anditwaslateatnight.”
“So?ThatwasMomforyou,she’dopenthedooranytime,toanyone,youknowthat.”
Irenanods.“Butitwassoviolent.”Shestopsthere.Shedoesn’twanttodescribeit,doesn’twanttoreliveit.“Theythoughtitmightbe—personal—somebodytheyknew.”
Jennaseemstoconsiderthisinformation.
Irenasays,“Ihavetogo.”
“ComebacktoCatherine’sassoonasyou’redoneandtelluswhattheysay,”Jennasays.
“Allright.”
“Irena?”JennasaysasIrenaturnsaway.Sheturnsback.
“CatherineandIareworriedaboutDan.”22
Danisinthegaragetinkering.Despitehiseducationandhisexecutiveambitions,heactuallylikesgettinghishandsdirty,fixingthings.Helikestokeepbusy,hismindoccupied.Rightnow,hehastheride-onmoweruponahoistandhe’scheckingtheblades.Helovesthecomfortingsmellofthegarage,theoilonthecementfloornearhishead,eventheoldgrassstucktothemowerblades,butit’snotenoughtokeephismindoffeverythingthat’shappened.
Hecan’tstopthinkingaboutthedetectiveswhowereinhishouselateyesterdayafternoonwiththeirquestionsandtheirinsinuations.Heknowswhatthey’rethinking.Whatworrieshimmost,rightnow,istheopiniontheyformedofhim.Howdidhecomeacrosstothem?Didhelookasagitatedashefelt?
Didhelookasifhehadaguiltyconscience?
Lisaistheonlyonehecantalktoaboutthis,theonlyonehecantrustcompletely.He’safraidtoaskJenna;he’safraidofwhatshemightsay.
“Iknowthisisdifficult,”Lisasaidquietlytohiminbedthenightbefore,“butthey’renotgoingtothinkitwasyou.”
“Whatiftheydo?”hewhispered.Hecouldfeelpanictwistinginhisguts.
Shelookedathim,herbrowneyeswide.Thelightswereoffbutafaintglowfromthemoonfilteredintotheroom.
“Dan,youwentoutagainthatnight,afterwecamebackfromyourparents’.Wheredidyougo?”
Heswallowedandsaid,“Ijustwentforadrive.LikeIalwaysdo.”
“Where?”
“Idon’tknow.Idon’tremember.Justaround.Ineededtoclearmyhead.YouknowIliketodrivewhenIhavealotonmymind.”
“Whendidyougetback?”
“Ididn’tcheckthetime.WhywouldI?Itwaslate,youwereasleep.”Heknewhesoundeddefensive.Shemusthavebeenasleep,hetoldhimself,ifshedidn’tknow.
“Thepolicearegoingtoquestionus.Wehavetogetourstorystraight.”
Shewasoffering—wassheoffering?—tolieforhim.
“What?”
“Imean—Ithinkyoushouldtellthemyouwerehomeallnight,withme.AndI’llbackyouup.”
Henodded,grateful.“Okay.”Thiswassomethingthathadbeenbotheringhim.She’dsolvedthisproblemforhim,andhehadn’tevenhadtoask.Asmallrelief.
Shetouchedhisfacewithbothhands.“Youneedtorelax.
Youdidn’tkillthem.Nomatterwhatyoufeltaboutyourfather,Iknowyou’reagoodman.”Shelookeddeeplyintohiseyes.“Youcouldneverdosomethinglikethat.”Shegavehimalittlesmileandkissedhimbrieflyonthelips.“Everything’sgoingtobeallright.Andwhenthisisallover,you’llgetyourinheritance,andwecanputallofthisbehindus.”
NowDanstaresupintothedarknessofthemowerblades.
Hetriestothinkaboutthemoney.Thefreedomhewillhave.
Hetriestoimagineabrightfuture.
???
AUDREYFUMESINHERCARintheparkinglotinfrontofthepolicestation,herhandsclenchingthesteeringwheel.ShethinksofthatsmileonJenna’sfaceoutsidetheflowershop.
TheymustknowbynowthatFreddidn’tchangehiswill.
She’dliketokicksomething,butit’shardtodothatwhenyou’resittinginthedriver’sseat.Shethinksaboutgettingoutandkickingherowntires,butshedoesn’twanttodrawattentiontoherself.Herbreathingisfastandshallowandshe’sfightingtears—shestillcan’tbelieveit.Tohavesomethingshe’dcountedonsnatchedawaylikethat—justbecauseWalterwasawaythatweek.She’sabsolutelyenraged.
Butno,that’snotright.Shehasn’thadwealthbeyondherwildestdreamssnatchedawayfromherbecauseWalterwasaway.It’sbecauseFredwasmurdered,incoldblood,beforehecouldseeWalter,andthere’sfuckallshecandoaboutitnow.
She’sprettysuresheknowswhy.Shejustwantstoknowwho.
Thepromisedmoneyisgone.It’sgoingtogotothosebloodykids.Shecantastethebitternessinhermouth.She’salwayswantedtoberich.That’swhatgrowingupinpovertydoestoyou.Fredmanagedit,shedidn’t.Thiswasherlastchance.
AudreywantstoknowwhomurderedFredandSheila.Shewantstoknowwho,exactly,hasscrewedheroutofmillionsofdollars.
She’sbeensidelinedbythefamily,shutout.Theyaren’tgoingtotellherwhat’sgoingon.AssoonasshearrivedatDan’shouseyesterday,they’dallclammedup.
Thepoliceseemmostlyconcernedaboutthistruck.Shehopesthedetectivesdon’twastealotoftimeonthat.Ofcoursevaluablesweretaken—themurdererwoulddisguiseitasarobbery.They’renotgoingtomakeitobvious.Butthievesdon’tslitaperson’sthroatandstabthemcountlesstimes.
Whoeverkilledherbrotherclearlyhatedhim.
Shesitsoutsidethepolicestationnow,watchingtoseeifanyofthefamilyaregoinginforquestioning.Surelytheywouldbeformallyinterviewed?Surelythedayafterthebodieswerediscoveredisnottoosoon.Shekeepsherkeeneyestrainedonthepolicestation,wonderingifshe’dmissedanythingalready.
Afterawhile,sheseesafamiliarwomanwalkingupthefrontstepsofthestation.Irenahasarrived.
???
DETECTIVEREYESWATCHESIrenaDabrowskisettleintoherchair.
They’reinoneoftheinterviewrooms,barebutforatableandchairs.Barrisbesidehim,andsheoffersIrenawater,whichshedeclines.
Irena’sfaceislined;herbrownhair,pulledbackinashortponytail,isgraying.Herhandsarestrongandrough-looking,devoidofrings,nailsshortandunpainted.Acleaner’shands.
Reyessits,takinghistime.Hesaystoher,“Thankyouforcomingin.You’reherevoluntarily,ofcourse.Youcanleaveatanytime.”
Shenodsmutely,pullingherhandsintoherlapbelowthetablewherehecan’tseethem.
“Now,youwerethelive-innannyattheMertons’housemanyyearsago.”
“Yes,Itoldyouthat.”
“Howmanyyearswereyouthelive-innanny?”
Sheappearstothink.“IstartedsoonafterCatherinewasborn,soaboutthirty-twoyearsago.Dancamealongtwoyearslater.AndJennaanotherfouryearsafterthat.IlivedinthehouseuntilJennastartedschool,soaltogether,probablyabouttwelveyears.”
“Soyouknowthemallprettywell,”Reyessaysmildly.
“Yes,Itoldyou—they’relikemyownfamily.”
“Andareyoustillclosetothem?”
“Yes,ofcourse.ButIdon’tseethemasmuchasIoncedid.”
Reyesasks,“Wouldyousayyouwereclosertothechildrenortotheparents?”
Shelooksasifthequestionhasmadeheruncomfortable.
“Thechildren,Isuppose,”sheanswers.
Reyeswaitsforhertosaymore.Silenceisagreattool.Hewatchesherthink.
“FredandSheilaweremyemployers—theykeptmeatarm’slength,inaway.”Shesmilesalittle.“Childrendon’tdothat.Andtheywereallgood,affectionatechildren.”
“Werethereanyproblemsinthefamily?”Reyesasks.
“Problems?”sherepeats.
Andrightaway,heknowstherewereproblems,andhewantstoknowwhattheywere.“Yes,problems.”
Sheshakesherhead.“Notreally.Imean,nothingoutoftheordinary.”
“WeknowthatFredMertonhadafallingoutwithhisson,Dan,”Reyessays.“Whatcanyoutellusaboutthat?”
“Itwasn’tafallingout,really.Fredgotanexceptionallygoodofferforhiscompanythathefelthecouldn’trefuse,sohesoldit.Hewasallaboutmakingtherightbusinessdecision.”Shepressesherthinlipstogether.“IknowDanwasverydisappointed.”
“Howdidthegirlsgetalongwiththeirparents?”Reyesasks.
“Verywell,”Irenasays.
“DidanythingunusualhappenatthatEasterdinner?”
Sheshakesherhead.“No,notatall.”
“Whydideveryoneleavesoquickly?”
“I’msorry?”
Reyesknowsthatshe’stryingtobuytime.“CatherineandherhusbandandDanandhiswifeandyouallleftwithinacoupleofminutesofeachother.”
Sheshrugs.“Itwastimetogo,that’sall.”
“Andyoudidn’tstaytocleanup?Wouldn’tthatbeexpected?”
Shebristles.“She’dgivenittomeasaholiday.TheyinvitedmetoEasterdinner.Shedidn’texpectmetostayandcleanup.”
Reyessitsbackinhischairandgivesheralong,levelgaze.
“YouseemveryprotectiveoftheMertonkids,”hesuggests.
Shedoesn’treply.“Maybeweshouldgooveritagain—whathappenedwhenyoufoundthebodies.”HelistensasIrenadescribesherdiscoveryofthebodiesthepreviousmorning.
Whenshe’sfinished,Reyessays,“Ithinkyou’veleftsomethingout.”
“I’msorry?”shesaysagain.
Hewatchesherfaceflushslightly.Hesays,“Thebitabouthowyoupickedupthemurderweaponoffthefloor,cleaneditatthekitchensink,andputitbackintheknifeblock.”23
Irenahasgonequitestill,andheknowshehashitthemark.
“Ididn’t,”shesays,butit’saweakattempt.
Heleansforwardthen,closinginonher,hisarmsonthetable.“Weknowyoudid.Theforensicevidenceshowsit.Thebloodhaddriedaroundtheknifeonthefloorforatleasttwenty-fourhours.Yourfootprintsledrightpastthebodytothesink.Theknifewasscrubbedcleanandputbackintheknifeblock.Butweknowitwasthemurderweapon.”Shesitsunmoving,likeananimalawareofapredator,herhandsinherlap.“ThequestionIhaveis,whydidyoudothat?”
Shebecomesflustered.“Idon’tknowwhy.Iwasinshock.Isawthecarvingknifeonthefloor.Irecognizedit.It’sbeeninthefamilyfordecades.Ijustpickeditupandwasheditandputitback.Itwashabit,Iguess.”
Reyessmilesather.“Andwe’resupposedtobelievethat?”
“Ican’thelpwhatyoubelieve,”shesays.
“I’lltellyouwhatIbelieve,”Reyessaysslowly.“Ibelieveyouarrivedthere,foundSheiladeadandFredawashinblood,sawthecarvingknifeonthefloor,pickeditup,putonthepairofrubbergloveswefoundunderthesink,andscrubbedtheknifethoroughlyincasethekillerhadleftprintsonit.Becauseyouwantedtoprotectthepersonwhodidit.Whichmakesusthinkthatyoubelievethatthekillerisoneofthechildren.”
“No,”sheprotests.
“Wecouldchargeyou,youknow.”
Sheremainssilent,staringathim.
Heleansbackinhischairagain,givinghersomeroom.“Isthereanythingyouwanttotellusnow?”
“No.”
“Thethingis,”Reyessays,“whoeverthekillerwas,heorshewasquitecarefulandworegloves.Youneedn’thaveinterferedwiththemurdersceneafterall.”Shelooksbackathim,herfacerigid.“Thanksforthetip,though.”
Assherisestoleave,Barrsays,“We’lljustgetyourfingerprintsbeforeyougo—weneedthemforexclusionarypurposes.Wehavetodoeverybody.”
???
IRENAEXITSTHEPOLICESTATIONandmakesherwaytohercarasifshecan’tgettherefastenough.Oncesheisinthecar,though,shesitsstillforafewminutes,gatheringherthoughts.
Shetakesdeepbreaths,restingherheadbackagainsttheheadrest.Shecloseshereyes.Whathasshedone?
Finally,shestartsthecarwithtremblinghandsanddrivestoCatherine’shouse.Thisisgoingtobedifficult,andshe’sdreadingit.
Whenshearrives,sheseesthatbothcarsareinthedrivewayandJenna’sisparkedonthestreetinfront.There’snosignofDan’svehicle.Shegetsoutofthecarandapproachesthefamiliarfrontdoor.
It’sTedwhoanswersherknock,hishandsomefacegrave.
“Comein,Irena,”hesays.“Jennasaidyou’dbecomingover.”
CatherinestandsupwhenIrenaentersthelivingroom;Jennaisalreadyonherfeet,overbythewindow.Allthreeofthemlookatherexpectantly.Sheisthefirsttobeinterviewedbythepoliceatthestation;theywanttoknowwhathappened.
Theyknowtheywillbenext.Theroomischargedwithtension.
Catherinegivesheraquickhugandsays,“Comesitdownandtelluseverything.”
NosoonerisIrenaseatedinanarmchairthansheblurtsout,
“I’msorry.”
Theyalllookatherinalarm.
Shetellsthemwhatshedidwiththeknife,andthatthepoliceknow,andwatchestheirfacesfloodwithconfusion,thendisbelief.
Catherinesays,“Why?Whywouldyoudothat?”Sheseemsastonishedandangry.
WhenIrenacan’tfindthewords,Jennaanswersforher,bluntasalways.“Becauseshethinksitwasoneofus.”
Irenacan’tmeetanyone’seyes.Shesitsinsilence,staringatthefloor.
Foramomenteveryoneseemstoforgettobreathe.AtlastCatherinesays,“Irena,surelyyoudon’tbelievethat.”
Irenaissilent.Shedoesn’tknowwhattosay.
“So,”Jennaprods,“whichoneofusdoyouthinkdidit?”
Irenaevadesthequestion.Shelooksateachofthesistersinturn,wantingtobeforgiven,knowingthatshewon’tbe.“Ishouldn’thavedoneit.Nowthepoliceseemtothinkitwasoneofyoukids.I’msorry.”
Catherine,Jenna,andTedallstarebackatherindismay.
“Thanksalot,”Jennasays.
???
AUDREY,FROMHERVANTAGEPOINTintheparkinglotinfrontofthestation,hadwatchedIrenahurrytohercar,lookingmore
upsetthanwhenshearrived.Thenshe’dsatthereforalongtime,asifshewereshakenandtryingtopullherselftogether.
Finallyshedroveoff,leavingAudreydesperatetoknowwhathadhappenedinsidethestation.
Now,Audreybadlyneedstopeebutshedoesn’twanttoleaveherpostincaseshemissessomething.Butit’snotlonguntilsheseesDan’scarentertheparkinglot.Hepullsupneartheentrance.Hegetsoutofthecar,alone.Hedoesn’tglanceherwayornoticeheratthebackofthelot.Oncesheseeshimgoupthestepsandintothestation,sheknowsshe’sgotabitoftime.Sheglancesatherwatch,getsoutofthecar,andwalksquicklytoadonutshopdownthestreet.Sheusesthebathroom,buysherselfachocolatedonutandacoffee,andgetsbacktohercarinthespaceoftenminutes.
???
THEYBRINGDANMertonintothesameinterviewroomtheyhadusedtoquestionIrenaashorttimebefore.He’sdressedincleanjeans,anopen-neckedshirt,andanavyblazer.Hewearsanexpensive-lookingwatch.Helookslikehecomesfrommoney—hehasthatcarelesswaywithexpensivethings,Reyesthinks,theassurancethatcomesfromgrowingupwithagoodwardrobe.Hewearshisclotheswell,buteverythingelseabouthimseemsuncomfortable,unsure.Hetakesaseatandclearshisthroatnervously,hisfingerstappingonthetable.
“Dan,”Reyessays,“wejustwanttoaskyouafewquestions.You’reherevoluntarily;youcanleaveatanytime.”
“Ofcourse,”hesays.“Happytohelp.Iwantyoutofindoutwhodidthisterriblething.Anyluckonthedriverofthetruckyet?”
Reyesshakeshisheadandsitsbackinhischair.Asalways,Barrisbesidehim,watchingeverything,evaluating,ashrewdsecondpairofeyes.Reyessays,“Nowthatyou’vehadsome
timetothink,doyouhaveanyideawhomighthavemurderedyourparents?”
Danfrownsandshakeshishead.“No.Ican’timaginewhyanyonewoulddothis.”Headdsawkwardly,“Imeanotherthanfortheobviousreasonofrobbery.”
Reyesnodsandasks,“HowdidyoufeelwhenyourfathersoldMertonRobotics?”
DanMerton’sfaceflushes.“What’sthatgottodowithanything?”
“I’mjustasking.”ReyeswatchesDan’shandsfidgetonthetable.
“Iwasn’thappyaboutit,tobehonest,”headmits.“I’dworkedhardinthatcompanyforyearswiththeexpectationitwouldbeminesomeday.Hesolditwithoutevenconsideringwhatitwouldmeantome.”Hestopssuddenly,asifhe’ssaidtoomuch.
Reyesnods.“Itseemslikeashittythingtodo.”
Danlooksathimasifhe’sdecidingtodropsomeofhisdefenses.“Well,hecouldbeashittypersonsometimes.ButIhadnothingtodowiththis.”
“I’mnotsayingyoudid,”Reyesassureshim.“We’rejusttryingtogetafullpictureofthebackgroundhere.”Hepausesandgoeson.“Becauseofthesaleofthebusiness,Iunderstandyouarenowinsomefinancialdifficulty.Doyouwanttotellusaboutthat?”
“No,notparticularly,”hesnaps.“Idon’tseehowthat’srelevant.”
“Youdon’t?”Reyessays.“Youhaveagrudgeagainstyourfather,you’reinfinancialdifficulty,andyounowstandtoinheritaverylargefortune.”
DanflicksanervousglancebetweenhimandBarr.“DoIneedtogetalawyer?”
“Idon’tknow.Doyou?”
“Ihadnothingtodowiththis,”Danrepeatsmorestridently.
Herisesfromthechair.“I’mnotansweringanymorequestions.Iknowmyrights.”
“You’refreetogo,”Reyesagrees,thenlooksoveratBarr.
“Wejustneedtogetyoufingerprintedfirst.”24
Youwalkedout?Why?”Lisaasks,concerned.
ShewatchesDancarefullyashetellsherabouttheinterviewatthepolicestation.They’reinthekitchen,seatedatthetable.Hislegisjigglingnervously.Asshelistens,herownanxietysurges.Thelookofnearpanicinhiseyesunnervesher.Hetellsherhehastogetanattorney.
Sheswallows,hermouthdry.Shethinkshe’sprobablyright.Eventhoughthisisoutrageous—Dancouldn’tharmaflea.Butwhatifhisfearsarejustified,andtheyzeroinonhimbecauseofthecircumstances,andtheycan’tfindtheguyinthetruck,andtheytrytomakeDanlookguiltyjustsotheycangetaconviction?Peoplearewrongfullyconvictedallthetime.
Howcanthisbehappening?
Andshe’sgoingtohavetolietothepolice.
“Howwillwepayforanattorney?”sheasks,worried.
Danlooksather,hiseyeswild.“Catherinewillhelp,”hesays.“Shehasto.Shecanaffordit.Andshewon’twantthepreciousfamilynamedraggedthroughthemud.She’llwantthebestthatmoneycanbuy.”
???
ASHORTTIMELATER,DandrivesthemtheshortdistancetoCatherine’shouse,hismindracing.HeneedstotalktoCatherineandJenna.HeturnstoLisajustbeforetheyexitthecar.“Don’ttellthemthatIwentoutthatnight—that’sjustbetweenmeandyou.Theydon’tneedtoknow.Whatiftheyletitsliptothepolice?”
Shenodsbackathim,herbrowneyesbig.
Tedanswersthedoorandtheyenterthehouse.Jennaisthere,asexpected,buthe’ssurprisedtofindIrenainthelivingroomaswell.Maybeshe’shelpingwiththefuneralpreparations,too,hethinks.“I’vejustbeeninterviewedbythosedetectives,”heblurtsout,“atthepolicestation.”Theylookbackathimwarily.Hethrowshimselfintoanarmchair.
“TheywereactingliketheythinkIkilledthem!”
Henoticesaglancebeingsharedamongtheothers.Dotheythinkhedidittoo?Surelynot.Fearsuddenlyfloodsthroughhim.“What?Whatisit?”
Catherinesays,“TheyinterviewedIrenathismorningtoo.”
Irenatellshimwhathappenedatthepolicestation.Danhearsitallwithmountingdismay.HeandLisasitforamomentinstunnedsilence,theonlysoundthetickingoftheclockonthemantel.
ThenstaringatIrena,Dansays,“Whydidyoudothat?
Whathaveyoudone?”Helooksaroundtheroomatallofthem,distraught.“Ihavetogetanattorney,”hesays.“Today.
Except—Ican’taffordone,”Dansaysplaintively,lookingdirectlyatCatherine.
“Wecanhelpwiththat,”Catherinesays,withoutevenlookingatTedtoseewhathefeelsaboutit.“Pleasedon’tworryaboutit.I’llpay.”Atthatmoment,Catherine’scellphonebuzzes.Theyallstareatitonthesidetable.Catherinepicksitup.
???
AUDREYISNOTINGhowlongeachoftheinterviewslasts.FromtheshorttimeDanwasinthepolicestation,sheconcludesthattheydidn’tgetmuchoutofhim.Heprobablyrefusedtotalktothem.UnlikeIrena,Danhadleftinahurry,hiscartearingoutoftheparkinglotasifhewereangry.
Audreytriestokilltimewhilekeepinganeyeontheentrance.Sheplayswithherphone.SherisksanotherpeebreakatthedonutstoreandbuysanothercoffeeandhurriesbackjustintimetoseeCatherinearriveandparkhercar.Sheisalsoalone.Audreynotesthetime—it’salmost2:30p.m.
Howshewishesshecouldbeaflyonthewallinthere.
WhatAudreywantstoknowmorethananythingis:WhoknewthatFredplannedtoputherinhiswill?
???
CATHERINESEEMSPERFECTLYcomposedasshetakesaseatintheinterviewroomthedayafterherparentswerediscoveredmurdered.Seeinghernow,withoutherwhitedoctor’scoat,Reyesgetsaclearerpictureofherstyle.Expensiveandclassic.She’swearingdarktrousersandaprintedblouse.Nopearlstoday,butagoldnecklacewithadiamondatherthroat.
Adiamondtennisbracelet.Adesignerhandbag.
“CanIgetyouanything?Coffee?”Barroffers.
Catherinesmilespolitely.“Coffeewouldbelovely,”shesays.
Sheismoreself-possessedthanherbrother.
Barrreturnswiththecoffee,andReyesexplainsthatsheisherevoluntarilyandcanleaveatanytime.
“Ofcourse,”Catherinereplies.“IwanttohelpanywayIcan.”Astheinterviewproceeds,sheagaindeniesthatanythingunusualhappenedatEasterdinner,despitetheapparentmassexodus.ShetellshimthatsheandTedremainedathometogethertherestofthenight.
“WeknowDanhadproblemswithhisfather,”Reyessays.
“Thathewashavingfinancialproblems.Youallstandtoinheritalotofmoney.”Herexpressionremainsimpassive.He
waitsabeatandasks,“DidJennahaveanyproblemswithyourparents?”
Sheshakesherhead,asifimpatient.“No.”
“Didyou?”
“No.”Sheaddsspontaneously,“Ifanything,Iwasthefavorite.”
Reyesleansbackinhischairagain.“Soyouwerethefavorite,Danwastheleastfavorite,andJennawassomewhereinthemiddle?Yourparentsplayedfavorites?”Hedetectsaflickerinhereyes;perhapssheregretswhatshesaid.
“No,itwasn’tlikethat.Ishouldn’thavesaidthat.It’sjustthatmyparentswerehappythatIwasadoctor.Dan—ourfatherhadveryhighexpectationsofDan,andhewasabithardonhim.AndJenna—well,theydidn’tlikeherart.Theyfeltitwasobscene.”
“Obscene?”
“Yes.Shedoessculpturesoffemalegenitaliaandthelike.”
Reyesnods.“Isee.Andthatdidn’tgooverwellwithyourparents?”
“Notparticularly.”Sheadds,“Butthesewereminorthings.
Wewereaperfectlyordinaryfamily.”
Reyesdoesn’trespondtothat.“Yourformernanny,Irena—
areyouallclosetoher?”
“Ofcourse.Shelookedafterusforyears.She’slikeamothertous.”
“Doesshehaveafavorite?”
“Look,Iknowwhatyou’regettingat,”Catherinesays,hervoiceeven.“Irenacameovertomyplacealittlewhileagoandtoldusaboutyourinterview.Ican’texplainwhatshedid.AllI
knowis,noneofushadanythingtodowiththis.Andyouneedtofindoutwhodid.”
???
CATHERINELEAVESthepolicestationwithasenseofrelief,feelingthattheinterviewwentwell.Shewasperfectlyrelaxed,convincing.Shehopesthat’stheendofit,forheranyway.Asshewalksintotheparkinglot,sheglancesupandspotsAudreyinhercar,aloneatthebackofthelot.Catherinestopsinhertracksforamoment,surprisedtoseeherthere.Audreycatcheshereyeandlooksdown,asifatacellphone.Forasecond,Catherinedebateswhethertogooverandtalktoher,askherwhatshe’sdoinghere.Isshespyingonthem?Orhavethepoliceaskedhertocomeinforaninterview?
Shewalksdirectlytoherowncar,herearlierconfidencegone.25
RoseCutterstandsnervouslyonCatherineMerton’sdoorstep.Herpalmsaresweaty.Shewipesthemonherskirtandpressesthedoorbell.Shedoesn’twanttobehere,butCatherinesurelyneedshersupport.
Roseowesher.Catherine’sbeensuchasolidfriend,eversincehighschool,wheretheymetinEnglishclass.Catherinehadn’tbeenmuchofanEnglishstudent,shewasmoreintothesciences,andshewantedhighmarks.They’dbeenpairedtogetheronanassignment,andfromthere,Rosebeganhelpingherwithheressays.Anunlikelyfriendshipflourishedandexpandedoutsidetheclassroom.Catherinewaspopularbyvirtueofwhoshewas,andbecauseofherlovelyclothes—shecouldalwaysaffordthehottestnewstyles.Rosewasanobodyandhadzerofashionsense,whichwasthekissofdeathinhighschool.SheremembershowgenerousCatherinehadbeenwithher,howshe’dmadeitcleartoeveryonethattheywerefriends,andhowdifferentlytheotherkidstreatedherafterthat.Catherineinvitedhertothings—parties,outings—andjustlikethat,shewasaccepted.
CatherineknewRosedidn’thavetheadvantagesshehad.
Shehelpedherdressbetter,evengivinghersomeofherownclothes,ortakinghertothriftshopstofindpiecesshecouldactuallyafford.SometimesRosewonderedifshewassomekindofprojectforCatherine,ifshe’dbefriendedheroutofsomesortofrich-personguilt.ButsherealizedafterawhilethatalthoughCatherineappearedtobepopular,shewaslonely,andwithRoseshecouldbeherself.Theybecameclose.Catherinewasn’tasconfidentassheseemedtobe,and
thingsweredifficultathome.SheneededafriendasmuchasRosedid.Onedayshe’devenconfidedtoRosethatshe’dbeencaughtshopliftingandtoldhershethoughtherfatherwasgoingtokillher.Rosehadbeenastonished—herparentsweremillionaires,Catherinecouldhaveanythingshewanted,andshewasshoplifting?ItmadeRosefeelbetter,becauseshe’dalwaysknownhowgreedyshewasherself,anditwasnicetoknowthatshewasn’ttheonlyone.
They’dstayedintouchwhiletheyattendeddifferentuniversities—SUNYforRose,VassarforCatherine—andreconnectedwhentheybothfoundthemselvesbackinAylesfordasadults.Thepatterncontinued.Catherineinvitedhertosocialevents—sailingattheHudsonYachtClub,andthatcharitypolomatchlastyear.ThingsthatRosecouldneverattendoraffordonherown.Butmostlytheymetforcoffee,oroverlunch,andhadlongtalks,sharingdetailsoftheirlives,reminiscingaboutfuntimesthey’dhad.
Now,Tedanswersthedoor.RosehasseenCatherineandTedtogethersociallyonmanyoccasions.ShehasalwaysfoundTedattractive—tall,broad-shouldered,thestrong,silenttype.She’sgladCatherinehashimtoleanon.Shegiveshimatentativesmileandsays,“Hi,Ted,canIcomein?”
“It’snotagoodtime,Rose,”hesaysapologetically.
“Catherine’sjustcomebackfromthepolicestation.”
RosehearsCatherine’svoiceinthebackground.“IsthatRose?”ThenCatherineappearsatTed’sshoulder,joininghimatthedoor.
“Rose,”Catherinesays.Shesmilesawelcome,butit’sasmilethat’sonthevergeoftears.
“Oh,Catherine,”Roseexclaims,reachingouttohugher.
Sheholdsherclose,breathinginthefamiliarsmellofher.
Rosefindsherselffightingbacktears,andsqueezeshereyesshut.
Catherineisadearfriend,butshe’salwaysbeenjealousofherforhavingeverythingRosedoesn’thave,alltheadvantagesthatmoneybrings.Rosewasbroughtupbyawidowedsinglemotherwhoscrimpedandsavedherentirelife.ThatRosehasmadeanythingofherselfatall,sheattributesmostlytoherownhardwork.SheknowsthattheMertonsweren’taveryhappyfamily,buttheyhavemillions.
Still,Catherineisherbestfriend.Rosetremblesalittleastheyembrace.Theymustnotfindoutwhatshe’sdone.
???
REYESWATCHESJENNAMERTONwalkintotheinterviewroominrippedjeansandablackleatherbikerjacket.He’sstruckagainathowdifferentthethreeMertonchildrenarefromeachother.
Hethinksfleetinglyofhisowntwokids—alsobothcompletelydifferentfromoneanotherinlooks,temperament,andinterests.Andthenhedirectsallhisfocusonthewomaninfrontofhim.Afterafewintroductorymatters,hegetsrighttothepoint.
“YouandJakeBrennerwerethelastpeopleknowntoseeyourparentsalive,”hebegins.
Sheraiseshereyebrows.“Wewereonlyfiveminutesbehindtheothers.”
Reyesgivesheralonglook.“Exceptyouweren’t.Youdidn’tleaveshortlyafterseveno’clock,liketheothers.Youleftaboutanhourlater,justaftereighto’clock.”
Shestiffensslightlybutremainssilent,asifconsideringwhattosay.
Hewaits.Theystareatoneanother.“Youwereseen,”hesays,“byaneighborwalkinghisdogdownhisdriveshortlyaftereighto’clock.Herecognizedyourcar.He’sseenitoftenenough.”
Shetakesadeepbreathandsays,“Fine,whatever.”
“Whathappenedinthatextrahour?”
Shefrowns,shakesherhead.“Nothingmuch.Wetalkedabit.IguessIlosttrackoftime.”
Hepushesheronit,butshestickstoherstory.Hechangestack.“Didyougooutagainatallthatnight?”
“No.Wedrovebacktomyplace.Jakestayedthenight.Wewenttobed.”
AfterJennahasbeenfingerprintedandleft,ReyessaystoBarr,“Wehavetocheckalltheiralibis.”
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AUDREYALMOSTDECIDEStocallitaday.It’suncomfortable—
andmostlyboring—tositinacarinaparkinglot.She’sbeenhereforhours.Catherinehadseenher—she’lltelltheothersthatshe’skeepinganeyeonthem.Good.
SheknowsthedetectiveshavespokentoCatherineandJennanow,aswellasDanandIrena.Shethinksthat’sprobablyit.She’sabouttostartthecarwhensheseesafamiliarfigurewalkingtowardthefrontdoorsofthepolicestation.Sheleansclosertothewindshield,watching.SherecognizesDan’swife,Lisa.TheymustbecheckinguponDan,seeingifhehasanalibi.Pleased,shesettlesbackdowninherseat.
???
LISASWALLOWSHERFEARandwalksintotheinterviewroom.
Herheartispounding.She’stakingarisk.Danhadn’twantedhertocome.Hetoldhertorefuse,towaituntilhehadalawyer.Theyhaveanappointmentlaterthisafternoonwithatopcriminallawyer,RichardKlein,thankstoCatherine.
Butsheheldherground.“Dan,”shesaid,“I’llgoinandtellthemyouwerewithmeallnight.That’sit.HowwillitlookifIrefusetotalktothematall?”
Soheresheis.Sheknowswhattosayandwhatnottosay.
Theybeginwithgeneralities,butDetectiveReyessoonsays,“WeknowsomethinghappenedatEasterdinner.Doyouwanttotellusaboutthat?”
Thisisunexpected.Shewonderswhomighthaveletsomethingslipandshakesherhead,frownsasifshedoesn’tknowwhathemeans.“No,itwasaperfectlyordinaryEasterdinner.”
“Didyouoryourhusbandgooutagainanytimethatnightafteryoureturnedhome?”Reyesasks.
Sheknewhewouldaskthis;it’swhyshe’shere.Shesays,perfectlyconvincingly,“No.Afterwegothomefromhisparents,webothstayedin.Allnight.”
???
TEDISUNCOMFORTABLE;hecanfeelhimselfsweating—underhisarms,downhisback.He’sfuriousatCatherineforputtinghiminthisposition.Hecouldn’tverywellrefusetocomewhentheyaskedhimin.Everyoneofthemhasbeencalledintothepolicestationtoday,likeantsmarchingintoapicnic.
Andthey’reallhavingtheirfingerprintstaken.
“JusttellthemIwashomeallnight,”Catherinesaidwhentheywerefinallyalone.“It’snothard.”
“Youshouldhavetoldthemthetruth,”heshotback.
“Yes,Iprobablyshouldhave,”sheadmittedwithheat.“ButIdidn’t.Imadeamistake.Nowthequestionis,areyougoingtomakeitworse,orareyougoingtohelpme?”
He’dagreedthatstickingtoheroriginalstorywasprobablythebestcourseofaction,giventhecircumstances.Soherehe
is.He’sabitannoyedather,too,foragreeingsoquicklytopayforDan’slegalfees.Whatiftheyrunintothehundredsofthousands?Butit’shermoney—she’stheoneinheritingafortune,nothim,sothere’snotmuchhecansay.
Buthe’saconfidentman,andheknowshewillbeabletocomeacrosswellintheinterview.HeknowsCatherinedidn’tmurderherparents.
“Thankyouforcomingin,”Reyessays.
Teddeniesanythingunusualhappenedatthedinnerthatnight.They’veallagreedtosticktothis—thatithadbeenapleasanteveningandtherewerenoconflicts.FinallyReyesaskstheexpectedquestion.“AfteryouarrivedhomefromtheMertons’ontheeveningofEasterSunday,didyougooutagainanytimeafterthat?”
“No.”
“Whataboutyourwife?”
Heshakeshishead.“No.Shewashomewithmeallnight.”
???
ONCETEDLEAVESthepolicestation,Audreydecidestocallitaday.It’sbeensofrustratingtobestuckintheparkinglotwhenalltheactionisgoingoninsidethatbuilding.TheonlyplacemoreinterestingtodayisprobablyCatherine’sorDan’shouse,andshecan’tgetinsidethereeither.
Shechecksherphoneonemoretimeandquicklylooksatthelocalonlinenews.PoliceteamsarenowconductingasearchoftherivernearBreckenHill,lookingforevidenceintheMertonmurders.Shepullsoutoftheparkinglot.26
AudreystandslookingoutattheHudsonRiver.Acoolbreezeisrufflingitsdarksurface.There’sapoliceboatoutonthewater,bobbinggently,wherediversinwetsuitsareatwork.Uniformedofficersaresearchingtheedgeoftheriver.AudreycanseethetwobridgesofAylesford,onetothesouthofher,onetothenorth,spanningtherivertotheCatskillMountainsontheotherside.Itwouldbeapretty,peacefulscene,butit’smarredbywhat’sgoingonhere.
Audreyispartofasmallcrowdwatchingthepoliceactivityinthepleasantspringweather.Themediaisheretoo.Sheobservessilentlyforawhile,standingnearawomaninherthirtieswhohasthedemeanorofaprofessional.Audreywondersifshemightbeajournalist.ThenshenoticesthelogooftheAylesfordRecordonherwindbreaker,confirmingit.
“Whataretheydoing?”sheasksthewoman.
“It’stheMertonmurdercase,”thewomanreplies,glancingatherbriefly,thenturningherattentionbacktotheriver.
“They’renotsayingmuch,butthey’reobviouslylookingforevidence.Themurderweapon,probably.Theknife.”She’squietforamoment,thenadds,“Andthebloodyclothes.Amurderthatviolent,thekillermusthavehadtogetridofhisclothes.Theymustbelookingforthosetoo.”
Goodpoint,Audreythinkstoherself.Itannoysherthatshedoesn’tknowanymoreabouttheactualcrimethanthereporter,andshe’sfamily.Fredwasherbrother,andyetshehasn’tbeenletinonanything.Thepolicearesayingnothing,andthefamilyisn’ttalkingtothepress.Shetriestotampdownthemalignantfuryshe’sfeelingtowardthemall.
“Isthereanythingnew?”Audreyasks,hopingthereportermightsharesometidbit.
Thewomanbesidehershakesherheadandthenshrugs.“Ibettheyknowmorethanthey’relettingon.Wealthyfamily,youknow.Theyalwaysgetpreferentialtreatment,moreprivacy.Morerespect.”
Withoutplanningto,Audreysayssuddenly,“Iknowthefamily.”
Thewomanturnstoherandforthefirsttimelooksatherwithinterest.“Youdo?How?”
“FredMertonwasmybrother.”
Thewomanappraisesher,asiftryingtodiscernwhethershe’ssomekindofcrackpot.MaybeshemakesaquickjudgmentaboutAudrey’sageandherappearanceandrealizesshemightbetellingthetruth.“Really?Doyouwanttotalkaboutit?”
Audreyhesitates,castinghereyestothepoliceboatoutontheriver.
Sheshakesherheadandturnstogo.
“Wait,”theotherwomansays.“Letmegiveyoumycard.”
ShehandsAudreyabusinesscard.“Ifyouwanttotalk,callme.Anytime.I’dreallyliketotalktoyou,ifyouarewhoyousayyouare.”
Audreytakesthecardandlooksatit.RobinFontaine.Shelooksupandoffersthewomanherhandtoshake.“AudreyStancik.ButmymaidennamewasMerton.”Thensheturnsandheadsbacktohercar.
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REYESSTUDIESTHEYOUNGERMANacrossfromhim.JakeBrennerhasthestarving-artistlookdown—rippedjeans,wrinkledT-shirt,batteredleatherjacket,two-day-oldstubble.
He’stryinghardtobecool,tolookasifhedoesn’thaveacareintheworld,butReyescantellhe’snotascomfortableashewouldliketoseem.Hesmilestoomuch,foronething.Andhisthumbdrumsthesurfaceofthetableinanirregular,annoyingway.
Reyessays,“Thankyouforcomingallthewayupfromthecitytotalktous.Howdidyougethere,bytheway?”heaskscasually.
“Thetrain.”
Reyesnods.“WejustwanttoaskyouafewquestionsaboutthenightofApriltwenty-first,EasterSunday.”Jakenods.
“YouwerewithJennaMertonthatday,atherparents’housefordinner,isthatright?”
Jakelooksatthemsteadily.“Yes.”
“Whatwasitlike,thatdinner?”
Jaketakesadeepbreathin,letsitout.“Well,itwasabitfancy.Iwasworriedaboutusingtherightfork.”Hesmilesagain.“Theyhavealotofmoney,youknow.Theyseemedniceenough.”
“Everybodygetalongallright?”
Henods.“Ithinkso.”
“Okay.”Reyessays,“IunderstandyouandJennawerethelasttoleavethehousethatnight.”Jakeseemstofreezebriefly,thenrelaxes.Reyesadds,“WeknowyouandJennaleftaboutanhourlaterthantheothers.Whyisthat?”
Nosmilesnow.
“WhatdidyouandJennadointhatextrahourinsidetheMertonhouse?”Reyesasksconversationally.
“Nothing,”hesays,shrugginghisshoulders.“Wejusttalked.Theywantedtogettoknowmebetter.”
“Really?”Reyessays.Heleansforward.“Whatdidyoutalkabout,exactly?”
Jakeswallowsnervously.“Art,mostly.I’manartist.”
“Wasthereanargumentthatnight,Jake?Didsomethinghappenduringdinner?Ormaybeafterdinner?”
Heshakeshisheadfirmly.“No.Therewasnoargument.
Wejuststayedtotalkforawhileandthenweleft.Theywerefinewhenweleftthem,Iswear.”
“Let’smoveon,”Reyessays.“WhatdidyoudoafteryouandJennalefttheMertons’place?”
“Wedrovebacktoherplace.Ispentthenight.”
“Neitherofyouwentoutagain?”
“No.”
Reyesgiveshimalonglookandsays,“Okay.We’llbeintouch.”HesendshimoffwithBarrtobefingerprinted.
WhenBarrreturns,hesaystoher,“Allthreeofthemhaveveryconvenientalibis,don’tyouthink?”Shegiveshimacynicalnod.“WellI’mnotbuyingit.Weneedtocheckthemout.SeeifyoucangetanyvideofromtheAylesfordtrainstation.Seeifhetookatrainbacktothecitythatnight.”Headds,“Andifnot,checkthemorningvideotoo.Iwanttobesure.”Shenods.“Inthemeantime,I’llcheckinwiththeME’sofficeonthatsecondautopsy.”
Heglancesathiswatch—it’salmost5:00p.m.—andmakestheshortdrivethere
SandyFisher,theforensicpathologist,greetshimsaying,“Iwasjustabouttogiveyouacall.”
SheleadshimovertoFredMerton’sbody,whichislyinguncoveredonasteelgurney.Theylookdownathim.
“Fourteenstabwounds,someofwhichshowrealferocity.
Butitwastheslittingofthethroatfirstthatkilledhim.
Grabbedfrombehind,throatslitlefttoright—thekillerisright-handed—thenhedroppedorwasthrowntothefloorontohisstomachandstabbedfourteentimesintheback,withdecreasingdepth,probablybecausethekillerwastiring.”Shepausesforamomentandadds,“Alotofangerthere.”
“Yes,”Reyesagrees.
“Onemoreinterestingthing,”shesays.“FredMertonhadadvancedpancreaticcancer.Hewasdyinganyway.Heprobablyonlyhadthreeorfourmonths.”
“Wouldhehaveknown?”Reyesasks,surprised.
“Oh,Iwouldthinkso,mostdefinitely.”
Reyesmakeshiswaybacktohiscar,thoughtful.ThatcertainlymightlendweighttoAudreyStancik’sclaimthatFredwasgoingtochangehiswill.HewonderswhoknewthatFredwasdying,andwhathewasplanningtodo.27
It’slateWednesdayafternoonwhenDandrivesdowntowntotheattorney’soffice,Lisasilentinthepassengerseatbesidehim.She’dtoldhimthatTedhadgoneinforquestioningrightafterher,soheknowsthey’recheckingonCatherine’smovementsthatnighttoo.Hethinksaboutthatashepullsintotheparkinglotofthebuildinghousinghiscriminalattorney.
ButCatherineisn’tinafinancialmess.AndCatherinedidn’thaveapublicfallingoutwiththeirfather.
Theywalkthroughtheglassdoorsofthehigh-endlawfirm.
It’snotthesamefirmhisfatherused.AndthisonehasthebestcriminaldefenselawyerAylesfordhastooffer.Theydon’thavetowait.RichardKleincomesouttomeetthemandtakesthemdirectlytohisoffice.
Dandoesn’tnoticemuchabouthissurroundings.Hefocusesontheattorneyasifhe’salifeline.Kleinwilltellthemwhattodo.Hewillmakeitcleartothepolicethathehadnothingtodowiththis.That’shisjob.
“I’mgladyoucalledme,”theattorneysaysreassuringly.
“Youdidtherightthing.”
Dantellstheattorneyeverything—thetenseEasterdinner,thediscoveryofthebodies,whatIrenadidwiththeknife,thefallingoutwithhisfather,thefinancialmesshe’sin,theaggressivewaythepolicequestionedhim.Hedoesn’ttellhimthathewentoutforalongdrivethatnight,though—thatitwasahabitofhis—andthatLisaliedtothepoliceforhim.
Theattorneylistensintently,askingtheoccasionalquestion.
Kleinsays,“Soyouwerehomeallnight.Yourwifeconfirmsthat.”DanandLisanod.“Thenyoudon’thaveaproblem.”Heleansforwardoverhisdesk,loweringhishead.
“They’relookingatyou—andprobablyyoursiblings—
becauseofthemoney.Naturally.Butitdoesn’tmatteriftheythinkyouhadmotiveiftheydon’thaveevidence.Wehavetoseewhattheycomeupwith.”
“Ididn’tdoanything,”Dansays.
“Right.Sotherewon’tbeanyevidence.Youdon’thaveanythingtoworryabout.Justsittight.Theycan’trailroadyouifI’mwithyou.”Headds,“Don’ttalktothemagainwithoutmethere,eitherofyou.Iftheywanttotalktoyou,callthisnumber”—heslidesacardacrosshisdesk,afterhastilyscribblinganumberonitinpen—“it’smycell.Callanytime.
Dayornight.I’llcome.”
“Okay,”Dansays,takingthecard.
Theysortouttheretainer.Danassureshimthatitwon’tbeaproblem;hissisterCatherinehasgivenhimaloan.Andwhenthisisallover,hethinkstohimself,he’llpayherbackoutofhisinheritance.FinallyDanrisestoleave,Lisabesidehim.
“Onemorething,”theattorneysays.“Whateveryoudo,don’ttalktothepress.Withoutevidence,thepolicecan’tdomuchtoyou,butthepresscanstilldestroyyou.”
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AUDREYDRIVESDIRECTLYfromtherivertoEllen’splace,showingupunannounced.Theyhavethatkindoffriendship.
Botharewidowswholivealone,sothere’snoconcernaboutinterruptinganything.Theyoftendropinoneachother.
Audreyhasbeenholdingheremotionsforciblyincheckallday,butatthesightofEllen’skindandfamiliarface,shepromptlyburstsintotears.
“What’swrong?”Ellenasks,alarmed.
Audreypoursitallout—hervisittoWalterthatmorning,howFredhadn’tchangedhiswillinherfavorafterall,hersuspicionsthatoneofthekidsmurderedtheirparentsbeforeFredcouldfollowthroughonhisintentions.
Audreyhadn’ttoldanyoneexceptEllenabouthergreatexpectations.She’stheonlyonewhoknows—theonlyonetowhomshebareshersoul.
Ellenisspeechlessatfirst,thensays,“Oh,Audrey,I’msosorry.”
WhenAudreyeventuallystopssobbing,shefeelsdrained,completelywornout.
“Youdon’treallythinkoneoftheirownkidsdidthis,doyou?”Ellenaskstentatively,asifshecan’tstomachtheidea.
TheyallknownowhowtheMertonswerekilled;it’salloverthenews.
“I’msureofit.AndI’mgoingtofigureoutwhichone,”
Audreyvows.Sheadds,“Thepolicethinksotoo—they’vehadalloftheminforquestioningtoday.”
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ASEVENINGFALLS,CatherinejoinsTedinthekitchenforsupper.Noneedtocook—therefrigeratorisstuffedwithofferings.Tedhasputoutsomeofthethingsthathethinksshewilllikebest;it’sbeenalongandchallengingday.Inadditiontothestressofthepoliceinterviewingeveryone,she’shadherhandsfulldealingwithcallsfromfriendsofthefamily.It’sbeendifficult—acceptingtheircondolenceswhileputtingofftheirprurientcuriosity.She’sbeenholdingherselfsotightlyalldaythatnowherentirebodyaches.Butshe’sgotthefuneralmostlyundercontrol—itwillbeonSaturday,attwointheafternoon.Theyexpectacrowd.HerparentswereprominentcitizensofAylesfordandthemanneroftheirdeaths
isgoingtodrawmanypeoplewhomightotherwisehaveskippedit.Afterthefuneral,therewillbeareceptionatthegolfclub,withdrinksandfood—andtheexpectedslideshowofphotosrunningonaloopinthebackground.Andwhenthat’sover,Catherinewillcollapse.Shedoesn’tthinkshewillhavetimetoprocessanythingproperlyuntilthen.Shewondershowitwillallhitherwhenshecanfinallyallowitto.
Tedreachesovertoheracrossthetable.“Areyouallright?”
Sheshakesherheadslowly.
“Eatsomething,”heprods,pointingatthelasagna,herfavorite.
Shehalf-heartedlyspoonsoutsomeofthereheatedlasagnaontoherplate,addsabitofsalad,andtriestoeat.Butshebeginstotremble.Theforkinherhandiswobblingsomuchshecan’tbringittohermouth.Shedropsitonherplatewithaclatter.
“Catherine,whatisit?”Tedsays.
Sheblurtsitout.“Whatif—”Shecan’tcontinue.
Tedgetsupfromthetableandcomesovertositbesideher.
Heputshisarmsaroundherasshesobsintohischest.
“Whatifwhat?”hewhispersintoherhair.
Shelooksupathim.“WhatifDankilledthem?”
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TED’SFEELINGOFDREADSURFACES.Catherine’svoicedafearhe’smostlytriedtoignoresincetheafternoonbefore,whenDanhadbehavedsooddly.He’dbeensonervyandagitated,andsaidsuchinappropriatethings.Now,Teddoesn’tknowwhattosay,howtocomforther.Hesimplyholdsher.Finally,shepullsaway,herfacestreakedwithtears.Hercheeksseemtohavehollowedoutinthelastdayandahalf.
Hestrokesherhair.“Catherine,it’sgoingtobeallright,”hesayshelplessly.“Iloveyou.”He’sneverseenhersodistraught.“Come,”hesaysgently,guidingherbackintothelivingroom.They’velostallinterestinfood.Theysinktogetherontothesofaandsheturnstohim,hereyeshuge,wellingwithtears.“Hehatedourfather,Ted.Youhavenoidea.”
“Butcouldhedothat?”heasks,swallowinghisrevulsion.
“YouknowhimbetterthanIdo.”
“Idon’tknow,”shesays,hervoicehollow.“Maybe.”
Tedfeelsachillrundownhisback.ThethoughtofDanstranglinghisownmotherandstabbinghisfatheroverandoveragaininaragingfuryandthenpretendingtobeinnocentinfrontofthemallissodisturbingthathefeelsphysicallysick.
“Idon’tknowwhattodo,”shewhispers.
“Youdon’thavetodoanything,”hesays.Butevenashesaysit,heaskshimself,Whatshouldtheydo?Ifhe’samurderer,theycan’tjustcontinuetolethimintotheirhome,surely?Hemightactuallybeinsane.
“He’sright.They’regoingtothinkhedidit,”Catherinesays,agitated,“andthey’regoingtoquestionmeagain.”
Ted,deeplytroubled,staresblanklyouttheliving-roomwindows,hisarmsaroundher.Heseestwopeopleacrossthestreet,walkinguptothefrontdooroftheirneighbors’.Theylookvaguelyfamiliar.Then,withajolt,Tedrealizeswhotheyare.It’sthedetectives,ReyesandBarr.Whataretheydoingontheirstreet?
Andallatonceheknows.There’sonlyonereasontheywouldbethere.
Catherinemustsensehissuddentensionbecauseshelooksupathimandsays,“Whatisit?”
Shefollowshisgazeacrossthestreet,recognizesthedetectives,andinhalesasharpbreath.
“Fuck,”Tedsays.
“Whatifsomeonesawme?”shesays,frightened.
Ted’smindisracing.SomeonemighthaveseenCatherinegooutlaterthatnight.Shemighthavebeencaughtsomewhereoncamera.Ifthepolicearecheckingonher,theymightfindoutthetruth.Thisiswhathewasafraidof.“Thenyou’llhavetotellthemthetruth,”hesaysslowly.“Thatyoudidn’ttellthembeforebecauseyouwereinshock,andafraidofwhattheymightthink,becauseoftheinheritance.Thatyouwentoverandsawyourparents,theywerefine,andyoucamehomeagain.”
“But…”shewhispersathim.
Herfacehasgoneshockinglypale,anditfrightenshim.
“Butwhat?”heasks.
“Theyweren’tfine.Theywerealreadydead.”28
Tedlooksbackathiswifeinshockandconfusion.
“What?”
“I’msorry,Ted,Iliedtoyoutoo.”She’scryingagaininearnestnow,tearscoursingdownhercheeks.
Hepullsfartherawayfromher,staringatherinhorror.
“Howcouldtheyalreadybedead?Andyousaidnothing?”Hisheartpoundsasherealizesthathiswife,thewomanheknowssowell,camehomefromseeingthatherparentshadbeenbrutallymurderedandwenttobedasifnothinghadhappened.
Andthenblithelytoldhimthenextmorningthatshe’dspokentohermother,andmadeupsomelieabouthermotheraskinghertointervenewithherfatheronJenna’sbehalf.Hisworldspins.“Whatthefuckareyoutalkingabout?”hegaspsangrily.
“Don’tbemadatme,Ted!”shebegs.“Ididn’tknowwhattodo!”Sheswipesatsometissuesfromaboxonthecoffeetableandwipeshereyes.Shemakesanefforttocomposeherselfashewatchesher,hisheartstillbeatingpainfullyfast,loudinhisears.
“IwentovertheretotalktoMom.WhenIgotthere,itwaslate—aroundeleventhirty.Therewasstillalightonupstairs.
SoIknockedonthedoor.Nobodyanswered,soIknockedagain.Iknewtheymuststillbeup.ButIstartedtothinkitwasstrange,becauseMomhadn’tansweredherphone,andnoonecametothedoor.Itriedit,anditwasunlocked.SoIwentin.
Itwasdarkinthehall,buttherewasabitoflightinthekitchen.Iglancedinthelivingroomandsawalamponthefloor—andthenIsawMom.Shewaslyingonthefloorinthe
livingroom.”Shestartstohyperventilate.“Iwentovertoher.
Shewasdead.Hereyeswereopen.Itwashorrible.”
Tedseesherobviouspainandfrightandlistensindread.
“Iwantedtorunaway,butitwaslikeIwasparalyzed.Icouldn’tmove.Iwasterrified.IthoughtDadhadkilledher.
Thathe’dfinallysnapped.”Hervoicebreaks.“Idon’tknowhowlongIwasthere.ButIdidn’thearanything.ThenIthoughthemusthavekilledhimselftoo.”
Jesus,Tedthinkstohimself.
Sheswallows.“SomehowIwalkeddownthehalltothekitchen.IcouldseethenthattherewasbloodonthefloorandIavoidedit.Andthen—”Shestops.
Tedwatchesher,stunned.Hecan’tprocessanyofthis.“Goon,”Tedsays.“Tellmeeverything.”
“Ididn’tgoin,Ijuststoodatthedoorway.Dadwasonthekitchenfloor.Therewasbloodeverywhere.Thecarvingknifewasthere,besidehim.”Sheseemstofreeze,asifshe’sseeingitallagaininhermind’seye.Asifhe’snotthereatall.Theexpressiononherfacemakeshimqueasy.
“Whydidn’tyoucall911?”Tedcries.“Whydidn’tyoutellme?”
“Ithought—Ithought—”Butshecan’tseemtogetthewordsout.
Tedsaysitforher,realizing.“YouthoughtDandidit.”
Shenodsalmostimperceptibly.She’sstoppedcryingnow;shejustlooksnumb.“IthoughtDancamebackthatnightandkilledthem.IknewheneededmoneyandthatDadwouldn’tgivehimany.AndIwasafraid.”
“Afraid—”
“Thathewouldbecaught.”Sheturnshereyesonhim.“Ijustwantedtogivehimsometime—sometimetogetaway,or
tocleanup…Iknewhecouldn’thavebeenthinkingstraight.”
“Catherine,”Tedsays.Hesayshernameascalmlyashecan,buthe’sshakentothecore.“Danshouldgotojailifhe’sdonethis.He’s—dangerous.”
Shecoversherfacewithherhandsandsobs.“Iknow.ButIjustcan’tbearit.”Atlastshelooksupathimandsays,asifshe’spleadingwithhim,“He’smylittlebrother.Wehavetoprotecthim.”
Shedoesn’tsayit,butTedcan’thelpthinkingit:Andhe’sdoneusallafavor
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THELIGHTSAREoninCatherineMerton’shouse,DetectiveReyesnoticesasheandBarrapproachtheneighbors’housedirectlyacrossthestreet.
Theyshowtheirbadgesandareinvitedinsidebytheowners,amanandwomanintheirsixties.ReyesexplainsthattheyareinvestigatingthemurdersofFredandSheilaMerton,whosedaughterlivesacrossthestreet.Theireyesgrowbig.
“WereyouhomeonSundaynight?”Reyesasks.
“Yes,butwewenttobedearly,”themansays.“HadabigEasterdinneratourdaughter’s.”
Reyessays,“Didyoubyanychanceseeanyoneleavethehouseacrossthestreet—TedLinsmoreandCatherineMerton’shouse—anytimeafterseventhirtyintheeveningonEasterSunday?”
Thetwoofthemlookateachotherandshaketheirheads.
BeforeReyescanevenaskthequestion,themanoffers,“Butwehaveaporchcamanditcatchesthecarsgoingupanddownthestreet.Doyouwanttohavealook?”
“Maywe?”
“Sure,”hesays,ashiswifehoversinthebackground.
Upstairsthere’sanofficewherethesecurityfootagecanbeaccessedviaalaptop.Hegoesbacktosevenp.m.EasterSundayandthenforward.Astheywatchtheblack-and-whitefootage,theoccasionalpedestrianorcargoingpast,theyseeTed’scarreturnandparkinthedrivewayat7:21p.m.
Theycontinuewatching,fast-forwardingthroughthefootageuntilReyessays,“Stop.”
Thehelpfulneighborgoesbackabitthenplaysitagainslowly.At11:09,theyseeCatherine’scarbackingoutofthedriveway.Thevideodoesn’tcapturewhogotintothecar,butasitgoesdownthestreet,theyrecognizeCatherine,inthedriver’sseat,alone.
She’slying,Reyesthinks.Andherhusbandiscoveringforher.HeandBarrshareaglanceovertheman’shead.
“Let’sseewhattimeshecomesback,”Reyessays,turningbacktothescreen.
???
CATHERINESTANDSTOthesideoftheliving-roomwindow,carefulnottobeseen.Thedetectiveshavebeeninthehouseacrossthestreetforalongtime.Shewaitsforthemtocomeout.Whentheydo,shecatchesbothofthemglancingatherhouseastheywalktotheircar.They’renotquestioninganyoneelse.Theyobviouslydon’tneedto.
Shemusthavebeenseen.Theymustknowshewentoutthatnight.Theyknowshelied.TheyknowTedlied.Heliedforher,andsheknowshe’snothappyaboutit
Ifthey’recheckingonher,thenthey’regoingtocheckonDanandJennatoo.Dansaysheneverleftthehousethatnightafterhegothomefromtheirparents’.Lisabackedhimup.
Sheknowswhatthat’sworth.
???
DANISINTHEGARAGE,thewidedooropentothestreet.Soonheseesthem.Thosetwodetectivesaretalkingtohisneighbors,tryingtofindoutifanyonesawhimleavinghishouseSundaynight.Hestandsinshadow,terrified.
Maybenoonesawanything.
Catherinehadcalledhimonhiscellalittlewhileago,toldhimwhatthedetectivesweredoing.Askedhimifanyoneonhisstreethadcameras.Hedidn’tknow.Withhisluck,somebodywouldhavefuckingcameras.He’dtoldCatherine
—he’dtoldthemall—thathe’dbeenhomeallnight.Sheobviouslydoesn’tbelievehim,orshewouldn’thavecalled.
Everyonehasanalibi,hethinks,buthim.
He’sbeginningtopanic.HereturnstothehouseandfindsLisainthekitchen,cleaningup.“Thedetectivesarehere,”hesaystersely.
“What?”sheasksinalarm.
“Onthestreet.Golookoutthewindow,”hesayssharply.
“Don’tletthemseeyou.”
Shethrowshimalookofconcernandcreepsovertotheliving-roomwindow,standingbehindthedrapes.
Hehoversbehindherandwatchesherfacechangeassherealizeswhatitmeans.
???
ELLENCUTTERDRAWSherselfabaththatevening,hummingalittle,thinkingaboutAudrey’slongvisitearlier.Apparentlysheisnotgoingtoinheritafortuneafterall.Howquicklythingschange.She’dspokenratherwildlyaboutFred’schildren—howtheymusthavefoundoutabouthisplantochangehiswillandkilledhimandSheilatoo.Ridiculous,Ellenthinks,addingsomebubblestoherbath.That’sabit
overthetop,evenforAudrey,who’salwayshadavividimagination.
Theyhavebeenfriendsforalongtime,butEllenisfeelingjustalittlebitofschadenfreude29
Jennaispleasedtoseethatforonceinherlife,Catherine’strademarkcomposureisnowhereinsight.Catherinehadcalledhercellandaskedhertocomeover,eventhoughit’salittlelate.Hersuperioroldersisterisgoingtopiecesinfrontofher,andJennatellsherselfthatshewouldn’tbehumanifshedidn’tenjoyit,justalittle.
Still,whatshe’shearingisstartling.CatherineandTedhaveliedtothepolice.That’snotparticularlysurprising—Jennahasliedtothemherself.What’sshockingisthatCatherinefoundthebodiesthatnightanddidn’ttellasoul.Notevenherhusband.ShewaitedtwodaysandletIrenafindthem.
CatherinesaysshekeptittoherselftoprotectDan.
JennaglancesatTed,wholooksgraveandpreoccupied,andwonderswhathethinksofCatherinenow.Isshestillthewomanhethoughthemarried?Howcold-bloodeddoyouhavetobetoseeyourparents’murderedcorpsesandgohomeandactlikeeverything’sfine?
IttellshersomethingaboutCatherine—she’sagreatactor.
Atleastuptoapoint.Itlooksnowlikethestressisgettingthebetterofher.“DoyoureallythinkDandidit?”Jennaasksnow.
“That’swhatIthoughtatthetime,”Catherinesaysuneasily.
“It’swhyIdidn’tsayanythingthatnight.ButhesayshewashomewithLisa.”
“Maybehewas,”Jennasaysdoubtfully.
“Well,we’llfindoutsoonenough,”Catherinesays,
“becausethedetectivesarelookingforwitnesses.”
Jennasays,hervoicegrim,“MaybeweshouldaskDanpoint-blankifhedidit.Thenwe’llknowwhatwe’redealingwith.Maybewecanhelphim.”
“He’salreadydeniedit!”Catherinesays.“Andwhywouldheadmitittous?Hewouldnevertrustusthatmuch.”
“Weneverdidtrusteachothermuch,”Jennasays.
“Well,we’readultsnow,”Catherinesays,asifthatmakesadifference.
Butreally,Jennathinks,thestakesarejusthighernow.
“I’mtrustingyou,”Catherinesays,“withthetruth.”
“So,”Jennaasks,“ifthepolicefindoutyouwentoutthatnight,whatareyougoingtotellthem?”
CatherineglancesquicklyatTed,thenbackather.Sheswallows.“MaybeIshouldtellthemthetruth.ThatIwentthere,theywerealreadydead,Icamehomeandsaidnothing.”
“They’llwanttoknowwhy,”Jennapresses.
“I’lltellthemIwasinshock,”Catherinesays.
“Forfuck’ssake,Catherine,you’reafuckingdoctor.Youneedtocomeupwithsomethingbetterthanthat.”Catherineissilent.Tedisstandingofftotheside,anxiouslybitinghislip.
There’salongpauseastheyconsidertheoptions.“Ifyoudon’twantthemtothinkyouimmediatelysuspectedDan,”
Jennasuggests,“youcouldtellthemthatDadtoldusthatnightthathewasgoingtosellthehouse.Youcouldsayyouwereafraidtheywouldthinkyoudidit.”
Catherinelooksbackatherrathercoldly.
“I’llbackyouupaboutthehouse,”Jennasays,“andI’msureDanwilltoo.Ifyoudidn’tdoit,youhavenothingtobe
afraidof.”
Itseemsasifalltheairhasbeensuckedoutoftheroom.
Finally,Catherinecounters,“OrIcouldtellthemtheywerefine,IspoketoMomandcamehome.”
JennawatchesTed.He’sclearlyuncomfortablewiththelie.
“Maybeyoushouldjusttellthemthetruth,”Tedsays.
“How’sitgoingtolookifItellthemthetruth?”Catherineprotests.“They’regoingtothinkitwaseithermeorDan.EvenifhewashomeallnightandLisavouchesforhim,theymaynotbelieveit.”
Jennashrugsandsays,“They’regoingtothinkit’soneofusnomatterwhat.”
“Isupposeyouhaveanalibi?”Catherinesays.
“Yes.Jakewaswithmeatmyplaceallnight.”
???
MUCHLATERTHATNIGHT,Tedliesinbed,awake.Catherinehasn’tdecidedwhattotellthepolice,buthadagreedwhenTedinsistedshetakealawyerwithherthenexttimethedetectivesaskherinforquestioning.
They’dwatchedtheeleveno’clocklocalnewsbeforebed.
Thepolicehaven’treleasedanymoreinformationtothepublicabouttheinvestigation.They’restilllookingforthepickuptruckseennearthehousethenightofthemurders.Tedstillhopes,butwithlittleconviction,thatthetruckholdsthekey—
thatthedriverofthattruckisthekiller,andonlyneedstobefound.
Hedoesn’tlikewhathiswifehasdonetoprotectheryoungerbrother,who,Tedhastoadmit,ispossiblyakiller.
“IrenaobviouslythinksDandidit,”Catherinesaidtohim,clearlytroubled,assheturnedoutthelight.“Whyelsewould
shecleantheknife?”
NowTedstaresattheceilinginthedark.Hecan’tclosehiseyes,becausewhenhedoes,heimaginesCatherinefindinghermotherdead.Herfamilyisclearlyalotmorefuckedupthanheeverknew.Heimaginesherfinallygatheringthecouragetogointothekitchenandfindingherfather’smutilatedbody,therealizationdawningthatitwasprobablyheryoungerbrotherwho’dkilledthem.EventhoughTeddoesn’tagreewithit,hecanunderstandherdesiretoprotectDan.Shepresumablyunderstandswhyhemighthavedoneit—clearlyshethinkshemusthavehisreasons.Butwhatevertheymaybe,Tedthinks,that’snoexcuseformurder.
Butwhathecan’tunderstandishowshewasabletocomehomethatnightandclimbintobedbesidehimandwhisper,
“Everything’sfine,”beforekissinghimonthecheekandgoingtosleep.30
Earlythenextmorning,Thursday,Reyessitsbackinhischair,deepinthought.It’stwodayssincethebodieswerediscovered.Hetapshispenagainsttheblotteronhisdesk.There’snosignoftheMertons’creditcardsbeingused,noattemptstotakemoneyoutatATMs.Nosignofthestolenjewelryorsilveranywhere.OverkillonFred’sdeath.Averycarefulkiller—noshoes,forChrist’ssake.Somehowhedoesn’tthinkitwasasimplehomeinvasion.Andthey’renofurtheraheadonthatmysterytruck.They’restillgoingthroughtheautobodypaintshopsinanattempttotrackitdown.
WhattheydoknowisthatDanMertonandCatherineMertonliedabouttheiralibis.
ReyescallsDanMertoninforaformalinterview.Thistimehebringshisattorney.Thetwoofthemshowupattena.m.,andMertonisinasuit.Reyeswondersifhislawyeradvisedhimonwhattowear.Isheexpectingtobearrested?Danislookingunrestedandunwell.
Afterbeingcautioned,andafterformalintroductionsforthetape,theybegin.Reyessays,“Wehaveawitnesswhoswearshesawyougooutinyourcarthenightofthemurdersataroundteno’clock,andanotherwhosaysshesawyoucomehomelater,aroundoneinthemorning.”Reyesseestheattorneygivehisclientasharpglance.
Danlooksevenmoreillandcloseshiseyes.
“Maybewecouldhaveaminute?”theattorneysays.
“Sure.”ReyesturnsoffthetapeandheandBarrleavetheroomandwalkdownthecorridortowait.Whentheattorneysignalsforthemtoreturnandtheyresumetheinterview,Reyesasks,“Istheresomethingyouwanttotellus,Dan?”
Dantakesadeep,shakybreathandsays,“Iwentoutforadrive.Ihadalotonmymindanddrivinghelpsmeclearmyhead.Ioftengoforadriveatnight.”
“Threehoursisquitealongdrive.Wheredidyougo?”
“Idon’tknow,nowherespecial.Ican’tremember.”
Reyesraiseshiseyebrowsathimindisbelief.“Youdidn’tgobacktoBreckenHilltoseeyourparents?”
“No.Iwentnowhereneartheirplace.Iwasn’tinBreckenHill.”There’saveinpulsingvisiblyunderthepaleskinofhistemple.
“Whydidyoulietous,Dan?”
“Ididn’twanttobeasuspect,”hesaystightly.
“Didyouaskyourfatherformoney,perhaps,atEasterdinner?”
DangivesReyesaviciousglance.
Theattorneyinterjects.“Ithinkthat’sitforquestionsfornow.”Danlookslikehe’scrumplinginsidehissuit.“Unlessyou’vegotsomethingelse?”Kleinasks,turningtoReyes.
“Somekindofdirectphysicalevidence,forinstance?”Reyesshakeshishead.“Let’sgo,”theattorneysaysandleadshisclientout.
Afterthey’vegone,Barrsays,“Ifhedidit,evenifhe’smanagedtodisposeofallhisbloodiedclothessomewhere,theremightstillbetracesofhisfather’sbloodsomewhereinhiscar,nomatterhowwellhethinkshe’scleanedit.”
Reyesnodsandsays,“We’llgetasearchwarrant.”Heexhalesheavily.“Weneedtofindthosebloodyclothes.Inthe
meantime,let’shaveanotherchatwithCatherineMerton.”
???
HUNGRYFORINFORMATION,Audreyshowsupatthepolicestationagain.Thismorning,there’samediapresenceaswell,waitingaroundpatientlybythefrontdoors.Audreydecidesthatthistimeshe’llgetoutofhercar.Sheblendsinwiththereportersandcameramenandwaitstoseewhatwillhappen.
She’ssoonrewardedbyDancomingouttheglassdoorswithatallmaninagoodsuit—sherealizeshemustbeanattorney.Themediaswarminandpepperthetwoofthemwithunwelcomequestions,asthelawyertriestofendthemoff.
Audreyisgladshemadetheeffort.Shehopesthey’rereallyputtingthescrewstohim.ShetriestocatchDan’sexpression,buthe’sgothisheaddownandhishandsuptohisfaceashescurriesawaywithhisprotectivelawyer.
Ashorttimelater,Audrey’spatienceisrewardedagainwhensheseesCatherinearrivewithawomaninasuit,carryingabriefcase.Theyrunthegauntletofreporters,tryingtheirbesttoignorethem.Thingsaregettingserious,Audreythinks.She’sbeginningtoenjoyherself.
???
CATHERINEMERTONLOOKSmuchdifferenttodaythanshedidthedaybefore,Reyesnotes.She’shadtopassthroughthemediascrumtogetinhere,andperhapsit’sputheroffhergame.Shedoesn’tappeartohavesleptmuch,andalthoughshe’stakenpainswithheroutfitandhermakeup,herfatiguestillshows.She’sbroughtanattorneywithher.
Oncehe’scautionedherandthetapeisrunning,Reyessays,“Ms.Merton,youtoldusyesterdaythatyouwerehomeallnightonEasterSunday,afteryougothomefromyourparents’.”Shedoesn’tsayanything,butshelooksasifshe’spreparedfortheworst.“Wehavevideoofyouinyourcar
leavingyourdrivewayatelevenohninethateveningandreturningattwelveforty-oneinthemorning.Oneofyourneighborshasasecuritycamera.”Reyesasks,“Wheredidyougo?”
Shetakesadeepbreathandglancesatherattorney,whogivesheraslightnod.“Iwenttomyparents’.Whenweweretherefordinner,mymothertoldmetherewassomethingimportantshewantedtotalktomeabout,butwewereinterrupted.InevergotachancetotalktoheraboutitandIwasworriedaboutwhatitmightbe.SoIcalledhercellshortlyaftereleven,buttherewasnoanswer.”
“Yes,weknow,”Reyessays.“Wehaveyourparents’phonerecords.”Heasks,“Whydidn’tyoutrythelandline?”
Shehesitatesbriefly.“IthoughtmydadmightalreadybeasleepandIdidn’twanttowakehim.”Shecontinues.“SoIdroveover—it’snotfar.WhenIgotthere,Ispoketomymother.Shewantedmetointervenewithmyfatheraboutmysister,Jenna.Hewantedtocutoffherallowance.”Sheadds,
“Thishappenedfromtimetotime.Heneverdidit.”
“Sowhythelie?”Reyesasks.
Shelookshimrightintheeyeandsays,“Whydoyouthink?Ididn’twantyoutothinkitwasme.”
Reyesstaresbackatherandwondersifsheandherbrotherwereboththere,atthesametime.31
LisawatcheswithdismayasthedetectivesarrivewithasearchwarrantandaforensicsteamonlyacoupleofhoursafterDanreturnedfromthepolicestation.Someofthemheadinsidethehouse,whileReyesandBarrandtherestofthemopenthedoorsofDan’scar,whichissittinginthedriveway.Theytaketheirtimestudyingit,infullviewoftheentirestreet,whileapolicetruckwaitstotakeitawaytosomeplacewheretheywillpullitapartforacluethatherhusbandisamurderer.
Shefeelsqueasy,eventhoughsheknowsDandidn’tdoit.
Dandidn’tcomehomethatnightcoveredinblood.Hecouldn’thavedoneit.Sherememberswhathewaswearingwhenhewentoutforadrive—thesamejeansandshirt,loosenedaroundhisneck,thatheworeatdinner.Andheprobablyputonhiscasualwindbreakerwhenheleft,theonehealwayswearsinthespring.It’shanginginthehallwaycloset.She’sseenitsinceandthere’snotaspotonit.Shedoesn’trememberhimcominghome,butthenextmorning,shefoundthosesamejeansandshirt,andhissocksandunderwear,onthefloorbythebedandputtheminthelaundrybasket.ThatwasMonday.Shedidthelaundrythatdayandputeverythingaway.Sheneversawbloodstainsonanyofit.Sheknowsshehasnothingtoworryabout.Sowhyisshesotense?
Dancomesupbesideher.Hislawyerwasjusthere,checkingthevalidityofthesearchwarrant.Thenheleft,tellingDanprivatelytokeephischinup,hismouthshut,andtocallhimifthereareany“developments.”
“Thisisanoutrage,”Dancomplains.
“Justkeepyourcool,”Lisasays.Shedoesn’twanthimtobecomeemotionalnow,witheveryonewatching.He’sbeensovolatilelately—itworriesher.“They’renotgoingtofindanything.”
???
JENNA’SCELLPHONEbuzzesandshelooksatit.It’sJakeagain.
“Hey,”shesays.She’sstandingoutsideDanandLisa’shouse;Danhadcalledherinapanicwhenthepolicearrived.
She’sstandingonthestreet,adistancefromwhereDanandLisaarewatchingDan’scarbeingexamined.
“Howarethingsgoingupthere?”Jakeasks.
Shelikesthesoundofhisvoice,lowandhusky.Heliedforheryesterday.Shewondersifit’sjustamatteroftimebeforeheasksforsomethinginreturn.He’llprobablywantmoney,onceshegetssome.Nowthatshethinksofit,Jakeisactuallyquitedifficulttoread.
“Itdoesn’tlookgoodforDan.They’researchinghishousenow.”
???
AUDREYHADFOLLOWEDTHEdetectiveswhentheyleftthestation
—hadrecognizedthem,watchedthemgetintoaplain,darksedan—andfollowedthemstraighttoDan’shouse.There,onDan’squiet,affluentstreet,theywerejoinedbyaforensicsvan.Ateaminwhitesuitsgotoutwithalltheirequipment.
Twoofthemstartedexaminingthecarinthedriveway,andtheotherswentinsidethehouse.Thedetectivesstoppedtolookatthecar.
Audreyisdelighted.Thisisgettingbetterandbetter.Danisobviouslytheprimesuspect,shethinks.ShewantstogetoutandhelpthemtearDan’splaceapart.Instead,shesitsinher
caronthesideofthestreetandwishesshehadapairofbinoculars.
Thereareneighborswatchingfromtheirlawnsanddriveways,andtherearemediainthestreet.Sherecognizesthatreporter,RobinFontaine,amongthem.Audreyhashercardinherwallet.
SheturnsherattentionbacktoDan,who’sstandingattheendofhisdrivewaywithhiswife,Lisa,watchingthemsearchhiscar.Asifhefeelshereyesonhisback,helooksoverandspotsher.Hestartswalkingrapidlytowardher,hisfaceset.
Audreybracesherselfforaconfrontation.Tohellwithhim,Audreythinks,thestreetispublicproperty,andshe’snottheonlyoneherewatchingwhat’sgoingon.Danapproachesherwindow,hisfacetwistedinanger,andAudreypowersitdownhalfway.
“Whatthefuckareyoudoinghere?”Danspits.Hisfaceisstrikinglypaleagainsthisdarkhair.
Audreyseesthewildnessinhiseyesandfalters.ForasplitsecondheremindsherofFredwhenhewasyounger.Thentheillusionisgone,andallshecanthinkisthatshemightbelookingintotheeyesofamurderer.Shehastilypowersthewindowupagain.Heglaresatherthenturnsandsmasheshisfistonthefronthoodofhercarashestridesaway,makingherjump.
???
THEDAYWEARSONandDanwatchescoldlywhilethedetectivesandtheforensicteamsearchhishousethoroughly.
Hisheartisracing,buthetriesnottoshowhisdistress.Theyhavequestionsthathedoesn’tknowifheshouldanswer.Hislawyerhasgone,andtoldhimtosaynothing.Butwhentheyaskhimwhathewaswearingthatnight,hefeelshehastotellthem.HeandLisasupplythejeansandshirtheworeonEaster,theblazer,andthejacketheworewhenhewentout
later.Hedoesn’tknowwhichunderwearandsockshewaswearing—theyalllookthesameinthedrawer.Theytakeeverything.
Outside,theyfindfreshlyturnedearthinthegarden.
DetectiveReyesisalerted,andtheyallgoouttothebackyard,quitesecluded,whereatechnicianisindicatingthenewlydisturbedsoil,anareaofaboutfourfeetsquare,underneathsomehydrangeabushes.Reyeslooksathim.
“Iburiedmydogthereafewdaysago,”hetellsthem.“Shediedofoldage.”
ToDan’sdismay,theybegintodig.Lisastandsbesidehim,clutchinghishand.Soontheyuncoverablackplasticgarbagebag.TheyliftitoutofthegardencarefullywhileDanlooksonindistress.Theyopenthebagandafoulodorassailsthem.
Insidetheydiscoverthedecomposingbodyofadog.Nothingelse.
“Satisfied?”Dansays,barelyconcealinghisfury.
“Keepdigging,”Reyestellsthem,“deeper.”
???
DETECTIVEREYEShadbeendisappointedwhenhestudiedtheinsideofDan’scar.Itlookedasifithadn’tbeencleanedinyears.Therewasdustalloverthedash,foodwrappersonthefloor.Doghairontheseats.Thefactthatthecarobviouslyhadn’tbeencleanedsuggestedthatDanmightnothavedonethekillingsafterall.TherewouldbebloodeverywhereafteramurderasviolentasFredMerton’s.Evenifhe’dscrubbedhimselfcleanandchangedhisclothes,hewouldprobablystillscrubdownthecar.Butmaybethey’llgetlucky.Maybehechangedhisclothesafterthemurdersanddidn’tthinkhehadtocleantheinsideofthecar.
Asthehoursgobyandnothingincriminatingisfound,Reyes’sfrustrationmounts.They’veobtainedtheclothesthat
Danclaimstohavewornthenightofthemurder—confirmedbyhiswife,whotheyknowhasalreadyliedtothemonce.
Theybagtheclothesdespitetheirhavingbeenlaundered,andthewindbreaker,whichappearstobespotless.Reyesdoesn’ttrusteitheroneofthemtotellthetruth.IfDancommittedthemurders,whateverhewaswearingatthetimeisatthebottomoftheHudsonRiverorinadumpstersomewhere.It’snothiddenbelowthedog’sgrave—Reyeshasmadesureofthat.
Theytakeallofhiselectronics,overhisprotests.Theyuseluminolinthebathrooms,thelaundryroom,andthekitchen,butfindnotracesofbloodanywhere.
Butthen,inthetwo-cargarage,theyfindsomethinginteresting.Insidealargeplasticbin,theyfindanopenedpackageofN95masks;apackageofwhite,hooded,disposablecoveralls;andanopenedpackageofbooties.Thepackageofdisposablecoverallsisopen,andthere’sonlyoneleftinthepackageofthree.
Ofcourse,Reyesthinks.Amurdererwho’scannyenoughtoweargloves,socks,andnoshoes,wholeavesnotraceevidence—hemighthavebeenwearingaprotectivesuit,justliketheoneheandBarrarestaringat.It’sverysimilarinappearancetotheonesusedbytheforensicsteam.Itwouldexplainthecompletelackofphysicalevidenceatthescene.
Thelackofevidenceinthecarandhouse.Anditwouldshowpremeditation.HeliftshiseyestomeetBarr’s.“Overhere,”hecallstotheclosesttechnician
HeturnstoDan,whoishoveringattheentrancetothegaragewithhissilentwife,andbeckonshimover.“Whatarethesefor?”
“IboughtthemwhenIwasinsulatingtheatticwithsprayfoam,acoupleofyearsago,”Dansays,flushing.“You’resupposedtowearthem.Andthemask.Thechemicalsaredangerous.”
Amemberoftheforensicteamphotographsthepackageofdisposablecoverallsandthepackageofbootiesbeneathit,thengathersthemupcarefully.ReyesstaresatDan,whoshrinksfromhisgaze.
Reyesknowstheyneedsomephysicalevidenceconnectingthekillertothecrimescene.Thefactthatthey’vefoundanopenedpackageofdisposablecoverallsinDanMerton’sgaragewon’tbeenough.Theyneedmore.Theyneedtofindthediscardedclothes,orpossiblythedisposablecoveralls.
Butsofar,they’vefoundnotraceofthem.32
IrenaisanxiousasshearrivesatCatherine’shouselatethatafternoon,havingbeensummoned.AsIrenagreetseveryone,shetriestoreadtheroom.Catherinelookstense,andsodoesTed.Danisemotional,sayingwildthings.Jennawatcheseverythingwarily.Irena’sownnervesarebeginningtofray.
SheobservesDanclosely.There’ssweatalonghishairline.
Lisalooksill,alternatelystaringatherhusbandandthenglancingaway.Irenaremembersthemaschildren,Dan,Jenna,andCatherine,squabblingandcrying,andhertryingtomakeeverythingbetter.Shecan’tmakethisbetter.
Dansays,“They’regoingtoarrestme—andIdidn’tdoit!”
Hetellsthemaboutthesearch,howtheyevenduguphisdeaddog.Lastly,hetellsthemaboutthediscoveryofthedisposablecoverallsinhisgarage.
Atthis,theroomgoesverystill.
Dansays,“TheythinkIworeadisposablesuit,andthat’swhytheycan’tfindanyevidenceatthescene,oranywhereelse.ItoldthemIgotthemtosprayfoamtheattic,butthey’vealreadymadeuptheirminds.TheythinkI’mguiltyandIdidn’tdoit!”
Thisismetwithanappalledsilence.
ThenCatherinesays,“Itdoesn’tmatterwhattheythink,Dan.Theyneedevidence,andtheydon’tseemtohaveany.
Thefactthatyouhadapackageofdisposablecoverallsinyourgaragedoesn’tmatter.Youexplainedwhyyouhadthem.”
“ButtheyknowIwentoutthatnight,”Dansaysnervously.
HeglancesatLisa.“Lisatriedtocoverforme,buttheyhavewitnesseswhosawmegoout.Ijustwentforadrive.Igofordrivesallthetime.Ididn’tgooverthereandkillthem!”
Irenafightsawaveofnausea.
“That’snotenough,”Catherinesaysafteramoment.“TheyknowIwentoutthatnighttoo.”
Irena,startled,turnstostareather.
“What?”Dansays.
“Iwentoutthatnighttoo,”Catherinerepeats.“Theycaughtitoncamera—theneighboracrossthestreethasaporchcam.”
“Youliedtothepolice?”Dansays,incredulous.
“Yes,Iliedtothem,justlikeyou,”Catherinesayssharply.
“Why?”
IrenaseesCatherinehesitateandglanceuncertainlyatherhusbandandJenna.Catherineswallows.“IwentovertoMomandDad’sthatnight,aroundeleventhirty.And…theywerealreadydead.”
Thereisanothermomentofabsolutesilence,filledonlywiththeclockticking.
“Youfoundthem,”Irenafinallyexclaims,utterlyshocked,
“andyoudidn’tsayanything?Youleftittometofindthem?”
Catherinetriestoexplainherself.Hervoicewavers.“I’msorry,Irena.IliedaboutgoingovertherebecauseIdidn’twantthemtosuspectme.”
“They’renotgoingtothinkyoudidit,”Danprotests.
“You’rethefavorite.Whywouldyoukillthem?”
Jennainterjects.“Dadsaidhewasgoingtosellthehousethatnight,remember?”
Danturnstofaceher.“Sowhat?That’snotworthkillingthemover.”HeturnsbacktoCatherine.“They’renevergoingtosuspectyou,Catherine.”Hepauses.“That’snotlikeyouatall.Whywouldn’tyoucall911?”
Irenahasalreadyfigureditout,butnowsheseestherealizationdawnonDan’sface.
“Oh,Igetit,”hesaysslowly.“YouthoughtIdidit.”Helooksaghastathisoldersister.
IrenareadstheshockonLisa’sface,theguiltyexpressionsofCatherine,Ted,andJenna,andunderstands.PoorDan,Irenathinks.Shebrieflycloseshereyesandopensthemagain.
“Ididn’tknowwhattothink,”Catherinesayscarefully.“SoIdidnothing.Iwasinshock.Ipretendeditwasn’thappening.”
“Bullshit!”Dansaysharshly.“Youthoughtitwasme!”Helookswildlyaroundtheroom.“YouallthinkIdidit!”
Noonespeaks,andDanturnsonthem.“Well,IknowIdidn’tdoit—somaybeitwasoneofyou.”
Irenaremembershowtheyusedtoturnoneachotheraschildren.Relationshipsandpatternsareestablishedearly;theydon’tchange.Familydynamicsplayoutagainandagain.
Danfocuseshisattentiononhisoldersister.“Whyshouldwebelieveyou,Catherine?”heasks.
“Whatdoyoumean?”Catherinesays.
“Imean,maybetheyweren’tdeadwhenyougotthere.
Maybeyouwentoverthereandkilledthem!”
“That’sridiculous,”Catherinesaysdismissively.“YoujustsaidIhadnoreasontokillthem.”
Helooksathercoldly.“MaybeIwaswrong.Weallwantedthemdead.There’sallthatmoney.Andyouwantedthehouse.
Maybeyougottiredofwaitingforitandthoughtyoucould
pinitonme—andthenthere’dbemoreforyouandJenna.”
HesendsaviciousglanceJenna’sway.“Isthatwhathappened?”
Catherinestaresbackathim,clearlyshocked.“That’sabsurd,Dan,andyouknowit.”
Jennaprotests,“Ifanything,we’retryingtoprotectyou,Dan.Notthrowyouunderthebus.”
“Protectme?”hecriesbitterly.“Whenhaveeitherofyoueverprotectedme?Nooneeversteppedin.”
DanturnsnowtoIrena,hisfacetwistedwithemotion.
“Exceptyou,Irena.Youatleasttriedtoprotectme,andI’llneverforgetthat.”Headdsbitterly,“Butyoushouldn’thavecleanedthatknife.”
Irenalooksatthemwearily,thisfractiousbroodsheraised.
Catherinesays,“We’renottryingtohurtyou,Dan.ItoldthepoliceItalkedtoMomandIleft.”Sheadds,“Andwe’repayingforyourdefenseattorney.”
DanturnstoJenna.“Whataboutyou?”
“What?”shesays,startled.
“Youhavejustasmuchtogain.Howdoweknowyoudidn’tkillthem?Weallknowyouhaveaviolenttemper.”
“Jakewaswithmeallnight,”Jennasayscoldly.
“Surehewas,”Dansayssarcastically.“Weallknowwhatthat’sworth.Hecouldbelyingforyou.”
“Well,he’snot.”
“Great.Thenyouwon’tmindifIaskhim.”
“Don’tbesuchanasshole.”
Irenawatches,hernervessplintering,asDanlooksfromJennatoCatherine,takinghistime,asifthinkingaboutsomething.Thenhesays,“It’sjustthatbothofyouknew
aboutthosedisposablesuitsinmygarage.Andeitheroneofyoucouldeasilyhavetakenone.”
Intothepregnantsilence,thedoorbellrings.Andeveryoneintheroomturnstolook.
???
AUDREYHASDEEPmisgivingsregardingwhatsheisabouttodo.
ButsomethinghadmadeherpointhercarinthedirectionofCatherine’shouse.Andonceshegotthereandrecognizedeveryoneelse’scars,sheknewtheywereallgatheredinside.
Somehowshemadeherwayupthedrivewaytothefrontdoorandrangthebell.Nowshestandsthere,waiting,herbreathcomingfast.
SheremembershowmuchDanhadfrightenedherearlierthatdayandthinks:WhatthehellamIdoing?Sheconsidersturningonherheelandleavingquickly,butthenthedooropens,andit’stoolate.
“Whatdoyouwant?”Catherinesays,withanoteofhostility.
“CanIcomein?”
Catherineseemstoconsiderit,thenstepsbackandletsherin.Audreymakesherwayintothelivingroom.ShemeetsDan’seyesandquicklylooksaway.Theatmosphereisthickwithtension.She’sobviouslywalkedintosomething,afamilyargumentperhaps.Shethinks:Someoneinthisroomisthekiller….Shefeelsfearstirringthefinehairsonthebackofherneck.
“Iwon’tstaylong,”shesaysbrusquely,todisguiseherfear,notevenbotheringtositdown.“IspoketoWalteryesterday.
I’msureyouknowbynowthatyourfatherdidnotchangehiswillinmyfavor.”
“Ofcoursehedidn’t,”Jennasayswithcontempt.
SheturnsonJenna,incensedbyherdismissivetone.“Hedidn’thavetime,becauseoneofyoumurderedhimbeforehecoulddoit!”Sheliftshereyestotheothers,whoregardherwithclearanimosity,andperhapsfear.Audreycontinueswithbarelycontainedfury.“Didyourfathertellyouhewasgoingtochangehiswill?Ormaybeitwasyourmother,goingbehindFred’sback.Sheknewwhatyourfatherwasgoingtodo,andshedidn’tlikeit.Sowhichoneofyoudidshetell,Iwonder?”
Shelooksateachoftheminturnandsays,withahintofmenace,“Iknowitwasoneofyou.AndIknowallyourlittlesecrets.Maybeit’stimeeveryonefoundoutwhatthisfamilyisreallylike.”
Andthensheturnsandwalksout,boththrilledandfrightenedatwhatshe’sdone.33
OnceAudreyhasmadeherexit,Danleaveshissister’shouse,Lisahurryingtofollow.Hegetsintohiswife’scarandslamsthedoor.Sheclimbsinbesidehim.Hebacksthecaroutofthedrivewaywithasquealandtakesoffdownthestreet.
“Slowdown,”Lisacries.
Heeaseshisfootoffthegas,buthishandsclenchthesteeringwheelangrily.“TheythinkIdidit,Lisa,myownsisters,”hesaysgrimly.Henegotiatesacorner,goingtoofast.
“Andthatbitch,Audrey—herandherbigmouth.”Hethinksofwhatsheknowsabouthim,whatshemighttell.Theexpectedwordsofcomfortfromhiswifedon’tcome.Heglancesather.Herfaceisblank.
???
LISAISREELINGWITHSHOCK.Shesitsinthepassengerseat,onehandagainstthedashboard,asDandriveswildly.Danisspeakingtoher,butshe’snotlistening.She’sstilltryingtocometogripswithwhatjusthappened.CatherineandJennathinkDanmurderedtheirparents.Thatmuchisclear.Thequestionis,whatdoesshethink?
Shehasbeguntohavedoubts.
Atfirst,shedidn’tbelieveDanhadanythingtodowithit.
Sheknowswhatclotheshewentoutinthatnight.Therewasnobloodonthem.Soshedidn’tmindlyingforhimtothepolice.
Andthenthedetectivesfoundthepackageofdisposablecoveralls.She’dstoodattheopeningtothegarage,hermindstuttering.Ifhe’dwornthesuitandbooties,hewouldn’thavebeencoveredwithbloodatall.Hecouldhavecomehomeincleanclothes.
AndCatherine—howcouldshefindthebodiesandsaynothing?It’sdisturbing.That’snotlikeCatherineatall.Surelyshewouldn’tdothatunlessshewastryingtoprotectherbrother,givehimtimetogetridofevidence.That’stheproblem—shebelievesCatherineoverherownhusband.Herbloodrunscold.Hewasgonealongtimethatnight.
Shebelieveshissisterswanttoprotecthim,eventhoughDandoesn’tseeitthatway.Iftheycanlivewithit,maybeshecantoo.Danisabouttoinheritafortune.Unlesshe’sconvicted.
ButCatherineandJennadon’thavetoactuallylivewithhim.
AndAudrey—whyaretheyallclearlysoafraidofher?
???
TEDWATCHESDanandLisadriveawayandclosesthedoorbehindthem.Slowly,hereturnstothelivingroom.Tedsitsdownheavilybesidehiswifeandleansbackagainstthesofa.
He’sexhaustedbyallofthis.He’sgratefulthathischildhoodwasrelativelysimple,asanonlychild.Catherine’sfamilyisafuckingtrainwreck.
Jennastandsup.“I’llbegoing,then.Letmeknowifanythinghappens.”
“I’mgoingtoo,”Irenasays.
TheyalmostseemtohaveforgottenaboutIrena,sittinginhercorner,Tedthinks.Hewondersifshefeelsmostlyirrelevanttothemnow.
Catherinewalksthemtothedoor.
Tedcloseshiseyes.Soonhehearshiswifecomebackintothelivingroom,feelshersitdownonthesofabesidehim.
He’sthinkingaboutwhatDansaid.Hewaslashingout—
Danwasagainsttheropesandheknewit.CatherineandJennaaretryingtohelphim.Tedhasdecidedhe’sstayingoutofit;he’llletthechipsfallwheretheymay.
Butit’snigglingathim,whatDansaid.AccusingCatherine,accusingJenna.Becausethetruthis,Catherinewastherethatnight.AndTedhasn’tcometotermswiththefactthatCatherinewasabletocomehomeandpretendthateverythingwasfine.He’snotsurehowwellhereallyknowsheranymore.“Whydidhesaythat,aboutthedisposablesuits?”Tedasks,turninghisheadtolookather.
“What?”
“Thatyouknewwheretheywere.Howwouldyouknow?”
Sheshakesherheaddismissively.“JennaandIwereoverthereonedayforlunchwhenhewasworkingontheattic,that’sall.Welaughedathowhelookedinhishazmatsuit.Ithinkyouweregolfingthatday.”
Tedavertshiseyes.“AndwhatwasAudreytalkingabout?”
Catherinehuffs.“Ignoreher.She’sjustangrythatshedidn’tgetthemoney.She’sharmless.”
ButTedcantellshe’sworried.Anditmakeshimworrytoo.
???
JENNADRIVESHOME,headingnorthfromhersister’scomfortablesuburb.She’ssoonontheoutskirtsoftown,andthenontothedirtroadsofthecountryside.Asshedrives,shethinksabouthowmuchshehatesherauntAudrey.Audreyhasalwaysseemedtolikeherleast.She’snotsurewhy.Youwouldthinkherrankingoffavoriteswouldalignwithher
parents’:Catherinefirst,thenJenna,thenDan.ButAudreyseemstohaveherownpreferences,rankingJennainlastplace.It’snotlikeJenna’severdoneanythingtoher.
It’sclearthatAudreyisthreateningthemall.Shewouldneverhavedaredtodothatwhentheirfatherwasalive.Butshe’sobviouslyfeelingvindictiveandreckless.Shethinksshe’sbeenrobbedofafortune,andthatit’stheirfault
Audreyisprivytothefamilysecrets,mostofthemanyway.
Sheknowsthingsaboutthem,thingsthatmightprejudicethepolice,andthepublic,againstthem.Audreyknows,forinstance,aboutJenna’searlyviolentstreak.
WhenJennawassixyearsold,furiousatDanforteasingher,she’dpushedhimrightoffthetopoftheslideintheirbackyard.He’dfallenbackwardwithascreamandlandedhardontheground.Itcouldhavebeenmuchworse—he’donlybrokenhisarm,nothisneck.Catherinehadseenithappenandgonecryingtotheirparents.
“Whatkindofchildpushesanotheroneoffthetopoftheslide?”Audreygasped,horrified,makingmoreofitthansheshouldhave.Unfortunately,shehappenedtobetherethatday.
Thenshe’dstayedbehindwiththeirfatherwhiletheirmothertookDantothehospitaltohavehisarmputinacast.JennasatunderthekitchentableplayingwithherBarbiesandlistenedtoAudreyandherfathertalkabouther.“You’dbetterkeepthattemperincheck,younglady,”Audreyhadsaidassheleft.
Jennahasdislikedhereversince.
Followingthat,she’dgivenCatherineaconcussion,andAudreyknewaboutthat,too,becausetheirfathertoldhissistereverythingaboutthekids,theworsethebetter.JennahadpickedupaplasticbatandstruckCatherine,whohadfallenandbangedherheadonthepavement,whentheywerehavinganargument.Catherinehadbeenrushedtothehospital.
TheirparentstoldpeoplethatCatherinehadfallenwhileplaying.
Jennahadbeenproperlypunishedforthatone.
???
ATHOMETHATNIGHT,Audreywatchestheeleveno’clocknewsinherpajamas,sippingachamomiletea.There’snothingnewabouttheMertoncase.Shesitsinbed,seethingatthetelevisionset,thinkingunhappilyaboutherlostinheritance,whichshehadsohopedtobeabletoenjoy.She’dimaginedahouseofherowninBreckenHill,fineclothes,andtripstoEuropeandtheBahamas.There’sbrieffootageofthemsearchingDan’shouseearlierthatday,butshehasnoideaiftheyfoundanythingincriminating.They’renotsaying.SheremembershowfrightenedshewaswhenDancametowardhercarwindow,therageinhisfistasithithercar.
Nowthatshe’shadtimetothinkaboutit,shecanhardlybelieveshecrashedthefamilygatheringatCatherine’safterward.Wherehadshefoundthecourage?
Shedecidestopayavisittothedetectivesinthemorning.34
It’sFridaymorning,andReyesandBarrarereviewingthecase.Thecrimescenehasyieldeddisappointinglylittleinthewayofevidenceorclues.Theyhavefoundnophysicalevidenceleftbehindbythekiller.Reyesisbeginningtobelievetheyaredealingwithsomeoneratherclever,someoneabletoplanadoublemurderandperhapsgetawaywithit.Butnotifhehasanythingtodowithit.
Theyknowtherewaspossiblyanothervehicleinthevicinitythatnight—theonetheneighbor,Mrs.Sachs,claimstohaveseen.ApickuptruckthatcouldnothavebeenmistakenforCatherine’s,Dan’s,orJenna’scars.OrIrena’seither.Whoeverwasdrivingitmayhaveseensomething.It’spossiblethepersoninthattruckmayhavekilledtheMertons
Buthisinstinctstellhimotherwise.Unlessone—ormore—oftheMertonoffspringhiredsomeonetokilltheparents—
possiblythepersoninthetruck.Buttheirpolicebulletins,thedescriptiontothemedia,theinquiriesatshopsthatdothatkindofcustompaintwork—nothinghascomeofanyofit.
ThesergeantfromthefrontdeskknockslightlyonReyes’sopendoor.“Sir,”shesays.
“Yes,whatisit?”
“There’ssomeoneheretoseeyouabouttheMertoncase.
AudreyStancik?”
ReyesglancesatBarr.“FredMerton’ssister.”Theyhaven’thadherintotalktoyet,butshe’sontheirlist.Herisesfromhisdesk.“Let’sseewhyshe’shere.”
Theywalkintothewaitingarea,andReyesseesaplumpwomanwithshoulder-lengthblondhairrisefromoneofthechairs.She’swellgroomed,wearingbrightcorallipstickanddressedinabeigepantsuit,abrightlyprintedblouse,andsensibleheels.Heestimatesthatshe’sprobablyaroundsixtyyearsofage.Fred,heremembers,wassixty-two.
TheygetAudreysettledinaninterviewroom.Barroffershercoffee,whichshegladlyaccepts.“Milkandtwosugars,”
shesays.
“Whatbringsyouhere?”Reyesasksatlast.
“Iknowyou’veinterviewedeveryoneinthefamily,”shesays,hereyesshrewd,“exceptme.”Shetakesasipofhercoffeeandputsitbackdown.
Reyeswondersifshe’smerelyabusybodywhofeelsleftout,butwhatshesaysnextmakeshisearsprickup.
“Iknowalotaboutthatfamily,”shesays.“Andunliketheothers,I’mwillingtotellyouaboutit.”
???
JENNATAKESTHETRAINintoNewYorkCityonFridaymorningandmeetsJakeforcoffeeataplacetheybothlike,theRocketFuelcafé.It’saplacewhereartistsliketohangout—it’scheapandgrungy,withscarredtablesandmismatchedchairs,andthecoffeeisstrong.Shegetstherefirst,watchingforhimoutthewindow,waitingforhimtocomethroughthedoor.Shehasn’tknownhimthatlong.Shedoesn’tknowhimthatwell.
Shehopesshehasn’tmadeamistake.
Sheseeshimenterthecafé,longandlean,andremembershowattractedsheistohim.She’dalmostforgottenaboutthat.
Shesmilesashesauntersovertoher.Shestandsupandgiveshimalongkiss,sparkinglooksfromtheotherpatrons.
“Hey,”Jakesays,hisvoicelowandsexy.“I’vemissedyou.”
“I’vemissedyoutoo,”shesays,andrealizesthatit’strue.
Shelovesthesmellofpaintandturpentinecomingoffhim,mixingwiththesmellofsweat.
Oncehegetshiscoffee,theysithuddledclosetogetherathersmalltable.“It’ssogoodtoseeyou,”hesays,strokingherhair.“Howareyoudoing?Areyouokay?”
Shenods.“Ithinkso.ButJake—”Shelooksdeepintohiseyesandlowershervoice.“CatherineandI,wethinkmaybeDandidit.”Helooksbackathergravely.Sherealizesthathe’snotthatsurprised.IthitsherthenthateveryoneisgoingtoseeDanastheobvioussuspect.
Sheleansincloser,whispering.“Thepoliceobviouslythinkhedidit.Hetoldthemhewasinthatnight,allnight,andLisabackedhimup,butthecopshavewitnesses—hewentoutinhiscar,andhewasgoneforhours.”Sheadds,“He’sgotanattorneynow.”
“Aretheygoingtoarresthim?”
“Idon’tknow.Ihopenot.Catherinesaystheydon’thaveanyevidence.Theydidn’tfindanythingathishouse.”Shepauses.“Except—”
“Exceptwhat?”Jakeasks.
Shetellshimaboutthedisposablecoverallsinthegarageandswearshimtosecrecy.
Jakesaystentatively,“Isawhimaskyourfatherformoneythatnight,andheshothimdown.”Headds,“Ididn’ttellthedetectivesaboutthat.”
Shelooksdownatthescratchedtableinfrontofher.“Idon’tknowwhattodo.”
“There’snothingyoucando,”Jakeassuresher.“Justsititout.What’sgoingtohappenisgoingtohappen.”Hereachesoutandtakesherhand.“AndI’mhereforyou.Youknowthat,right?”
Sheleansinandkisseshimsoftlyonthemouth,grateful.
Shebreaksoffthekiss.
“Doyouwantmetheretomorrow?Atthefuneral?”heasks.
“Ifyoudon’tmind,”shesays.Shegrimaces.“It’sgoingtobefuckingawful.Thepolicewillbethere,watchingeverything.”
IfDantriestotalktoJakeatthefuneral,shethinks,she’llbethere,rightbesidehim,andputastoptoit.Theircoffeesfinished,shesays,“Maybeweshouldgobacktoyourplaceandfigureoutwhatyou’regoingtoweartomorrow.”
“That’sjustanexcusetogetmeintobed,isn’tit?”hesays.
Shesmiles.35
Goon,”ReyessaystoAudrey,interestedtohearwhatshehastosay.
“Thatfamilyhadproblems,”Audreybegins.
“Sheilawasn’tgoodformybrother.Shewasweakandfrivolous.Shedidn’tbringoutthebestinhim.Fredhatedweakness;itmadehimangry.”
“Thenwhydidhemarryaweakwoman?”Barrinterjects.
SheglancesatBarr.“Idon’tknow,”sheadmits.Shesighsandsays,“Maybeitwaseasierforhimthanmarryingastrongone.”Shepausesforamoment.“Sheila—shewasaself-absorbedwomanwhodidn’tshowmuchinterestinherchildren.Itwasatroubledfamily.Theywon’ttellyouthat,butIknow.Theywanteveryonetothinkeverythingwasperfect.
ButthekidshatedFred.”
“Why?”Reyesasks.
“Becausehewasawfultothem.Fredcouldbecruel,especiallytoDan.”Shetakesasipofhercoffee,thencontinues.“Fredhadmoremoneythanheknewwhattodowith,andhedidn’tskimponhiskids,especiallyintheearlyyears.
“Thosekidswerebroughtupaccustomedtohavingwonderfulthings,”Audreyexplains.“ButthenFredstartedtakingthingsaway.Hiskidshaddisappointedhim,yousee.
Hehadsuchgreatexpectationsforthemwhentheywerelittle.
HewasespeciallyunhappywithDan.BothgirlshavemoregoingforthemthanDaneverdid,ifyouaskme.Anyway,
Fredwasabrilliantbusinessman,andDanjustdidn’thavewhathehad.Danwantedtopleasehisfather,butnothingwasevergoodenough.AndFredbelittledhimallthetime,destroyedhisconfidence.It’sasifoncehedecidedthatDanwasnevergoingtomeasureup,hecouldn’tresisttakingouthisangeranddissatisfactiononhimateveryturn.HesoldthecompanysothatDancouldn’thaveit.I’msurethatitwasprobablytherightbusinessdecision,butIalsoknowthathediditwithmalice.HewantedtohurtDan,fordisappointinghim.”Shestopsandtakesadeepbreath.“Hecouldbepettythatway.”
“SoyouthinkDankilledthem,”Reyessays.
“Idon’tknow,”shereplies.“ButI’mcertainoneofthemdid.”
“Whyareyousosure?”
“Fredwasdying.Hehadpancreaticcancer,andheknewhedidn’thavemuchtime.Herefusedalltreatment,exceptpainkillers.Anyway,hefeltthathe’dbeenoverlygeneroustohiskids,andthatperhapsithadruinedthem.”ShetellsthemhowFredwasgoingtochangehiswill,andherconvictionthatatleastoneofthekidsknew,thatperhapsFred,orpossiblySheila,hadtoldthem,andpaidtheultimatepriceforit,beforehecouldcarryouthisintentions.
WhichcertainlymakesitunlikelythatAudreykilledthem,Reyesthinks.Shewasgoingtogetthemoneysoonanyway.
Audreysays,“Ifyouaskme,oneofthemisapsychopathandhadnotroublekillingtheirparents.Youjusthavetofigureoutwhichone.”
Shesitsbackinherchairandsays,“Letmetellyouafewthingsaboutthosekids.”
???
AROUNDLUNCHTIME,LisaslipsoutofthehousewhileDanisputteringaroundinthegarage.Shetakeshercar,tellinghimshe’sgoingtorunsomeerrands,thoughshehasadifferentdestinationinmind.He’sfuriousathissisters;he’sconvincedhimselfthattheyhavebetrayedhim,simplybythinkingtheworstofhim.Shehadn’tlikediteither,andshecanunderstandhisfeelingsofhurtandbetrayal.Andfear.Butshealsobelieveshissisterswanttoprotecthim.Whenshetoldhimthis,hesaid,“Youdon’tknowthemlikeIdo,”andrefusedtodiscussitanyfurther.
Shedoesn’twanttheconflictbetweenDanandhissistersondisplaytomorrowatthefuneral.Shemustbringhimaroundsomehow.Theymustpresentaunitedfront;shecan’thaveitlookinglikehe’sestrangedfromhissisters.Andhe’ssoonedge,pronetounexpectedoutbursts.
Theotherthingis,she’snotentirelysurethey’rewrongabouthim.Sheneedssupport.Sheneedscomfort.Becauseshe’sneverbeensofrightenedinherlife
ShedrivestheshortdistancetoCatherine’shouse,thinkingaboutwhatshe’sgoingtosay.She’sbecomequiteclosetoCatherinesinceshemarriedDan.LisahasconfidedinCatherinemoreabouttheirfinancialsituationthanDanwouldstrictlyapprove.
Shepullsintothedriveway,noticingthatthecurtainsinthelivingroomaredrawn.It’shardtobelieveit’sonlybeenthreedayssinceSheilaandFredwerediscovered;itfeelslikesomuchlonger.Herwholeworldhasbeenturnedupsidedown.
Catherineletsherin.Assoonasthedoorisclosedbehindher,Lisaburstsintounrestrainedtears.CatherinepullsherintoahugandLisaletsitallout.
Finally,theysitdowninthelivingroom,andwhenLisaiscriedout,sheapologizes.Tedhascomeintotheroom,but
wiselyleavesagain,retreatingupstairs.“I’mnotcopingverywell,”Lisasaysmiserably.
“You’recopingaswellasanyonewould,”Catherinetellsher.
Lisalooksbackather,noticingthetensioninCatherine’sface,herbody.Shescrewsuphercourageandasksthequestionshecametoask.“Youknowhim.DoyoureallythinkDancouldhavedoneit?”
Catherineavertshereyesforamomentandthendragsthemwearilybacktomeethers.“Idon’tknowwhattothink.”
“Meeither,”Lisaadmitsinawhisper.“Eversincetheyfoundthosedisposablesuits.”
???
AFTERSHE’SFINISHEDatthepolicestation,AudreydrivestoEllen’shouseandpullsintothedriveway.Sheneedstotalktosomeone,andthere’snobodyelseshecantalktoaboutthisotherthanEllen.
“Audrey,”Ellensaysopeningthedoor,havingspottedhercarfromthewindow.“Youwantsomecoffee?”
“Sure,”Audreysays,followingherintothekitchen.
“What’sthelatest?”Ellenasksasshebusiesherselfwiththecoffeemaker.
Audreysettlesherbulkatthekitchentable,consideringhowmuchsheshouldtellEllenaboutwhereshe’sbeen.
“I’vejustcomefromthepolicestation,”sheadmits.
Ellenturnsaroundandstares.“Why?What’shappened?”
“Itoldthemthetruth.”
“Whattruth?”Ellenasks,promptlyforgettingaboutthecoffee.
Audreyswallows.“ItoldthemthatIthoughtoneofthekidsdidit.ThatFredorSheilaprobablytoldoneofthemthatFredwasgoingtochangehiswillinmyfavor.”
“Oh,Audrey,”Ellensaysslowly.“Areyousurethatwasagoodidea?”
“Idon’tknow,”Audreyadmits.“Maybenot.”
“AreyouabsolutelycertainFredwasgoingtochangehiswill?”Ellenasks.
“Yes,”Audreysaysfirmly.ShecantellEllendoesn’tquitebelieveher.Whatthehelldoessheknowaboutit?“I’mpositive.Hepromisedme.Hewantedtopunishhischildren.
AndIthinkhewasrewardingmeformysilencealloftheseyears.”
“Silenceaboutwhat?”Ellenasks,curious.
“Nothingyouneedtoknow,”Audreyhastilyassuresher.
???
FRIDAYNIGHTAFTERWORK,Roseliesdownonherbed,stillinherskirtandblouse,toodrainedtothinkaboutmakingsomethingtoeat.Instead,eyesclosed,shestewsabouthersituation,herthoughtsgoingoverandoverthesameground.
Hernervesaregettingthebetterofher.Sheregrets,now,whatshe’sdone.Itwasamistake.Whydidshedoit?Butsheknowswhy—becauseshe’sgreedy,she’simpatient,andshetookashortcut.Ifshecouldgobackintimeandundoeverything,shewould.
Afterawhile,shegetsupoffherbedandlooksthroughhercloset.Shemustfindsomethingtoweartothefuneraltomorrow.Shedecidesherblacksuitwillhavetodo.36
Saturdayissunnyandmild—alovelydayforafuneral,Reyesthinks,straighteninghistie.HeandBarrwillattend,aswellassomeofficersinplainclothes,minglingwiththemourners,keepinganeyeonthefamilyandthoseclosetothem.Keepinganeyeoneveryone.
ReyesdrivestoSt.Brigid’sChurchinBreckenHill,wheretherichpeoplego.It’srathergrand,andhe’sneverbeeninside.Heparksinthelotandwalksuptothechurch,takinghistime,lookingaround.He’searly,butasteadystreamofpeopleinexpensivecarsareenteringtheparkinglot.Heremainsoutside,watchingmournerscirculateinfrontofthechurch,arrivingtopaytheirrespects.Theyformlittleclusters,middle-agedwomenindressesandhats,menindarksuits,meetingandminglingwithpeopletheyknow,speakinginlowvoices.Therehadbeennoviewingatthefuneralhome,attherequestofthefamily.Justthefuneral,andaprivatecommittalserviceforthefamily.InReyes’sexperience,there’salwaysaviewingandawake.Therewillbeagatheringatthegolfclubafterthefuneral.
HeseesBarrarrive.Shelookssodifferentinhersimpleblackdressandheelsthat,foramoment,hehadn’trecognizedher.
Thefuneralisscheduledfortwoo’clock.Noneofthefamilyishereyet.ThenReyesnoticesAudrey,withawomaninhermidthirties.Theylookalike;itmustbeherdaughter.HewondersifFred’sniecehatedhimtoo.Shedoesn’tlookparticularlyhappy,andReyeswouldbetit’snotbecauseshe’s
sadaboutherauntanduncle,withwhom,he’sheard,she’shadlittlecontact.
Thefamilyarrivestogether,intwoblacklimousinesthatstopinfrontofthechurch.Catherine,Ted,andIrenaalightfromthefirst,followedbyDan,Lisa,Jenna,andJakeBrennerinthesecond.Reyesstudieseachofthemclosely.DanMertonlookspaleandedgy,constantlypullingathiscollar;hiswife,Lisa,isstiffandseemstobedreadingwhat’stocome.
Catherineisbeautifullyturnedoutinatailoredblackdress,straight-backed,composed,andregal.She’srisingtotheoccasion,whileDanandhiswifeappeartobeslightlyoverwhelmedbyit.TedstandsstrongandresolutebesideCatherine,readyforwhat’sahead.Jennahasmadeasmallconcessiontotheoccasionandiswearingablackskirtandasubduedblouseandlooksrelativelyconventionalexceptfortheshockofpurplehair.
Thefamilyproceedsalongthewalkandupthestepstothechurch,eyeslowered,notstoppingtotalktoanyone.Atthefrontdoor,thepriestgreetsthemandusherstheminside.
Slowly,therestoftheattendeesmaketheirwayintothechurch.
Barrcomesuptostandbesidehimatthetopofthesteps.
“Youlookverynice,”Reyessays.
“Thankyou.”
Hesays,“Youtaketheleftside,I’lltaketheright.”Asshemovesaway,Reyeslocatestheplainclothesofficersmixingwiththemourners,makingeyecontactwitheach.They’renotexpectinganything,butit’salwaysgoodtohaveextrapairsofeyes.There’sanotherofficerstationedintheparkinglotandanotheralongthestreetforoverflowparking;botharespecificallylookingforadarkpickuptruckwithflamespaintedonthesides.Iftheyspotanything,hisphoneison
vibrate.Buthedoesn’tthinkthetruckwillturnup;thedriverhastoknowthey’relookingforhim.
Asorganmusicfillsthechurch,Reyestakesaseatclosetothefrontontherightside,attheendofthepewnexttotheouteraisle.Hefiguresthereareclosetothreehundredpeopleinthechurchbythetimetheyarereadytostart.HewondershowmanyofthemactuallyknewtheMertonsandhowmanyareheresimplybecausetheyweremurdered.
Therearetwomatching,gleamingmahoganycoffinsatthefrontofthechurch.Surroundingthecoffinsareplentifulflowerarrangementsofrosesandlilies;thescentfilterstowhereReyesissitting,remindinghimofotherfuneralshehasattended.Butthisoneisn’tpersonal,it’swork.Hekeepshiseyesonthefamilyinthefrontrowastheservicebegins.
???
CATHERINEREALIZESSHEisclenchingherentirebodytightlyastheserviceproceedstowarditsconclusion,andforcesherselftophysicallyrelax.She’sgratifiedbythenumberofpeopleinattendance.Theflowersarelovely—Jennachosewell,shethinks.She’shappywiththecoffinstheyselected.Theserviceisrespectful,tasteful.They’vedoneagoodjob.It’snoteasytopulltogetheralarge,impressivefuneralinashorttimeundersuchdifficultextenuatingcircumstances.Nowalltheyhavetodoisgetthroughthisandthereceptionafterward.Bytonight,itwillallbeoverandshecanletherselfcollapse.
They’dhadarockystartthismorning,butLisawasabletogetDanspeakingtoherandJennaagain,persuadinghimthatitwouldlookbadifheandhissistersseemedestranged.Lisahadconvincedhimthattheymustpresentaunitedfront,afamilyinmourning,together.
Catherinehadspottedthetwodetectivesinthecrowd;they’rebehindhersomewhere,shecanpracticallyfeeltheireyesonthebackofherneck.Shesitsattheendofthefront
pew,closesttothecenteraisle.BesideherisTed.NexttoTedisJenna,thenJake.She’ssurprisedtofindthatheactuallyownsadecentsuit.Maybeherentedit.ThenDanandLisaandIrena.SheknowsthatAudreyissittingwithherdaughter—
whoflewinforthefuneral—attheendofthepew,anditupsetsher.ShewondersifAudreyhassaidanythingtothedetectives.Catherinehasgivenherreading,andthepriestisfinishingup.Therehasbeensinging—abeautiful“AveMaria.”Theserviceisalmostoverwhenshesensesamovementtoherright.Sheglancesoverquickly.No,itcan’tbe.Danisstandingupasthepriestdroneson.LisahasherhandonDan’sforearm,tuggingatit,herfacelookingupathimdismayed,thenshewhisperssomething.Catherinethinksshe’stellinghimtositdown.Danisflushednow;he’sgotthatstubbornlookonhisfacethatsherecognizesfromwhentheywerekids.He’shadenoughhypocrisy—hewantstoleave,shethinks.Then,ashestumblespastthekneesofhiswife,Irena,andAudreyandherdaughterandreachestheendofthepew,heturnstothefrontofthechurchandCatherinerealizeswithhorrorthatheisgoingtospeak.ShemeetsLisa’seyesandtheyshowpanic.Lisaissilentlybegginghertodosomething,topreventsomecatastrophe.Butwhatcanshedo?Shouldshetrytostophim?CatherineturnsherattentiontothefrontofthechurchandwatchesinaterriblestateofindecisionasDanapproachesthelectern.Shecanheartherustleofmovementinthechurchasthemourners,halfdrowsyfromtheservice,arejoltedoutoftheirboredomatthesightofDanatthefrontofthechurch.ShefeelsTed’shandpressingdownonhers,steadyingher.
Catherineswallowsandfightstheurgetointerfere.Maybeitwillbeokay.Andthenthepriestisfinishedandstepsaway,andDanbeginstospeak.
“Iwasn’tgoingtospeakatMomandDad’sfuneral.”Heswallows.Theflushonhisfaceismorepronouncednow,andhetugsnervouslyathiscollar.“I’mnotmuchofapublic
speaker,sothisisdifficultforme.”Hepauses,looksoutatthecrowd,andseemstolosehisnerve.Catherinepraysthathedoeslosehisnerve,thathestumblesthroughsomethingshortandharmlesslikethankyouforcomingandretreatstohisseat.
Butthenheseemstofindhiscourage.“Iwasn’tgoingtospeakbecauseasmanyofyoumightknow,myfatherandIdidnotgetalong.ButtherearesomethingsIwanttosay.”37
Catherinelistens,herbodyrigid.Dan’svoiceistremblingwithnerves,butheseemsdeterminedtogothroughwiththis.
“Manyofyouknowmyfatherasagoodman,adecentman.Hewasasuccessfulbusinessman—andhewasveryproudofhissuccess.”Helooksoutatthecrowd,avoidingthefacesofthefamilyinthefrontrow.“Buthewasdifferentathome.Wesawanothersideofhimthatyouneversaw.Hewasadifficultman.Hewashardtolivewith.Demanding,hardtoplease.”Hepauses.
Catherinesensespeopleshiftinguncomfortablyintheirseatsbehindher,butshe’sfrozen,staringatheryoungerbrother,afraidofwhat’scomingnext.
Dancontinues.“Iwasbulliedmercilessly—notatschool,butbymyownfather.Hewascruelandvindictive.Hewasespeciallyhardonme,astheonlyboy,andprobablybecauseIdisappointedhimthemost.Iwasthebiggestdisappointmentofhislife—hetoldmethat,often.”Hestops,asiftogaincontrolofhimself.“Weweretaughttokeepquietaboutthesethings.”Thenheseemstochangehistone,andhisdelivery,asifhe’sgoingoffscript.Thewordscomefaster.“Hewasabusive.Irecognizethatnow.WhenIwasakid,IjustthoughtIdeservedit,butIknownowthatnoonedeservestobetreatedthatway.Hemusthavesuffered,attheend.Itwasahorriblewaytodie.You’reprobablygoingtohearthingsaboutme,butIwantallofyoutoknowthatIdidn’tdoit.
Evenafteralltheterriblethingshedidtome,Ididn’tkillhim.
AndIwouldneverkillmymother.Ihopeshedidn’tsuffertoomuch.Ihopeshediedquickly.”He’srambling.
Catherineishorrified.He’sgonefrombeingflushedtoverypale.Shecanseethathe’slosinghisgrip.He’sholdingontothelecternasifhemightfallifhedoesn’t.Shecanseeasheenofsweatonhisface.Shehastoputastoptothis.Shelurchestoherfeetandwalksupthecenteraisletheshortdistancetothelectern.He’sstoppedspeakingandwatchesherapproachwarily,asahushfallsoverthechurch.Shetakeshisarmgently.Hetriestoshakeitoffbutthensuddenlygivesin,asifhe’sforgottenanythingmorehewantedtosay,andgoeswithherbacktothepew,wheretheyallshiftoverandhesitsdownbesideher.AsCatherinetakesherseat,shecanhearthelowhumofpeoplestartingtowhisper.Peoplewilltalkaboutthis;itwillbeinthenews.She’sfuriousatDanbuttryinghardnottoshowit.Shetries,once,tomeetLisa’seyes,butLisaisstaringatthefloor.
???
REYESCONSIDERSWHAThe’sjustseen.ItmakeshimwonderifDanMertonisaratherdisturbedyoungman.ReyesturnsaroundandsearchesoutBarrbehindhimandtotheleft.Shemeetshiseyes,raiseshereyebrows.Theserviceisover.Reyescheckshisphoneasherises.There’sbeennothing.Ifthey’dseenthepickuptrucktheywouldhavebuzzedhim.Heswallowshisdisappointment.
???
ROSECUTTERRISESfromherseatatthebackofthechurchandthinksaboutsneakingawayquietlywithoutgettinginlinetospeaktothefamily.Catherinewouldexpecttoseeher.Buttherearesomanypeople;it’sgoingtotakealongtime.Shedoesn’twanttotalktothefamily.Shejustwantstogetaway.
Sheslipsoutofthechurch.
???
IRENAHOVERSNEARBY,keepinganeyeonthingsasthefamilygathersattheentrancetothechurchforpeopletopaytheirrespectsonthewayout.ShewasdeeplydisturbedbyDan’sspeech.NowDanisthere,straitjacketedbetweenhistwosisters,who’vetoldhimtosaynothingbutthankyouforcoming.Theyareallworriedaboutwhatpeoplewillthink,aboutwhatthedetectiveswillthink.
Irenalongsforthisordealtobeover.Thefuneral,thegatheringafterward,theinvestigation.It’sallsoexhausting.
Shehasn’tbeensleepingwell.Shefeelslikeshehasvertigo,asifshe’sstandingontheedgeofaprecipice,abouttofall.
ShewatchesDan.
HeturnstohisrightandleansacrossJennatoJake,andsays,“JennasaysyouwerewithherallnightthenightMomandDadwerekilled.Isthattrue?”
Hehasn’tloweredhisvoice,andIrenacanhearhimfromseveralfeetaway,andthepeopleclosebyglanceathim.
Jakelooksembarrassedandsayssomethingshedoesn’tcatch.
Dansmilesunpleasantly.“Right.Likeyou’renotlyingforher.”
IrenanoticesthenwithasickeningjoltthatDetectiveReyesisstandingbesideher,observing,listening.Shefeelsuncomfortablewithhimsoclose,hearingeverything.Shewatchesindismayasadisasterunfoldsinfrontofthem.She’shelplesstostopit.
Jennaturnstoherbrotherandhissessomethingshecan’tquitehear.Probablytellinghimtoshutup.
“Why?”Dansaysangrily.“Whatdidyoueverdoforme?”
Irenaholdsherbreath.She’sfuriousatthedetectivestandingbesideher,seeingeverything.LisaappearstobecoaxingDantoleave.She’sspeakingtohimquietly,pullingonhissleeve.
ButDanlooksinIrena’sdirectionandspiesDetectiveReyesstandingbesideher.Hecalls,“Detective!”andwaveshimover.“There’ssomethingyoushouldknow.”
IrenaseesthateveryoneinthefamilyexceptDanhasgonerigidatthesightofthedetective.Thepeopleinthelinefallawayawkwardly.Reyestakesafewstepsuntilhe’sstandingnearDan.“Maybewecouldgooutside?”thedetectivesaysquietly.
Danwaveshissuggestionasideandsays,loudly,“Mysistersdon’thavealibiseither.YouknowTedliedforCatherine.AndIbetJakehereislyingforJenna.”
ReyeslooksatJake,whoavertshiseyes.
“AndCatherineandJennabothknewaboutthedisposablesuitsinmygarage.”Hisvoiceisslynow.“Eitheroneofthemcouldhavetakenone;Idon’tevenlockthegaragemostofthetime.Youneedtoknowthat.Ididn’tkillthem—butmaybeoneofthemdid.”
Itseemsasifeveryonestillinsidethechurchhasstoppedmoving,rivetedtothescene.IrenaseesAudreyandherdaughterontheperiphery.Audreyisavidlytakingitallin,asmirkonherface.
Irenaknowsthisfamily.They’regoingtoturnononeanother.That’swhattheydo,thesekids.It’swhatthey’vealwaysdone.Irenasuddenlybecomesawareofthesoundofphotographersfuriouslytakingpictures.
???
EXHAUSTEDFROMTHEEVENTSofthelastweek,Reyescollapsesintohisfavoritearmchairintheevening,thinkingaboutthefuneralearlierthatday,whilehiswifegetsthekidsreadyforbed.Heshouldreallygiveherahand,butshe’dtakenonelookathimandtoldhimtogoputhisfeetup,helookedwornout.
Isittrue,Reyesaskshimself,thatbothsistersknewaboutthedisposablecoverallsinDanMerton’sgarageandhadaccess,asheclaimed?Mightoneofthemhavecommittedthemurders,hopinghe’dtakethefall?Andtogetabiggerportion?
Catherineliedaboutgoingbacktothehousethatnight.Didshekillthemthen?Shemighthavetakenoneofthosesuits,ratherthanriskpurchasingonesomewhereherself,andpossiblytocastsuspiciononherbrother.Maybeshe’sonlypretendingtobetheprotectivesister.AudreyclaimsthatFredorSheilamusthavetoldoneormoreofthekidsabouttheirfather’splantochangehiswillinAudrey’sfavor.Ifthat’strue,whoknew?Wouldlosinghalfoftheestatetotheirauntbeenoughtodriveoneofthemtomurder?
AndJenna…well,Jakeisn’taverygoodliar.WhatreallyhappenedinthathourwhileJennaandJakewereinthehousewithFredandSheila?Didtheycomebackafterwardandcommitthemurderstogether?OrdidJennapossiblydoitonherown?Fornow,Jakeisstandingbyheralibi.
Hemusttalktobothsistersagain.Andhewantsanothercrackattheformernanny,whoprobablyknowsthatfamilybetterthananyone.38
CatherinewakesupSundaymorning,stilldrainedfromthelonganddifficultdaybefore.ShepicksupthenewspaperoutsideherdoorandseesreportersandTV
trucksinthestreet.Upuntilnowthepresshadmostlyleftthemalone.Theysurgetowardherandshequicklyslamsthedoor.Shelooksdownatthepaperinherhands.
TheAylesfordRecordhasagainrunthestoryaboutherparents’murdersonthefrontpage.Butthistimeit’sdifferent.
There’saphotograph,anditmakeshersuckinherbreath—acandidshotofthatawfulmomentinthechurchwhenDanstartedspillinghisvenomtothatdetective.Catherinestudiesthephoto—shelookscoldandangry.Danisanimated,Jennastartled.It’saveryunflatteringphotographofthefamily,anditmakeshercringe.Catherinewalksslowlyintothekitchenandsitsdownatthetable,readingthearticlequickly,withgrowingdistaste.ThedistanceandtherespectaffordedtheMertonsthusfarbecauseoftheirwealthandpositionhasdisappeared.Thegloveshavecomeoffandnowthepressisoutforblood.
WHOKILLEDWEALTHYCOUPLE?
FAMILYRIFTDISRUPTSFUNERAL
Sheskimsthearticle,andasshedoes,certainkeyphrasesandsentencespopoutather.
…speculationthatitwasarobberythatturnedviolent…
Perhapsanewtheoryofthecaseisemerging….DanMertonoverheardtellingpolicethathistwosisters,CatherineMertonandJennaMerton,shouldbeconsideredsuspects…ashockingdisplayofdissensioninafamilythathasalwaysbeenveryprivateandconsciousofitspositioninthecommunity….
Catherine’sheartsinksasshecontinuesreading
Policearefocusingtheirattentiononthethreeadultchildren…eachexpectedtoinheritaportionoftheMertons’
estate….Asource,whospokeonconditionofanonymity,claimsmoneymightnotbetheonlymotiveforthemurders….Thefamilywasapparentlyatroubledone,aclaimborneoutbywhathappenedatyesterday’sfuneral….
CatherinelooksupasshehearsTedenterthekitchen.
“Youwon’tbelievethis,”Catherinesays,feelingsicktoherstomach,throwingthenewspaperontothetableinfrontofhimashesitsdownacrossfromher.Catherinegetsuptoputthecoffeeon.
Tedreadssilently,hisfacegrim.“Jesus,”hesays.
Catherinesaysbitterly,“Whydoesn’tDanunderstandthatheshouldjustshutthefuckup?”Sheadds,“Andweallknowwhothatanonymoussourceis.”
???
LISASTARESDOWNathercoffee,whichhasgrowncold.She’sreadthedisturbingarticleintheAylesfordRecord
She’sneverbeensofrightened,soalone.Danhascomeunglued.He’seffectivelycutthembothofffromhissistersthroughhisactionsyesterdayatthefuneral.HeexpectshertoremainloyaltohimandhavenothingmoretodowithCatherineandJenna.It’sasifhe’slosthismind.Theyfoughtaboutitlastnightafterthedisastrousfuneralandinterminableeventatthegolfclub,buthewouldn’tlistentoreason.Heseemsalmosttohaveconvincedhimselfthatoneofhissistersmurderedtheirparentsandsethimuptotakethefall.
Oristhatwhathe’stryingtoconvinceherof?
It’sincomprehensible,allofit.Lisa’sinanimpossibleposition.
???
REYESANDBARRinterviewIrenaDabrowskiagainearlyonSundaymorning,whilewaitingforthesearchwarrantforCatherineMerton.Thecleaningladysitsacrossfromthemintheinterviewroomforthesecondtime.Reyesbelievesshemightholdthekey.HebelievesthatoneoftheMertonkidskilledtheirparents.He’sconvincedshethinkssotoo.Shecertainlyknowsmorethanshe’stelling.
“Weknowyou’reprotectingsomebody.”
“I’mnotprotectinganyone.Idon’tknowwhodidit.”Shelooksdownatthetableandsays,alittledesperately,“Idon’twanttoknow.”
Reyesleansforwardintently.“Butyoudoknow,oryouhaveaprettygoodidea,”hesays.“Itwasoneofthekids,wasn’tit?Weknowitwasoneofthem—ormaybetwoofthemorallofthemtogether—andsodoyou.”Sheraisesherheadandheseestearsstarttoforminhereyes.Hewaits,butallshedoesisshakeherhead.
Heopensthefolderonthedeskandtakesoutphotosofthemurderscenesandspreadsthemoutonthetable.Sheglancesdown,thenquicklylooksaway.
“Sowhichoneofyourformerchargesiscapableofthat,doyouthink?”
Finally,shelicksherlips,asifshe’sgoingtosaysomething.Reyeswaits,tryingnottoshowhisimpatience.
Shesays,“Idon’tknowwhodidit.”Sheslumpsindefeat,asiftheefforttoholditinanylongeristoomuchforher.“ButIthinkanyoneofthemmightbecapableofit.”
“Why?”Reyescoaxes,hisvoicequieternow.
Sheswallows.Takesasipfromthewaterglasswithatremblinghand.Wipeshertearsawaywithatissue.“BecauseasmuchasIloveeachofthem,Iknowwhatthey’relike.
They’reclever,andselfish,andgreedy,andtheywerefathered
byapsychopath.Ididmybest,butIwouldn’tputitpastanyofthem.”Shewipesawayanothertearandlooksupathim.
“Buttheywouldneverhavedoneittogether.Theydon’tdoanythingtogether.”
???
AUDREYREREADSTHEARTICLEintheAylesfordRecord,andwhileshe’spleasedatthestrifeamongFredandSheila’schildren,nowoutintheopenforalltosee,itdoesn’tdampenhersenseofinjustice.There’snothinginthearticleaboutAudreybeingdeniedherrightfulshareoftheestate.Shehadn’ttoldRobinFontaineaboutthat.Audreyhadbeentheunnamedsourcewho’dspokenabouttheproblemswithintheMertonfamily,noneofthejuicydetailsofwhichhadmadeitintothearticle.
They’reprobablyafraidofalawsuit,shethinks.Maybeit’stimetotakeitupanotch.Maybesheneedstocallbackthatreporterandtellherwhatshetoldthedetectives—thatFredwasgoingtochangehiswillandoneofthosekidsisamurderer.Buttheyprobablywon’tprintthateither.Shedoesn’thaveanyproof.
EllendropsbyfortheirregularSundaymorningwalk.TheyliketohikethevarioustrailsaroundAylesfordingoodweather.EachSunday,theydrivetogethertotheheadofoneofthetrails.Nowtheyeachcarrywaterbottles,andastheywalk,theytalk.
It’squietoutherealongthenaturetrail,withjusttheoccasionaljoggerorcyclistpassingthem.AudreyimpulsivelytellsEllenwhatshe’sthinkingofdoing.
“You’retheonewhotalkedtothereporter,”Ellensays.
“Yes.What,doyouthinkIshouldn’thave?”
Ellenisslowtoanswer.AsAudreywalksalongsideher,sheconsidersEllen.Shehasneverbeenonetorocktheboat—
she’sledarathersubduedlife.Audreyhasalwaysbeenthe
colorfulone,shethinks,whileEllenismorereserved,abitmousy,withherbrownhairstreakedwithgray,hersimpleslacksandcardigansinquietshades.Asifshedoesn’twanttobenoticed.
“Idon’tknow,”Ellenadmitsfinally.“Toaccusesomeoneofmurder—”
“Ijustcan’tstandbyanddonothing,”Audreyinsists.“AtleastIcantrytogetjusticeforFred.”
“Maybeyoushouldleaveittothepolice,”Ellensuggests.
“Youdon’tactuallyknowthatoneofthemdidit.”
Audreysnortsderisively.
“Howcanyoubesosure?”Ellenpersists.
Audreystopswalkingandlooksather,asifcomingtoadecision.“I’mgoingtotellyousomething.Somethingawful.
Butyoumustswearyou’llneverrepeatit.Toanyone.”39
AsAudreytellsherstory,Ellenwalkingbesideher,sheslipsbackintothepast.Shethoughtshewouldnevertellanyone,butnowFredisdeadandshedoesn’thavetoprotecthimanymore.SheknowsshecantrustEllennottosayanything.Asshespeaks,long-buriedmemoriesandemotionstakeover.It’sarelieftofinallytellsomeoneafterkeepingitlockedinsideforalifetime.
Shetellsheraboutthehousetheygrewupin,aramshackleruralpropertyinVermontthathadseenbetterdays.AudreywaselevenandFredwasthirteenthatsummer.Theirfatherhadbeenonadownwardtrajectoryforyears.He’dlostonejobafteranotherbecauseofhisdrinking,andAudreywasn’tsurehowherparentswereputtingfoodonthetable.Shethoughtthatsometimesacheckwouldcomeinthemailfromhermother’sparents.Buttherewasalwaysanewbottleofwhiskeyonthekitchencountereveryevening,emptybymorningwhenshegotuptogetherselfreadyforschool.Andsomehowanotheronewouldappearthenextevening.Sheoftenwondered,embarrassedandbitterwhensomeofthekidsontheschoolbusmadefunofherthreadbareclothes,wherethemoneyfortheboozecamefrom.
Therewasawoodstoveinthegrubbykitchen.Inthelivingroom,onthemantelofthefireplace,wasanold,framedphotographoftheirpaternalgreat-grandfather—whosesoleclaimtofamewasthathe’dbeenhangedformurder.Anarrowwoodenstaircaseledupstairstothreebedroomsandabathroom.Audreyremembersthesoundofherparents’
bedroomdoorslamming.Thesoundofweepingcomingfromhermotherdownthehall
Sheneverbroughtfriendshomefromschool.Sometimesshewouldbeinvitedtoothergirls’houses,ontheschoolbusroute,butsheneverreturnedtheoffer.Somehowthekidsunderstood.Peopleknewherdadwasanalcoholic.
Butitwasworsethanthat.Theirdadwasanugly,angryalcoholic.Andthemorehedrank,thenastierhegot.He’dtakeitoutonFred,ifFredwasmouthy,andhewasmouthythatsummer.He’dslapFredacrosstheface.Frednevercried.Buthegottallandstrongthatyearandfinallyhesluggedhisfatherback,makinghimcrashagainstthekitchentableandontothefloorasAudreyandhermotherwatchedindisbelief.
HeneverhitFredagain.
Insteadheoccasionallyslappedaroundtheirmother.Buthewasmostlyverballyabusive,callingAudreynames,tellingherthatshewasfatandstupid,likehermother.Freddidn’tstickupforhissister,butsheworshippedhimanyway.Shethoughtofhimasthefunctioningheadofthefamily.Shethoughtthat,somehow,he’dgetthemoutofthis.
Audreywasdesperatetobenormal,topretendthattheywerelikeotherfamilies.Soshecleanedtheemptiesoutofherdad’scar—sometimesbeercansbutmostlywhiskeyandvodkabottles—andputtheminthetrash.Shecleanedthehouse.Shemadeaneffort.Hermothersooncametodependonhermoreandmore.Audreyworkedhardatschoolbecausetheonethingsheknewwasthatshedidn’twanttoenduplikehermomanddad;shewantedtogetthehellawayfromhome.
SometimesshefeltlikesheandFredwerethegrown-ups,takingcareoftheirparents.
Fredwasbrilliant.Everyonesaidso.Hesailedthroughschooleffortlessly,withtopgrades.Audreythoughtherbrotherwasthesmartestpersonsheknew.Heexcelledat
sports,attractedfriendseasily.Hewasgood-lookingandallthegirlshadcrushesonhim.Audreymadefriendseasilytoo,andwasgoodinschool,butshewaschubbyandplainandnotgoodatanythinginparticular,otherthandoingwhatshewastold.ButFredwasdifferent.Hehadconfidence.Heknewhewasgoingplaces.
Sometimeswhenthingswerebadinthehouse,they’dsitoutintheemptybarnandtalk.
“Iwishhewasdead,”Fredsaidoneday.
Audreyknewwhohewastalkingabout.Shefeltthesameway.Sometimesshe’dfantasizeaboutherdaddrivingdrunkandcrashingthecar,killinghimselfinstantly.Inthesefantasies,nooneelsewaseverhurt.Maybetherewaseveninsurancemoneythattheydidn’tknowabout.AlotofyoungAudrey’sdaydreamswereaboutcomingintoalotofmoney,sincetheyhadsolittleofit.Anunexpectedinheritance.Alotterywin.Buriedtreasure.
“Ifhewasdead,wecouldgobacktothecityandlivewithMom’ssister,”Fredsaid,asifhe’dgivenitsomethought.
FredlikedhisauntMary,who’ddotedonhimwhenhewaslittle,butwhomtheyhadn’tseeninyears.
“IthoughtMomwasn’ttalkingtoAuntMaryanymore,”
Audreysaid.
“Youhavenoclue,doyou?”Fredsaid.“AuntMaryhatesDad.That’swhyshewon’tvisit.”
“Thenwhydon’twevisitherwithouthim?”Audreyasked.
Hegaveheralookthattoldherhowdumbshewas.
“Becausewehavenomoney.Daddrinksitall,”hesaid.
Audreyfellsilent.MaybeAuntMarywastheonesendingmoney.Itgaveherhope.“MaybeMomwilldecidetoleaveDadandthenwecangolivewithAuntMary.”
Hegaveheralookoffrustration.“Shewon’t.”
“Whynot?”
“Becauseshe’stoostupidandtooscared.”Hesatthinking,silentforaminute.“ButI’vehadjustaboutenoughofthatasshole.”
Thingsgotincreasinglytensethatsummer.Withoutschool,Audreywasatlooseends.Fred“found”anoldten-speedbikeandusedittovisithisfriends,leavingAudreyathomebyherself.Hermotherhadmanagedtogetapart-timejobatthegrocerystoreintown.Herfathersleptallmorning,thenwokeuphungoverandnasty.Sheavoidedhimasmuchasshecould.
ThenonedayinAugust,shewascomingbackfromawalkinthefieldsinthemiddleoftheafternoon.Fredhadgoneoffonhisbiketojoinhisfriendsatthelake,sayinghewouldn’tbebackuntillate.Hermomwasworkinghershiftatthegrocerystore.
Asshecamepastthebarn,thedooropenedandFredsteppedout.Helookedflushedandhishairandclotheswererumpled,buthewassmilingasifhewerepleasedwithhimself.Shewassurprisedtoseehimthereandwonderediftherewasagirlinthehayloft.Shewasabouttoturnawayandpretendshehadn’tseenhimwhenhespottedher.Hewentcompletelystillandstaredather,thesmiledisappearing.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”hesaidsharply.
“Nothing,”shesaidquickly.
“Haveyoubeenwatchingme?”heasked.
“No.I’vebeenoutinthefields.”
Heseemedtomakeadecision,thenlookedbacktowardthebarndoorhe’djustcomeoutof.“Ithinkourproblemissolved,”hesaid.
“Whatdoyoumean?”Audreyasked,notunderstanding.
Hegesturedwithhisheadforhertofollowhim.Shewalkedcloserandthensteppedintothebarnbehindhim,inhalingthefamiliar,mustysmellofhay.Thenhereyesadjustedtothedimlight,andshescreamed.
Herfatherwashangingfromacenterbeam,athickropecoiledaroundhisneck.Hiseyesbulgedandhistonguehungout,hisneckbentatanunnaturalangle.Hewasgrotesque.Hehungcompletelystill,clearlydead.
Shewasstillscreaming.
“Shutthefuckup,”Fredsaid,givingherashake.
Shefellsilentandlookedatherbrother.Forthefirsttime,heseemedunsureofhimself,asifhecouldn’tpredictwhatshewasgoingtodo.Shewasonlyeleven,butsheputittogether.
Shelookedbackatherfatherandtriedtoswallow,butherthroatwasdry.Therewasanoldoilbarrelkickedtothesideontheearthenfloor.Itlookedlikesuicide,butsheknewbetter.
“Ithadtobedone,”hesaid.
Shewasshockedintosilence.She’dneverimaginedthatFredwoulddosuchathing.Shethoughthemightpersuadetheirmothertoleave.Sheneverthought—ithadneveroccurredtoher—thathe’ddosomethinglikethis.
“I’vegottogo,”hesaid.“I’llbebacklater.”
“WhatamIsupposedtodo?”Audreyasked,panicked.Shedidn’twanttobeleftalonewithadeadbodyinthebarn.
“Golookforhimaroundsuppertime.Youcanfindhim.
Andthencallthepolice.Theywon’tsuspectanything.Hewasatotalloser.Noonewillbesurprisedthathekilledhimself.”
“But…”
“Butwhat?”hesaidcoldly.
“How…”Shewasgoingtosayhowcouldyoudoit?butshecouldn’tgetthewordsout.
Hemisunderstood.“ItoldhimIhadsomethingIwantedtoshowhiminthebarn.OnceIgothiminhere,Icameupbehindhimandchokedhimunconsciouswiththerope.ThenIstrunghimup.Thatwasthehardpart.He’sheavierthanhelooks.”Headded,“Youweren’tsupposedtoseemehere.”
Sheturnedtohim.“Wouldyouhavetoldmethetruth,ifIhadn’tseenyou?”
Hetiltedhisheadather.“No.Butnowthatyouknow,you’regoingtokeepittoyourself.”Hewasn’tasking.Hewastellingher.“Ididitforus.”40
Ellendriveshomeinafogofdisbelief.She’dhadtopretenditdidn’tdisturbherasmuchasitdid,whatAudreytoldher.Butitwasawful,trulyawful.Shedoesn’tknowifshe’lleverbeabletolookatAudreythesamewayeveragain.Audreyhadgonealongwithit.Shecoveredupthemurderofherfather.EllenremindsherselfthatAudreywasonlyelevenyearsold,achild.
Ellenrealizesshe’sbeensittinginhercarinherdriveway,staringstraightahead,withoutmoving.Shegetsoutofthecar,entersthehouse,andkicksoffherwalkingshoes.Thenshegoesintothekitchenandleansagainstthecounter,tryingtoprocesswhatshenowknows.
ShetriestoreconcilewhatAudreyhastoldherwiththeFredsheknew.AccordingtoAudrey,Fredwasacold-bloodedkiller.Whywouldshelieaboutit?Shehasnothingtogainbymakingthestoryup.Andtherehadalwaysbeenacoldness,aselfishness,aboutFred.Ellenhadthoughthimanarcissist.
She’dneverknownhimtobeviolent,evenwhenangry,buthewasrelentlessinpursuitofhisowninterests.AndafterwhatAudreytoldher—nowsheknowshewasalmostcertainlyapsychopath.
Audreyisconvincedthistaintofpsychopathy,asshecallsit,ispresentinoneofFred’schildren.Isitaninheritabletrait?
ShemustGoogleit.Audreysaysitis.ShesaidherandFred’sgreat-grandfatherhadbeenamurderertoo.
EllenremembersclearlythefirstdayshemetFredMerton,becauseitwasthedaythatchangedherlife.Freshoutof
school,she’dbeenintimidatedbythemannerinwhichhe’dconductedherinterview.Heshotherafewquestions,thensaidhelikedthelookofher.Shehadn’tbeensurehowtotakethat—washebeinginappropriate?Inthosedays,itwasjustapassingquestion,notthoughtabouttoodeeply.Andsheneededthejob.Heofferedittoherandsheaccepted.Overthetenyearsthatshe’dworkedforhim,she’dcometoknowhimwell.Fredwasallabouthimself—otherpeopleweresimplyameanstoanend.Hehadgreatcharm,evencharisma,butsheknewwhatthatcharmwas—somethingheusedtogetwhathewanted.Sowhenhetrieditonher,sheresisted.Sheresistedhimforyears.Whenshefinallygavein,itwasonherterms,andforherownends,althoughshedidn’tlethimknowit.Notthen.
ButwhatAudreytoldherhasunnervedEllen.Onlynowdoessherealizetheriskshetook.Shepoursherselfaglassofwine,althoughit’sbarelynoon.
???
IT’SAWARMspringdayandafterherlongwalkwithEllen,Audreygoesstraighttothekitchenandopenstherefrigerator.
Shepullsoutaplasticjugofpremixedicedtea,poursherselfatallglass,andgulpshalfofitdown,stillthinkingaboutwhatshe’drevealedtoEllen,afteralltheseyears.Ellenhadseemedshocked.Well,itwasshocking.Ellenhaslivedarathershelteredlife,comparedtoAudrey.Shetopsupherglassandcarriesitintothelivingroom.Shesitsdownandpullsherlaptopoffthecoffeetableontoherlap.
Asshescansheremail,andthenreviewstheonlinenews,shebeginstofeelabitlight-headed.Shegetsup,goestothebathroom,andsplashescoldwateronherface.Shereturnstohercomputer,stillfeelingabitoff.Shetriestoignoreit,untilshestartstofeelunwell.Shehasaheadachenowandisnauseated.Shewondersifshe’scaughtsomething.Butthen
shenoticesthatshe’sclumsyasshetriestousehermouse,andasshereachesforherglassoficedtea.Somethingisverywrong.Hervisionisblurred.Alarmed,sheuseshercellphonetocall911,thenvomitsalldownthesideofthesofa.
???
IT’SAROUNDNOONonSundaywhenCatherineanswersthedoorandregistersthepeopleassembledonherdoorstep.
DetectivesReyesandBarraretherewithasearchwarrantandanentireteambehindthem.Tedcomestostandbesideher.
Shewantstoprotestbuttellsherselfshehasnothingtoworryabout.Sheletsthemin.Whatelsecanshedo?There’snothingforthemtofind.
Asthesearchproceeds,sheandTedremaininthebackground.Shegrowsincreasinglyuncomfortableastheygothroughherpersonalthings.Sheblushesastheyrummagethroughherunderweardrawer,thedirtylaundryhamper.Theycarefullyphotographeverything,includingthecontentsofherjewelrybox.Theytakeherelectronics,evenhercellphone
She’sbeginningtounderstandwhatDanmusthavefeltwhentheysearchedhisplace.She’sunnervedandfurious,butthere’snothingshecando.
???
ELLENPUTSTHEWINEGLASSinthesinkandleavesthekitchen.
Thealcoholhassteadiedherabit.She’sabouttogoupstairstoliedownwhenthedoorbellrings.Sheturnsbacktoanswerit.
It’sherdaughter,Rose.Shelooksworseeverytimesheseesher,andEllen’sanxietyincreasesatthesightofher.“Rose,honey,comein.Iseverythingallright?”
“Everything’sfine,”Rosesays,clearlylying.Shelookslikeshehasn’tslept.Oreatenmucheitherlately.Herclotheslookbigonher.
“Youdon’tseemfine,”Ellensays,worried.“Youlooktired.
Andyou’regettingsothin.Whywon’tyoutellmewhat’swrong?”
“There’snothingwrong!It’sjustwork,Mom.It’sstressful,that’sall.Ijustcameoverforavisit.Idon’tneedthethirddegree.”
Ellenthrowsupherhandsinapeacegesture.“Sorry.Areyouhungry?CanImakeyousomethingtoeat?Asandwich?”
“Sure.Thanks.”
Rosefollowsherintothekitchen,whereshestartsmakingacoupleoftunasandwiches.
“It’stoobadyoumissedthefuneralyesterday,”herdaughtersays.
“I’dpromisedyourauntBarbarathatIwouldvisit.”
“Iknow.Butyoushouldhaveseenit.Dan—itwasprettyupsetting,whathesaid.IfeltsobadforCatherine.”
Ellenturnsaroundandlooksatherdaughter,theawfulthingsAudreyhadtoldherontheirwalkstillclearinhermind.“Ireadaboutitinthepaperthismorning.”
Roselookstroubledandtellsherthedetailsthenewspaperleftout.“I’vealwaysknownfromCatherinethatthingsweren’tgreatinthatfamily,butIdidn’trealizetheywerethatbad.”
Ellenshakesherhead.“HaveyoutalkedtoCatherine?Youguysaresuchgoodfriends.”
“Iwentovertoseeher,”Rosesays.“She’samess.”Sheconcentratesonhersandwich.
“Youshouldtrytoseemoreofher,”Ellensays.“She’soneofyourbestfriends,andI’msureshecoulduseyoursupport.”
???
CATHERINEWATCHESastheysprayherhousewithchemicals,focusingonthekitchenandbathroomsinksandthebasementlaundryroom,looking,sheassumes,forsignsofblood,liketheydidinDan’shouse.Theydon’tfindany.
Theysearchthegroundsoutside,frontandback,whichCatherinefindsmortifying.Neighborsarewatchingfromthestreetandfrombehindwindows.Thepressisthere.Shehidesinside.
Ittakesseveralhours,butatlastthey’refinished.ThedetectivesandtheirteamhavetakenawayCatherine’scar.
She’sfuriousaboutthattoo.AtleasttheystillhaveTed’scar,butit’satwo-seater,andnotthemostpractical.Sheasksoneofthetechnicianshowlongitwillbebeforeshegetshercarback,buthedoesn’tanswerher.
Whenthey’refinallygone,sheshutsthedoorfirmlyafterthem,feelinglikeshewantstobreaksomething.
“Atleastthat’soverwith,”Tedsays.Heseemsrelieved.
“Nowmaybethey’llleaveusalone.”
Shelooksbackathimwithnarrowedeyes.Whyishesorelieved?Surelyhedidn’texpectthemtofindanything.Sheforcesatightsmile.Hecan’tbedoubtingher.Everything’sjustgettingtoher.It’sgettingtoallofthem.41
Thenextmorning,Monday,Catherinerealizesthedate.
Notthatit’ssixdayssinceherparentswerefoundmurdered.Butthatit’sApril29.Witheverythingthat’shappened,she’slosttrackoftime.She’slate
Tedhasalreadyleftforwork,butCatherinehastakenmoretimeoff.She’sgladhe’snothere.Sheslipsintotheupstairsbathroom,nervous.Thepolicehadbeentherethedaybefore,andsheremembershowtheyhadrifledthroughallthethingsinthebathroomcupboard.Nowshetakesoutapregnancytest.
Sheremovesitfromitspackageandpreparestopeeontheteststrip.Shetriesnottogetherhopesup.She’sonlyfourdayslate.Andallthisstress—itcouldeasilythrowheroff.She’sprobablynotpregnantatall.Butshecouldreallyusesomegoodnews.
Shepeesonthestripandwaits.
Shecanhardlybringherselftolook.Whenshedoes,sheburstsintotears.
She’spregnant.Atlast.
???
ATNINEO’CLOCK,ReyeshasJennabackintheinterviewroom.
Sheassureshimthatshedoesn’tneedanattorney.Oncethey’resettledin,thetaperunning,Reyessays,“EasterSunday,whenyoustayedanhourlongerthananyoneelseafterdinner,didyourfatheroryourmothermentionanythingaboutyourfatherplanningtochangehiswilltoleavehalfofhisestatetohissister?”
Shefrowns,shakesherhead.“No.There’snothingtothat—
it’sjustwhatAudrey’ssaying.It’sbullshit.”
“Maybenot.Yourfatherhadpancreaticcancer.Hewasdying,puttinghisaffairsinorder.”
Sheseemssurprised.“Wedidn’tknowthat.”
Helooksathersteadily.“Yourbrother,Dan,saidsomethingsatthefuneral,”Reyessays.
“Yeah,well,that’sDan.”
“Didyouknowaboutthosedisposablecoverallsinhisgarage?”
“Yes,weallknewaboutthem,Irenatoo.We’dallseenhiminoneofthosesuits,whenhewasworkingontheattic.”
“Didyouknowhelefthisgarageunlocked?”
“Isupposewealldid.Heneverlockedit,forsomereason.
Justthehouse.”
“He’ssuggestingitwasyouoryoursisterwhomurderedyourparents.”
Sheraiseshereyebrowsathim.“You’renottakinghimseriously,areyou?He’salwayshadachiponhisshoulder.Hethinkshegotittheworstofallofus,thatCatherineandIhaditsomuchbetter.”Shesighsdeeply.“Wedon’tgettooupsetaboutit,becausehe’sright.”
???
AUDREYWAKESINahospitalbed,wearingahospitalgown,surroundedbymachines,andwithanIVinherarm.Foramomentshecan’tmakesenseofit.Whatisshedoinghere?
Wassheinanaccident?Andthenitcomesbacktoher—theillness,thevomiting—dialing911justbeforecollapsingonthefloor.Thinkingthatshemightbedying,slippingintounconsciousness.Shedoesn’trememberanythingafterthat.
Butbeforethat,she’dbeendrinkingicedtea,fromherfridge.
She’sabsolutelyparched,andreachesforthepapercupofwateronthetablebesideheranddrinksallofit.Shepressesthecallbuttonandwaitsforsomeonetocome.
???
CATHERINEMERTONARRIVES,withherattorney.
“Goodmorning,”Reyessaystoherpolitelyasthefourofthemgetsettledintheinterviewroom.Hestartsthetape,makesthenecessaryintroductions,andbegins.
“Didyouknowthatyourfatherintendedtoleavehalfhisestatetohissister,Audrey?”
Shesnorts.“That’swhatshesays.Noneofusbelieveher.”
“Thiswasn’tdiscussedatdinnerthatnight?”
“No,ofcoursenot.Becauseshe’smakingitup.Hewouldneverhavedonethat.”
“I’mnotsosure,”Reyessays.“Hetriedtomakeanappointment,buthislawyerwasaway.Hemadeanappointmentforthefollowingweek,butbythenhewasdead.”
Sheholdshisgazewithoutwavering.“Yourfatherwasdying,”
hesays.Heseesatwitchofsurpriseinhereyes.“Perhapsthat’swhyhewasreorganizinghisaffairs.”
“Ididn’tknow,”shesays.“Whatwaswrongwithhim?”
“Advancedpancreaticcancer.Heprobablyhadonlyafewmonths.”Heletsherdigestthatforamoment.Thenhesays,
“Wefoundsomethinginterestingwhenweweresearchingyourhouse.”
Shefocuseshereyesonhim,suddenlywary.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Apairofearrings.”
“You’llhavetobemorespecific,”shesayssharply.“Ihavealotofearrings.”
“Butthiswasapairofearringsthatwentmissingfromyourmother’sjewelryboxonthenightshedied.”
“What?”Shelooksonherguardnow.
“Apairofdiamondearrings.Squarecutandacarateach.
Quitevaluable.”Heopensthefolderinfrontofhimandhandsherapictureoftheearrings.Shestaresdownatthephotograph,herfacecoloring.Reyessays,“Thisisfromaninventoryofwhatwasmissingfromyourparents’home—
fromtheinsurers.”
“Iborrowedthese.Acoupleofweeksago.”
“Cananyoneconfirmthat?”
Shelooksupathimangrily.“Whatareyousuggesting?
ThatImurderedmyparentsandkepttheseearrings?”
“They’retheonlypiecesmissingfromyourparents’homethatwe’vefound,andwefoundtheminyourjewelrybox.”
“BecauseIborrowedthem!”
“I’llaskyouagain,cananyoneconfirmthatyouborrowedthem?”
“No,ofcoursenot.Itwasbetweenmeandmymother.ButIoccasionallyborrowedthingsfromher.”
“Didanyoneseeyouwearthem,intheweekortwobeforeyourparentsweremurdered?”
Here,theattorneyintervenes.“Shesaidsheborrowedthem.
Let’smoveon.”
Hecan’ttellifCatherineistellinghimthetruth.She’sahardonetoread.Herattorney,however,islookingincreasinglyconcerned.
“Whydidyouleaveyourcellphoneathomethatnight,whenyouwentbacktoyourparents?”
Shelooksstartled.Sheswallowsnervously.“Iforgotit.IleftitbehindonthehalltablewhenIpickedupmykeys.I-IoftenforgetthingswhenIhavealotonmymind.”
Reyesgivesheradisbelievinglook.Heleansforward.
“Here’sthething,Catherine.Youandyoursiblingsstandtogainmillionsfromyourparents’deaths.Yourbrothersaysyouknewabouttheprotectivesuitsinhisgarageandthatyouknewhedoesn’tkeepthesidedoortothegaragelocked,somethingconfirmedbyyoursister,Jenna.Theonlyrecoveredpiecesofthemissingjewelrywerefoundinyourhouse.Weknowyouwerethereagainlaterthatnight—youadmittedit.
Butfirstyouliedaboutit,andhadyourhusbandlieaboutittoo.Andyouleftyourcellphoneathomethatnight,perhapssoyourmovementscouldn’tbetraced.”
“Thisisridiculous,”Catherineexclaimshotly.“Ididn’tkillthem—theywerealreadydeadwhenIgotthere!”Shestaresbackathiminthesuddensilence;sheseemsshockedatwhatshe’sjustsaid.
Herattorneylooksstunned.
Afteralongmoment,Reyessays,“Butthatdoesn’tmakesense.Ifthat’strue,whydidn’tyoucall911?”
Shesaysmiserably,“Ithinkyouknowwhy.”
Hesimplysitsthereandwaits.
Atlastshesaysit,hervoicebreaking.“BecauseIthoughtDandidit.”42
Catherinehasmadeanappointmentforthatafternoonatoneo’clockatthelawyer’sofficetodiscussthewills.
She’darrangeditwithWalterTempleandlethersiblingsknow.Thisiswhatthey’veallbeenwaitingfor.
TedhadleftworkandpickedupCatherineathome.She’dhadtoUberittoandfromherinterviewwiththedetectivesthatmorning,becausethey’dtakenhercaraway.Now,astheywalkintothebuildingindowntownAylesfordthathousesthelawfirm,Catherinefindsherselffeelingslightlysick.She’sstillreelingfromtheinterviewwiththedetectivesthismorning,andacombinationofanticipationandfearismakingherstomachchurn.Ormaybeit’sthebeginningofmorningsickness.Shehugshersecrettoherself,herlittlesparkofprivatejoy.ShewillwaittotellTedattherightmoment.Sheremindsherselftheyhavenothingtoworryabout.Theirfatherhadn’tchangedhiswill,despitewhatAudreysaid.WalterhadtoldDanasmuch.
SheandTedarethefirsttoarrive.Asthey’resittinginthewaitingroom,DanandLisacomein.CatherinerisesandLisaautomaticallygoestoherforabriefhug,whileDanstandsafewfeetaway.WhenJennaarrives,thewomenmanagesomesmalltalkwhileTedandDanremainmostlysilent.
Waltercomesouttothewaitingroompromptlyatoneo’clockandushersthemallintoaboardroom,aroundalongrectangulartable.He’sholdingafile,whichheplacesonthetable.
“I’mgladyou’reallhere,”hesays,lookingateachofthem,
“althoughIneverdreameditwouldbeinsuchtragiccircumstances.”
Catherinecanfeelthetensionintheroom.Theirfathermighthavechangedhiswillyearsagoandnevertoldthem.
Sheimagineshimlaughingatthemfrombeyondthegrave.
Sheimagineshimsittinginthatemptychair,preparingtoenjoyhimself.Catherineglancesfurtivelyateachofhersiblings,suspectingsimilarthoughtsarerunningthroughtheirminds.Danispaleandfidgety,andLisagrabsoneofhishandstostillit.
“Yourmother’swillisquitestraightforward.Yearsago,she’dsigneddocumentsagreeingtoleaveheroutofyourfather’swill,inreturnforthehouseandasumofherown.Shedidn’twanttostandinthewayofyouchildrenreceivingthebulkofyourinheritanceshouldyourfatherdiefirst.Herestateistobedividedamongthethreeofyouequally.Yourfather’swillisofgreatersignificance.I’llbeginwithhisspecificbequests,thentalkabouttheremainderoftheestate,”Waltersays.“Therearesomeminorbequeststovariousorganizations
—”Henamesalocalhospitalandafewothersmallcharitiesherparentswereinvolvedwith.Catherineshiftsinherseatwithimpatienceandnerves.Finallyhegetstothecruxofit.
“ToIrenaDabrowski,onemilliondollars.”
That’sasubstantialsum.Sheglancesaroundthetableattheothers.They’remildlysurprised,too,buttheyseempleasedfortheiroldnanny.
“ToAudreyStancik,onemilliondollars.”
Catherineallowsherselftorelax.It’struethen.Hehadn’tchangedhiswilltogiveherhalf.
Waltercontinues.“Theremainderoftheestate,aftertax,expenses,andsoon—I’llspareyouthelegallanguage.”Helooksupatthem.“Theremainderofyourfather’sestateisto
bedividedequallyamonghischildren.”Helooksaroundthetableatthem.
Catherinecanfeelthereliefintheroom,likeanexhalation.
Sherealizesnowit’snotjustherandherbrotherandsisterwhohavebeentense.Tedbesidehervisiblyrelaxes,andshecanseeacalmnesscomeoverLisa’sfacetoo.They’veallbeenontenterhookstheselastfewharrowingdays.SheglancesatTedandsqueezeshishand.
Danactuallysitsbackinhischairandcloseshiseyes,theverypictureofrelief.CatherinecatchesWalterlookingathimwithdistaste.Shewonderswhathe’sthinking.Walterwasatthefuneral,andhewasoneoftheirfather’sclosestfriends.
Catherinespeaksup.“Andcanyoutelluswhattheestateisworth,roughly?”ShewatchesDan’seyessnapopenashesitsupanddirectshisattentionbacktotheattorney.
“Justamoment,”Waltersaysheavily.
Theyalllookbackathimexpectantly.
“Thismaycomeasabitofasurprise,butthethreeofyouarenotFred’sonlychildren.”
???
REYESREVIEWSDANMERTON’Sfinancesagain,takingacloserlook.Theyknowthataboutsixmonthsago,justbeforehisfathersoldhiscompany,DanwithdrewthemajorityofhismoneyfromhisinvestmentfirmtoloanhalfamilliondollarstooneAmirGhorbani,securedbyafirstmortgageonhishomeinBreckenHill.ThisiswhyDanhasnoreadymoney.
ButwhatjumpsouttoReyesthistimeisthenameoftheattorneyonthedocument.RoseCutter.Hestaresatthename.
RoseCutteristheillegitimatehalfsiblingoftheMertons,whoisinheritinganequalshareunderFred’swill.Theonethatthelegitimatesiblingsdon’tknowabout.HesaystoBarr,“Takealookatthis.”
???
CATHERINEGAPESATWALTERandthenlooksaroundthetable;thereisdismayonalltheirfaces.“What?”Catherinesays.
“Wedon’tknowaboutanyotherchildren.”
“Idon’tbelieveit!Dadhadsomebastardchild,isthatit?”
Dansays.“Andnowtheygetashare?Nofuckingway.”
“Whoisit?”Catherineasks.
“Ayoungwoman,”theattorneysays,“bythenameofRoseCutter.”
CatherineimmediatelyturnstoDanandhestaresbackather,inshock.Lisa,besidehim,hasalsogonesuddenlystill.
“Doyouknowher?”Walterasks,clearlysurprised.
“She’saclosefriendofmine,”Catherinesaysindisbelief.
Shefeelslikethebreathhasbeensuckedoutofher.
Afteramoment,Dansays,“Shepersuadedmetomakeaninvestmentwithherandtiedupmostofmysavings.She’sthereasonIneededmoney.”NoweveryonestaresatDan.Forlongseconds,theroomisquiet.ThenDansays,raisinghisvoice,“It’sbecauseofherthatthepolicethinkIkilledourparents.”HeturnstoCatherine.“Thisisyourfault.You’retheonewhosuggestedshetalktome.”
AtfirstCatherinehasnoresponse.Butthenshesnapsback,
“Ididn’trealizeyouweregoingtocommitalmostallyourmoneytoher.AndIdidn’tknowDadwouldsellthebusinessandyou’dbeoutofajob.”
“Yeah,well,neitherdidI,”Dansays.
Walterclearshisthroat.“Ididn’trealizeyouwereacquaintedwithher.NooneknewthatRoseCutterwasinthewillexceptyourfather.Notevenyourmotherknew.CertainlyRoseCutterdoesnotknow.”
“Iguesshewantedittobeasurprise,”Jennasayssarcastically.
“Butdoessheknowthatwehavethesamefather?”
Catherineasks.ShewondersifRosehasknownallalong.Alltheseyearsthey’vebeenfriends,andCatherinehadnoidea.
ButmaybeRosedid.
“ThatIdon’tknow,”Waltersays.“Hermothermighthavetoldher.Buthermotherwouldnothaveknownaboutthewill,I’mcertainofthat.”
IfRosehasknownallalong,Catherinethinks,shecan’thelpfeelingbetrayed,used,evenspiedupon.“Canwefightit?”Catherineasks.
“Iwouldn’tadviseit,”Waltersays.“Fredacknowledgedtomelongagothatshewashisdaughter.Hermother,EllenCutter,workedforyourfatheratonetime.HepaidherforRose’supkeepforovertwentyyears.Andthenthere’sDNAtesting.”Headds,“Itwouldbeexpensivetofightitandyouwouldlose.”
Catherinethinksbitterly,MaybeRoseknowsexactlywhosheis.AndmaybesheexpectsCatherineandtheotherstowelcomeherintothefamilyasasisterandhappilysharetheirmoney.
Shedoesn’tknowthemverywell.
“Howmuchistheestateworth?”Danasksnow.
“Aftertax,abouttwenty-sixmillion,”Waltersays.“Yourmother’spropertyaddsaboutanothersix.”Hisfacetakesonalookofthinlyveileddisgust.“Congratulations.Evenwithyourhalfsibling,youareallnowverywealthy.”
Catherinestaresattheattorney,readinghisexpression.Sherealizesthathethinksoneofthemisamurderer.Maybe,Catherinethinks,whenthisisallover,theyshouldfindanewlawyer.
Theyleavetheattorney’sofficeandstoptotalkintheparkinglotafterward.TheiceseemstohavebrokenbetweenDanandtherestofthem.Theyareunitednowagainstacommonenemy,ausurper.
“Idon’tfuckingbelieveit,”Jennasays.
“Idon’tknowwhywedidn’tseethiscoming,”Dansays.
“HewassoshittytoMom.”Hegrimaces.“Isupposewe’reluckytherearen’tmore.”
“Asexecutor,IhavetocallAudreyandtellhershe’sgettingamilliondollars,”Catherinesays.“ButI’mnotgoingtobetheonetotellheraboutushavingtosplittherestwithRose—Idon’twanttogiveherthesatisfaction.I’mhappyforIrena,though.”Theothersnodtheirheadsinagreement.
Theytalkforalittlewhilelonger.Beforetheydispersetotheirvariouscars,CatherinesaystoDanandJenna,“Wehavetosticktogether.Don’ttellthepoliceanything.Thisisallgoingtoblowover,andwe’llallberich.”43
Number22BreckenHillDriveisamassiveproperty—
completewithalavishItalianfountaininfront.
“Jeez,”Barrsaysastheyapproach.“Abitmuch,don’tyouthink?”
Reyesdoesn’tgiveanopinion.Theowner,AmirGhorbani,isexpectingthem.Reyesringsthedoorbell,andanelaboratetrillingcanbeheardechoingfrominside.Barrrollshereyes.
Thedooropensandamanaboutfortyyearsofagegreetsthem.Helookscloselyattheiridentification.“Please,comein,”hesaysanddirectsthemintoalargelivingroom,wheretheysitdownbeneathanornatecrystalchandelier.
Thehousefeelsempty,quiet;Reyesdoesn’tthinkthere’sanyoneelsethere.
Asifreadinghismind,Ghorbanisays,“MywifeandchildrenarevisitingfamilyinDubai.”
“AsImentionedonthephone,”Reyesbegins,“we’reinvestigatingthemurdersofFredandSheilaMerton.”
Themannods.“It’sterrible.EveryoneinBreckenHillisupsetaboutit.I’mfairlynewhere,butasfarasIunderstand,nothinglikethishaseverhappenedhere.”
“Weunderstandyouhavesomebusinesswiththeirson,DanMerton,”Reyessays.
Themangoesstill.“Business?No,Idon’thaveanybusinesswithhim.”
ReyespullsoutafolderandhandshimthedocumentthatshowsDanMertonadvancingfivehundredthousanddollarstoAmirGhorbani,securedbyafirstmortgageonthehousethey’resittingin.Theothermanreadsit,clearlyastonished.
“I’veneverseenthisbeforeinmylife,”hesays.“IhaveneverborrowedmoneyfromDanMerton.Theonlymortgageonthishouseiswiththebank.Thatcan’thavebeenregistered.
Thebankwouldneverallowthistohappen.”Ghorbanilooksatthepaperagain.“I’veneverheardofRoseCutter.Sheisnotmylawyer.”Hesitsback.“ButI’lltellyousomethingelse.
I’veseenDanMertonsittingoutsidethishouse,atnight,onseveraloccasions.He’dsitoutthereinhiscar,watchingthehouse.”
Reyesissurprisedtohearthis.It’sratherstrangebehavior.
“Soyou’dmethim?”Reyesasks.
“No.Ihiredaprivatedetectivetofindoutwhohewas.”Headds,“Itworriedme;Ididn’tknowwhathewasdoingthere.”
Heshakeshishead,lookingnervousnow.“Someonegothismoney,butitwasn’tme.”
ReyessharesaglancewithBarr.RoseCutterhaspulledafastoneonherhalfbrother,Dan.
Ghorbanisays,“Doyouthinkhemurderedhisparents?Hewasherethatnight,EasterSunday.Outsidemyhouse.”
“Whattime?”Reyesasks.
“Inoticedhimprobablyaroundtenthirty,maybeabitearlier.Heusuallystayedforanhourorso,buthewasgonethatnightafteronlytenorfifteenminutes.Irememberlookingoutthewindowandnoticinghe’dleft,becauseIwouldnevergotobeduntilhewasgone.”
???
EVENWITHTHESURPRISESIBLING,Tedthinks,ashedrivesthemhome,Catherine’sshareoftheestatewillstillberoughlyeightmillion.Worthcelebrating.ButCatherineseemstobedeeplydistressedatfindingoutthatRoseCutter,whoshe’salwaysconsideredaclosefriend,isherhalfsister.Hehastoadmit,itstartledhimtoo.Itwillchangethingsbetweenthem,andhecantellCatherinedoesn’tlikeit.
“Well,”Catherinesays,leaningbackinherseat,“nowweknow.”
Teddoesn’twanttobringitup,buthehastoknow.Heasks,“Whathappenedatthepolicestationthismorning?”
Sheturnstohim.“Theyfoundapairofmymother’searringsinmyjewelrybox.”
“So?”Buthismindisalreadyracingahead.
“So—they’resayingit’sapairthatwentmissingfromMom’sthenightofthemurder.Theyhavesomekindofinventoryfromtheinsurancecompany.ButIborrowedthoseearringsacoupleofweeksearlier.AndafterwhatDansaidatthefuneral…”
“Youcan’tmeantheyseriouslysuspectyou?”Tedasksindismay,glancingather.
“Ihonestlydon’tknow,butitfeelsthatway.”
Tedstaresattheroadaheadofhim,hishandsgrippingthesteeringwheeltightly.Hefeelslikehe’sinsomesurrealmovie,drivingdownafamiliarroadwhilehislifereelsaroundhim.
Theydrivetherestofthewayinsilence.Tedisthinkingabouttheearrings.Hedoesn’trememberherborrowinganyjewelryfromhermother.Butwhywouldhe?
Justbeforetheypullintothedriveway,Catherinesays,
“Ted,maybeyoucouldbackmeupontheearrings?Sayyou
knewIborrowedthem?”
Heparksthecarandlooksather,worried.He’ddecidedhewasn’tgoingtolietothepoliceanymore.Howcanhebeinthisposition?ButCatherinedidn’tmurderherparents.It’ssimplyimpossible.AndCatherinejustinheritedeightmilliondollars.More,ifDanisconvicted,becausehe’dforfeithisshare.
“Sure,”hesays.
???
LISAWASSURPRISEDbytherevelationaboutRoseCutter.Shedoesn’tknowher.Butshedoesn’tseetheproblem.Eightmillionisplenty.Theycanshare.Buthersatisfactionwiththecontentsofthewillsismarredbythewaytheattorneyhadlookedatherhusband.HeobviouslythinksDandidit;hecouldbarelyhidehisrevulsion.Sheisoverwhelmedwithshame.Shecan’tbearforpeopletothinkofthemthatway.
Buttheworstisthefear.
Dansulksinthepassengerseatbesideherasshedrivesthemhomeinhercar.
“It’sokay,”Lisasays.“It’sstillalotofmoney.”
Dansnortsandsays,“Toobadwecan’tenjoyit.”Sheremainssilent.“Weshouldbepoppingchampagne,planningatriptoItaly.Buyinganewhouse.Butwecan’t.Howwoulditlook?PeoplearealreadysayingIkilledthem.”
“Itwilltaketimetosettletheestateanyway,”Lisasays.
“Andoncetheyfindoutwhodidit,thenwewillbeabletoenjoyit,”shesays,tryingtosoothehim.Ormaybeshe’stryingtosootheherself.
Hestaresoutthewindow,nervouslygnawingonathumbnail.
???
JENNADRIVESHOMEfromWalter’soffice,thinkingaboutthewills.Sheshouldbehappy—sheishappy.She’sgoingtoberich.Butanunknownhalfsiblingbeingtreatedequallywiththem—thatrankles.Shedoesn’treallyknowRoseCutter,althoughshemetherathersister’sweddingyearsago.
She’sabituneasyaboutJake.Jakehasliedforher.Theirfling—orwhateverthisis—isfunfornow,butwhatiftheygettiredofeachother?Whatifoneofthemwantstobreakitoff?
Couldshetrusthimthen?
Itwouldbeniceiftheyarrestedsomeone,andshealmostdoesn’tcarewho,aslongasitisn’ther.44
BarrpopsherheadinReyes’sofficedoor,slightlybreathless.
“Whatisit?”Reyesasks.
“Ijustgotacallfromthehospital.AudreyStancikwasadmittedyesterday,andtheythinkshewaspoisoned.”
ReyesandBarrgettothehospitalasfastastheycan.TheyfinallytrackdownAudreyStancik’sdoctor,Dr.Wang.“Shewaspoisoned?”Reyesasks.“Areyousure?”
Thedoctornodsbrisklyandsays,“Nodoubtaboutit.
Ethyleneglycol.Ifshehadn’tcalledusasquicklyasshedid,shemightwellbeinacomabynow.We’vetreatedherwithfomepizole—itreversestheeffectsofthepoisonandpreventsorgandamage.”Heturnsasiftobeonhisway.“She’sgoingtobefine.She’llbereleasedlatertoday.”
“Wait,”Reyessays.Thedoctorstopsforamoment.“Wherewouldethyleneglycolcomefrom?”Reyesasks.
“Antifreeze,probably.That’syourdepartment,notmine.
Youcanseeher.She’seagertotalktoyou.Room712.”
TheylocateAudrey’sroom,andReyesknocksgentlyonthepartlyopeneddoorandtheyenter.It’sasemiprivateroom;there’sanotherwomaninthebedacrossfromher.ReyespullsthecurtainaroundAudrey’sbedforprivacy,andheandBarrstandbyherbedside.“Howareyoufeeling?”hebegins.
Shefrownsweaklyatthemboth.“I’vefeltbetter,”sheadmits,“buttheytellmeI’mgoingtobefine.Nolastingdamage.”
“Whathappened?”Reyesasks.
“Itwastheicedtea,”Audreysaysfirmly,“I’msureofit.Ikeepaplasticjugoficedteainmyrefrigerator.WhenIgothomefromawalkonSundaymorning,Ihadaglassofit.ItwasafterthatIstartedtofeelsick.”
ReyesglancesatBarr.
“Someonetriedtokillme,”Audreyinsists.“Someonebrokeintomyhouseandtriedtopoisonme.”Sheadds,“Ithastobeoneofthosekids.”
“Whywouldanyofthemwanttokillyou?”Reyesasks.
“BecauseIknowoneofthemisamurderer.AndwhoeveritisprobablyknowsthatI’mtalkingtoyou—andtothepress.Iwastheanonymoussourceinthenewspaperyesterday.”
???
ONCEINSIDETHEHOUSE,CatherinetellsTedshe’sgoingupstairstoliedown.Shehasapoundingheadache,tightacrosshersinuses,probablyfromthestressofeverything—thepoliceinterviewthismorning,thewill,thenewsaboutRosethisafternoon.
CatherineneedstothinkaboutRose,whattodoabouther.
Shedoesn’tfeellikeshe’sgainedasister,butthatshe’slostafriend.
Catherinegetsunderneaththecoversandpullsthemuptoherchin.Shetriestoemptyhermindsothatshecansleepandgetridofherheadache.Summoninghappythoughts,shethinksaboutthemoneyshewillget,andaboutthebabyshe’sgoingtohave,andhowshewilltellTed.She’shopingforagirl.Sheimaginesdecoratingthenurseryinherparents’house
—itandeverythinginitwillbehersnow.DanandJennadon’tcare.Theywillhavethehouseandcontentsvaluedandthatwillcomeoutofhershareoftheinheritance.Whenshesaid
that’swhatshewanted,intheparkinglotafterthemeetingwithWalter,DanandJennawerenotsurprised,butTedhadbeen.Whenshementionedthatitwasherintentiontomoveintothehouse,hehadbeentakenaback.Shewasn’timmediatelysurewhy—heknewshe’dalwayswantedthathouse.
“But—”Tedprotested.
“Butwhat?”Catherinereplied.
Tedswallowedandsaid,“Yourparentsweremurderedinthathouse—doyoustillwanttoliveinit?”
Shedidn’twanthimtothinkhercold.“It’swhereIgrewup,”shesaidstubbornly,plaintively,lettinghereyesfillup.
Shewantedtosay,Icanlivewithit,canyou?Butshewasn’tsureshewasgoingtolikehisanswer.Thisissomethingelseshewillhavetodealwith,herhusband’ssqueamishness.
Andtheearrings—hermindraceson.Whydon’tthedetectivesbelievesheborrowedthoseearrings?Andnowthereisnowayshewillfallasleepbecauseshe’sthinkingaboutAudrey.Hadshealreadyspokentothedetectives?SherememberscatchingsightofAudreyinhercarintheparkinglotofthepolicestation,watchingasshecameout,howshethreatenedCatherineandhersiblingswhenshefoundoutshewasn’tgoingtoberich.
Audreyknowsherhistory.WhenCatherinewasyoung,shewasn’talwaystheperfectdaughter.Whenshewastwelve,shestoleanecklace.Shewasoveratafriend’shouse,andthegirl’sparentsweren’thome.Catherinewentupstairstothebathroom,and,curious,slippedintotheparents’bedroom.Shedidn’twanttosnoopingeneral,sheonlywantedtolookinMrs.Gibson’sjewelrybox.Shehadlotsoflovelythings.
TherewasasweetlittlenecklaceatthebottomthatCatherinepickedupandhelduptothelight.Adelicategoldchainwithasinglesmalldiamond.Catherineslippeditintothepocketof
herjeans.ShethoughtMrs.Gibsonwouldn’tnoticeitmissingrightaway,andshewouldn’tbeabletoconnectitsdisappearancetoCatherine’svisit.
Butitwasherownmotherwhofoundoutaboutthenecklace,afterIrenadiscoveredithiddenunderCatherine’smattresswhenshewaschangingthebed.Irenatoldhermother,whoconfrontedheraboutitandforcedthetruthoutofher.ThenshemarchedherovertotheGibsons’andmadeherreturnthenecklaceandapologize,herfaceflushedwithshame.Shewasfullofresentmentathermother,becauseCatherinewasright—Mrs.Gibsonhadn’tnoticedthenecklacewasmissingatall.IthadendedherfriendshipwiththeGibsons’daughter.Catherine’smotherwasmortified.ShetoldCatherine’sfatherwhenhegothomeandheberatedherandmadeherfeelsoashamedandangrythatshewantedtorunawayfromhome.
OfcourseherfathertoldAudrey.Hetoldhereverything,asifhelikedtodisplayhischildren’sfailings.Andtherewasthetimeafterthat,whenshe’dtriedtoshopliftadiamondbraceletfromajewelryshopwhenshewassixteen.Policehadbeencalled,butherfathergotheroutofit.Shereallyhadahardtimestayingawayfromsparklythings.
???
REYESANDBARRaremetatAudrey’shousebytechniciansfromtheforensicteam.Astudyofherhomeshowsnoevidenceofarecentbreak-in.Butalargewindowhasbeenleftopenatthebackofthehouse,andsomeonecouldhaveenteredthatway.
Audreywillbecominghomefromthehospitallaterthatday.
Reyescarefullyclosesandlocksallthewindows.
Theytakeawaythejugoficedteaforanalysis,andtheglassleftonthecoffeetable.Reyeswrinkleshisnoseatthevomitstreakingthesofaandpooledontheliving-roomfloor.
Barrcomesupbesidehim.“AreyouthinkingwhatI’mthinking?”sheasks.
“Youthinkshemighthavepoisonedherself?”
Barrshrugs.“Shestrikesmeasthehistrionictype.Itwouldn’tsurpriseme.”
“Nosignofabreak-in,”Reyessays,“butthatdoesn’tnecessarilymeananything.”
Barrnods.“Thewindowwasopen.”
“Andshecalled911justintime,”Reyessays.Thetechniciansbegindustingforthepossibleintruder’sfingerprints,butReyesalreadysuspectsthattheywon’tfindany.ThedetectiveshavetogetbacktothestationtodealwithRoseCutter,sotheyleavethetechnicianstoit.45
RoseCuttercanfeelherheartbeatinginherchest.
ShesitsatherdeskinherlawofficeonWaterStreet.
She’sasolepractitioner,dealingmostlyinrealestate.
ShepullsdowntheblindsonherstorefrontofficeandturnsthesignonthedooraroundtoreadCLOSED.She’ssentherassistanthomeearly.It’sshortlybeforefive.Shejustwantstogohome.
Shewastooambitious,andit’sgottenherintotrouble.
She’salwayswantedmorethanshehad,andshe’salwaysbeenjealous,evenresentful,ofherbetter-offfriendsandacquaintanceswhohavefamilymoney.Startingyourownpracticeisdifficult—andexpensive.Officespace,equipment,insurance,lawfees,anassistant’ssalary—it’sbeenharderthansheexpectedtomakealiving.She’sstillrentingaplacetolive,andshehasstudentloanstopay.
RosethinksabouttheMertons.Sheknowshowrichtheyare.Afterall,Catherinehasgivenheratasteofwhatherlifeislike.AndCatherinealwaysinsistsonpaying—whetherit’sforaday’ssailing,withchampagneandlobster,orforanexpensivedinner—andRoseletsher,becausetheybothknowshecaneasilyafforditandRosecan’t.
BackbeforeFredMertonsoldhiscompanyandcutDanloose,RoseknewDanhadtobesittingonapileofmoney.
Shesawanopportunity.ShewasabletopersuadeCatherinetogetDantotalktoheraboutaninvestmentopportunityhemightbeinterestedin.
Shepersuadedhimtotakehismoneyoutofwherehehaditandinvestasaprivatelendertotheownersof22BreckenHill
Drive,withthepropertyassecurity.Itofferedasignificantlyhigherrateofreturnthanwhathewasgettingelsewhere,foratwelve-monthterm,anditwasrisk-free.Butthenhelosthisjobandwantedtogetthemoneybackearly.Shecouldn’thelphim;shetoldhimhe’dhavetowait.Therewasnothingshecoulddo.
Infact,thereisnomortgageonthatproperty.SheforgedthedocumentstogetDan’shalfmilliontoinvestinwhatwassupposedtobeasurething.Shehadahottiponastock.Shethoughtshe’dmakeakillingonitandgetsomefastmoney.
Shewasgreedy,butshefullyintendedtoreturnhismoneywhenitcamedue,withnoonethewiser.Butithasn’tturnedoutthatway.Thesurethingfailed.Dandoesn’tknowwhatshe’sdone.Butifshecan’tcomeupwiththemoneyinthenextfewmonths,hewillfindout.
WhenshegotthecallafewminutesagofromaDetectiveBarr,Rosehadswiveledherchairtoturnherbacktoherassistantandclosedhereyes.Thedetectiveaskedhertocomedowntothepolicestation.Shehungupthephone,sentKellyhome,andsatperfectlystill,wonderinghowmuchthepoliceknew,whattheymightaccuseherof.
Now,asshearrivesatthestation,shewalksinwithherheadhighandherbackstraight.Sheputsonherconfidentlawyerpersonaandgreetsthetwodetectiveswithasmile.
“WhatcanIdoforyou?”sheasks,sittingdownintheinterviewroom.
“Asyouprobablyknow,we’reinvestigatingthemurdersofFredandSheilaMerton,”DetectiveReyessays.“IunderstandyouknowCatherineMertonquitewell.”
“That’sright.CatherineandIhavebeenfriendsforyears.
Wewereatschooltogether.”
“Weunderstandthatyouwerehandlinganinvestmentforherbrother,Dan.”
Shemustkeephercomposure.Everythingdependsonhowshehandlesthis.“Yes,that’sright.”
“Canyoutellusaboutthat?”
“Iwaslookingforaprivatelenderforaclient,andCatherinementionedtomethatherbrothermighthavesomemoneytoinvest.DanandImet,andhewentaheadwiththeinvestment,takingafirstmortgageontheproperty.”
Reyesisnoddingalong.Thenhesays,“I’mafraidImustcautionyou,”andproceedstodoso.
Shefeelsherfacegohotasawaveofpanicrollsoverher.
Thedetectivesarewatchingherclosely.Shefeelsasifshecan’tbreathe.
“Wouldyoulikesomewater?”Reyesasks.
Shenodswithoutanswering,andDetectiveBarrpourshersomewater.She’sgratefulfortheinterruption;sheneedstothink.Butshecan’tthink.Barrhandsherthewaterandshedrinksgreedily,herhandtrembling.
???
AUDREY,JUSTHOMEfromthehospital,doesn’tmanagetoreachthephoneinthekitchenbeforeitgoestomessage.Shefreezesatthedoorwaytothekitchen,herheartpoundingwhensherecognizesCatherine’svoiceonthespeaker.Shedoesn’tpickup;shedoesn’twanttotalktoher.Themessageisshort.
CatherinesaysthatFredleftherandIrenaeachamilliondollarsinhiswill.Thenshehangsupabruptly,leavingAudreystaringatthephone.Shedoesn’tknowhowtofeel.
Ofcourseshe’sgladtohaveonemillion;she’dalmostresignedherselftogettingnothing.ButAudreyhadexpectedsomuchmore.ShehasnogroundsonwhichtochallengeFred’swill.Butshe’snotgoingtogiveupthefightforjusticeforherbrother.Andnowshe’sconvincedthatoneofthemjust
triedtokillhertoo.She’snotjustcuriousanymore.She’sindanger.
WouldCatherinecallifshe’dpoisonedAudreyandthoughtshemightbelyingdeadonthefloor?Yes,shewould.Shewouldcoverhertracks,leaveamessagefulfillingherexecutorduties.Ifshewasthekiller,andherpoisoner,imaginehersurpriseifAudreyhadansweredthephone.Nowshewishesshehad.
Thisisallbecauseshespoketothatreporter,RobinFontaine.
Audreyfeelsasuddenneedtotalktosomeoneshecantrust.ShepicksupthephoneandcallsEllen.
???
REYESSTUDIESROSECUTTER,sweatinginthechairacrossfromhimandBarr.Sheputsthewaterdownonthetable.
“Iwantanattorney.”
“Fine,”Reyessaysandleavestheroomforhertocallherlawyer.Ashorttimelaterherattorneyarrivesandisclosetedwithherclient.Thenthelawyeropensthedoorandtellsthedetectivesthattheyareready.Theyresumetheirplacesandrecordtheinterviewontape.
Reyessays,“Whatyoutoldusisallbullshit,isn’tit?ThereisnomortgageonTwenty-TwoBreckenHillDrive.We’vealreadyspokentotheowner.”
Shesaysnothing,asifshe’sfrozeninfear.
Reyesasks,“WhatdidyoudowithDanMerton’smoney?”
“Nocomment,”Rosesaysfinally,hervoicestrained.
“Weknowthatthemortgageyoupreparedwasfraudulentandwasneverregistered.”
“Nocomment.”
“Allright,”Reyessays,changingdirection.“WherewereyouthenightofApriltwenty-first?”
“I’msorry?”Rosesays,asifshedoesn’tunderstandthequestion.
“Youheardme.WherewereyouonthenightofEasterSunday?”
“What’sthisabout?”Rose’sattorneyaskssharply.
“FredandSheilaMertonweremurderedthatnight.AndMs.CutterhereisasignificantbeneficiaryunderFredMerton’swill.”HewatchesRosesuckinabreath;shelooksasifshemightfaint.
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Roseasks,hervoiceshrill.
“You’reFredMerton’sillegitimatedaughter.Don’tpretendyoudidn’tknow.”
Sheturnstoherattorney,hermouthdroppingopen.Thensheturnsbacktothedetectives.“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”
Reyessays,“Youaregoingtoinheritafortune.”
Theattorneyisclearlytakenabackatwhatshe’swalkedinto.
“You’remakingthisup,”Rosesays.“Youmustbe.”
Reyesstudiesherclosely.“IassureyouI’mnot.So—wherewereyouonthenightofApriltwenty-first?”
Rosestutters,“I-IhadEasterdinneratmymom’s,withmyauntBarbara.ThenIwenthome.”
“Andyouwerealoneallnight?”
“Yes.”
“Youcan’tbeseriousabouttheseinsinuations,”theattorneypipesup,findinghervoiceatlast.
“Well,wealreadyknowshe’smotivatedbymoney,”Reyessays.Roseshootshimanangry,nervouslook.“ShedefraudedDanMertonoutofhalfamilliondollars.Who’stosayshe’dstopshortatmurder?”HeturnsbacktoRoseandsays,“Youcango,fornow.Butyou’llbehearingfromusaboutthefraudcharge.”
Asshestandsup,hesays,“You’dbettergoseeWalterTempleinthemorning.He’llbeexpectingyou.”46
Dancan’tsleep.Hetossesandturnsuntilwellpastmidnight.Lisa,besidehim,hasfinallyfallenintoadeepslumber,exhaustedfromtheemotionalstrainofthelastfewdays.
Hegetsquietlyoutofbedandpullsonsocksandunderwear,jeansandasweater.Heneedstodrivesomewhere.
Anywhere.It’sacompulsionhehassometimes.
HeletshimselfoutofthehouseandgetsintoLisa’scar.Heresentsthathenolongerhashisowncar.He’llbuyanotherone,hedecides,whenthisisallover,somethingsportyandpowerfulandimpressive.Heturnsoffhiscellphoneanddrivesintothedarkspringnight.
Danremembershow,whenhewasseventeen,hedevelopedacrushonagirlatschool,TinaMetheney.Hewasobsessedwithher.Hefollowedheraroundatschool,staredatherinclass,brushedupagainstherinthehall.Hewasjustakid,painfullyawkward,andhedidn’tknowhowtodealwithhisoverwhelmingfeelingsofsexualdesire.Hethoughthewasinlove.Shedidn’tlikeit.Shetoldhimtoleaveheralone,tostoplookingatherlikethat.Itwasmorethanmererejection.Shelefthimfeelinglikeherevoltedher,thathefrightenedher.
Hisfatherhadgivenhimhisfirstcarnotlongbeforethat,andDanlovedtotakeitout.Hewouldgoonlongdrivesinthosedaystoescapefromthepressurecookerofthehouse.Itwastheclosesthecouldgettofreedom.DandrovepastTina’splacemanytimes,andonedaysoonaftershe’dtoldhimtoleaveheralone,heparkedoutsideherhousewaitingforherto
comehome.Hewantedtotalktoher,tomakeherunderstand.
Butwhenshesawhimthere,waitingforher,shewouldn’tspeaktohim.Shewentinsidethehouseandtoldherfather,andthatnightherfatherhadcometotheMertons’houseandcomplainedtoDan’sfather.Fredwasembarrassedandangry.
HehauledDanintohisstudyandgavehimanexcruciatingdressing-downinfrontoftheotherman.Tina’sfathersaidhewouldn’tpresschargesifhelefthisdaughteralone.Dansatinachairstaringatthecarpet,frightened,bereft,andutterlyashamed.Presscharges?Forwhat?
Afterthat,hewasswampedwithshameandlonelinessandconfusion,convincedforalongwhilethathewouldneverhaveagirlfriend.HewashumiliatedbyTinaandbyhisfather,whotoldeveryoneinthefamilywhathe’ddone.HestalkedagirlHefreakedherout.Shealmostcalledthepolice.Hisdadharpedonitformonths.
Dandidn’tdarelookatTinaafterthat.Hestayedawayfromher.Hestayedawayfromallgirls,terrifiedofwhatmighthappen.Heworriedthatshe’dtoldothergirlsatschoolabouthim,thathewassomekindofweirdo.Itfeltsounfair.
Andsometimes,lateatnight,aftereveryonewasasleep,hewouldhavetodrivepastherhouse.Sometimeshehadtostopandparkoutside.Butthefeelingsofdesireandadorationhe’dhadforTinahadn’tsurvivedtherejectionandhumiliation.Hefeltameannesstowardhernow,andtowardeveryoneinvolvedinhisdisgrace.Itgavehimsomesmallfeelingofpowertositoutsideherhouselikethis,withoutanyoneknowing,doingwhathewasforbiddentodo.
Now,ashedrives—aformofself-soothing,really—hefindshimselfthinkingaboutAudrey.SheknowsallaboutwhathappenedwithTina.Audreythinkshe’sstrange,becausehisfatherblewthewholethingoutofproportion,madeitouttobesomethingitwasnot.SincethatnightshethreatenedthematCatherine’shouse,Danworriedshemightsay
somethingaboutittothedetectives,ortothepress.Heknowsshewastheanonymoussourceinthatnewspaperarticle.Hedoesn’tthinkTina’sfamilywillcomeforwardandsayanythingabouthim.TheMetheneysareliketheMertons,richandveryprivate.Youdon’tletpeopleknowaboutyourpersonalbusiness.Buthewonderswhatthey’resayingabouthimnowaroundtheMetheneys’dinnertableHewassocreepy.Iknewtherewassomethingoffabouthim.Maybehekilledhisparents.
HetightenshishandsonthesteeringwheelandsomehowfindshimselfoutsideAudrey’s.Thehouseiscompletelydark,therearenolightsonatall.Thereisnooneheretoseehim.
Heparksthecar,andwatches.
???
AUDREYHASTOOMUCHonhermindtosleep.
Shegetsoutofbedandgoestothekitchenforaglassofwater.Shecantrustthetapwater.Everythingelseinthehousethatwasalreadyopenorunsealedshe’sthrowndownthedrain.Theclockonthekitchenstovetellsherit’s1:22inthemorning.Shestandsatthesink,lettingthewaterrununtilit’scold,andthenfillsaglassandcarriesitintothelivingroom.
Moonlightspillsinthroughtheliving-roomwindowandshecanseeperfectlywell.Noneedtoturnonanylights.Shewalksovertothewindowandlooksout.There’sacaronthestreet,rightinfrontofherhouse.Amanissittinginthecar,justashadowinthedark,andheseemstobewatchingthehouse.Shetakesastartled,involuntarystepback.Shemusthavespookedhimbecausesheseeshisfaceturnawayandhisarmmovetoturnontheignition.Hepullsintothestreetandpassesunderastreetlightbrieflyashespeedsaway.
Shedidn’tgetagoodlookathim.Butsherecognizedthecar—itwasLisa’s.Itgivesherajolt.Shestandsatthewindow,herheartpounding.
ItmusthavebeenDan,sittingoutsideherhouseinthemiddleofthenight.Didhepoisonher?Washesittingouttheretryingtogetupthenervetobreakinandseeifshewasdead?Well,nowheknows.
Ormaybehe’sjustuptohisoldtricks.
???
ELLENCUTTERSQUIRMSrestlesslyinbed.Atlengthshepushesbackthecoversandgoestothekitchentomakeherselfacupofdecaftea.Shelooksattheclockonthewall.It’sjustpastthreeinthemorning.It’ssoquiet.Itremindsherofwhensheusedtogetupinthemiddleofthenighttobreastfeedherdaughterwhenshewasaninfant,solongago.Justthetwoofthem,aloneonthesofainthedark.
Shethinksaboutherdaughternow,howtroubledsheseems,howstressedandoverworked.Shewasn’talwayslikethat.Rosehadsailedthroughlawschoolafterspendingafewyearsworkingatdifferentjobs.ButnowRoseisstruggling.Ifonlyshecouldhelpher.
ShethinksaboutAudrey’svisitearlierthatevening.Herfriendisgettingamilliondollarsfromherbrotherinhiswill.
Andshe’scomplaining.Sheobviouslyfeelsshe’sowedmuchmoreforkeepingquietaboutwhatFreddidallthoseyearsago.Shefeelsloyaltyshouldberepaid.
Andthisbitaboutbeingpoisoned.Ellendoesn’tknowwhattothink.ShebelievesAudreyingestedpoison.Shestilllookedill.She’dbeeninthehospital—althoughshehadn’tcalledEllenwhileshewasthere.Thedetectiveshadvisitedher,examinedherhouseasacrimescene.Youdon’tlieaboutthat.
It’stooeasytobecaughtout.ButitdoesoccurtoherthatAudreymighthavepoisonedherself.Thesemurdersseemtohavesentherovertheedge.She’ssoangryaboutbeingcheatedoutofwhatshethinksshedeserves,socertainthatone
ofthekidsisamurderer,thatperhapsshe’smakingthingsup….
EllenremembersthenightAudreyfirsttoldherthatFredwasgoingtochangehiswilltogiveherhalf.SheremembershowelatedAudreywas,andhowsecretlyjealousshefelt.
SheandAudreypretendtheytelleachothereverything,butit’snottrue.Nobodytellsanybodyeverything.
EllenhasnevertoldAudreythatRoseisherbrother’schild.
She’snevertoldanyonebutFred.AndnowFred’sotherchildrenareeachinheritingafortune.Audreyfeelsshortchanged,butthat’snothingtowhatEllenfeels.
WhenEllencouldn’tgetpregnantwithherhusband,shefinallygaveintoFred’sadvancesandsleptwithhim.Shegotpregnantquitequicklythen.Fredhadbeenfuriouswhenhefoundout.Buthe’dgottenoveritwhenherealizedshewasnevergoingtotellanyone.HerhusbandneverknewRosewasn’thisbiologicaldaughter.
WhenherhusbanddiedunexpectedlyofaheartattackwhenRosewasn’tevenayearold,EllenhadgonetoFredandaskedformoney.Shedidn’thavetosayit;heknewshecouldproveRosewashischild.Hepaidherregularlyforyears.Notalot,butenough.
EllentriesnottothinkabouthowFredcold-bloodedlymurderedhisownfather,butshe’sbeenimaginingitinhermind’seyeoverandover,eversinceAudreytoldher.She’dGoogledpsychopathyandnowsheknowsit’spartlygenetic.
ButherRoseisn’tlikethat.Roseislovely.47
Thefollowingmorning,Tuesday,Dancallshisattorney,RichardKlein.“Theywanttoquestionmeagain,”hesays.“WhatshouldIdo?”Hecanheartheanxietyinhisownreedyvoice.
“Hangon.Calmdown,”Kleinsays.“What’shappened?”
“Thatfuckingdetectivejustcalledandaskedmetocomedowntothestationagainformorequestions.Idon’thavetogo,doI?”
“No,youdon’t.Butmaybeyoushould.I’llbetherewithyou.Weneedtofindoutwherethey’regoingwiththis.I’llmeetyouthereinhalfanhour,okay?”
“Okay.”
“AndDan,I’llberightbesideyou.Don’tsayanythinguntilIgetthere.AndifIdon’tthinkyoushouldansweraquestion,I’lltellyou.”
WhenDanarrivesatthepolicestation—Lisastayedhome,herfacewhiteasheleft—hewaitsinsideuntilhisattorneyshowsupminuteslater.Seeingtheotherman,inhisgoodsuit,withhisconfidentmanner,reassuresDanalittle.
“Whyaretheycomingaftermelikethis?”heaskshisattorney.“Thisbordersonharassment!Theydon’thaveanyevidence,dothey?Theycouldn’thave.They’dhavetotellyou,wouldn’tthey?”
“They’dhavetotellmesoonerorlater.Notyet,though.
You’renotunderarrest,Dan.Solet’sseewhattheyhavetosay.”
Oncethey’resettledintheinterviewroom,thetaperunning,Reyesbeginsbluntly.“WehaveawitnesswhosawyouinyourcarinBreckenHillonthenightofthemurders,atabouttenthirty.”
Danfeelshisinsidesturntoliquidandshootsafrightenedlookathislawyer.
Kleinsays,“Nocomment.”
Reyesleansincloserandlookshimintheeye,andDanfeelsfaint.
“Yourfathersoldhisbusinessoutfromunderyou.Youcouldn’tfindajob.You’dtiedupmostofyoursavings—halfamilliondollars—inaninvestmentinamortgageonahouseinBreckenHillandcouldn’tgetthemoneybackwhenyouneededit.Yousatoutsidethathouse—notfarfromyourparents’house,bytheway—staringatit,nightafternight,”
Reyessays.“TheownerofthathousesawyouthereonEasternight.That’sprettystrangebehavior,Dan.Didyouknowyouwouldneverseethatmoneyagain?Whatwereyouthinking,Dan?Wereyouangry?Desperate?You’dbeenrippedoffoncetoooften?”
Danfeelsasifallthebloodhasdrainedfromhishead.
“WhatdoyoumeanI’llneverseethatmoneyagain?Whatareyoutalkingabout?”heasks,hisvoicestrident.
“Thatmoneyisgone,Dan.ThereisnomortgageonTwenty-TwoBreckenHillDrive.Theownerhasneverheardofyou,oryourmoney.Itwasallafraud,perpetratedbyRoseCutter,theattorney.”Headds,“Butperhapsyoualreadyknewthat.”
Danstaresatthedetectiveinshock.Nomortgageon…
thatcan’tbe.Hesignedthepapers.Hetrustedher.Sheliedtohim.“Ididn’tknow!”healmostshoutsbackatthedetectivewhoistormentinghim.
“DidyourfatherrefusetogiveyouthemoneyyoubadlyneededatEasterdinner?YoutoldusyouwerenowherenearBreckenHillthatnight,butwenowknowthatwasalie.Youhadthedisposablesuit—”
“Thisinterviewisover,”Kleinsays,standingup.“Unlessyou’regoingtoarrestmyclient,we’releaving.”
“We’renotarrestinghim—yet,”Reyessays.“Onelastthing,”headds,astheyturntogo.“SomeonetriedtopoisonyourauntAudrey.Whatdoyouknowaboutthat?”
“Nothing,”Dansays,andtheyleavewithoutanotherword.
???
ROSESIPSHERMORNINGCOFFEE,staringoutthewindowofhersmallkitchen.Shehasn’tgoneintotheofficetoday—what’sthepoint?Thepoliceknowaboutthefraud,andtheyaregoingtochargeher.There’snowayoutofit.She’sgoingtogotojail,atleastforashorttime.
Itwasneversupposedtocometotheattentionofthepolice,ofanybody.Danwasnevergoingtoknow.Itwastobeavictimlesscrime—hewasgoingtogethismoneyback.Butithasn’tturnedoutthatway.Andnowtheythinkshe’sacriminal,andthey’reaccusingherofmurder.
Willtheyfindouteverything?Shefeelsfearcreepalongherspine.Becausethere’smore.Shedressescarefullyinherbestnavysuit,acrispwhiteblouse.Shetakescarewithhermakeup.ShekeepsherbackstraightandholdsherheadhighasshewalksoutofthehouseonherwaytoseeWalterTemple,ofthefirmTempleBlack.Shewillholdherheadhighforaslongasshepossiblycan.
???
TEDISSCRUBBINGhishandsatoneofthesinkswhenhisreceptionistapproacheshimandsays,“Therearetwo
detectivesheretoseeyou.”
Heturnstoherandsays,“What?”Hisimmediatereactionisalarm.Hedoesn’twanttotalktothedetectiveshere.Hedoesn’twanttotalktothematall.“Ihavepatientstosee.TellthemIcan’ttalktothemnow.”
Shegoesawayandhefinishesscrubbinghishands,hisheartbeatingfuriouslynow.Thismustbeabouttheearrings.
Hemustsupporthiswife—hehasnochoice.Thethoughtoflyingtothepoliceagainmakeshimnervous.Theyalreadyknowhe’saliar.
Hisreceptionistreappears,herbrowwrinkled.“Theyinsistonseeingyounow.Theywon’tleave.”
Heavertshisfacesoshecan’tseehowrattledheis.“Fine.
Sendthemintomyoffice.”
Hetakesacoupleofminutestocomposehimselfandthenentershisofficebriskly,toshowthathe’sinahurryandcan’tgivethemmuchtime.Also,hewantstodisguisehisnervousness.Heknowstherearesweatstainsstartingtoappearbeneaththearmsofhisbluescrubs.DetectivesReyesandBarrareseatedinthetwochairsinfrontofhiscluttereddesk.“WhatcanIdoforyou?”Tedasksbeforeheevensitsdown.
“Wejusthaveacouplemorequestions,”Reyessays.
“Sure,butIdon’thavealotoftime,so—”
“Asyouknow,thereweresomeitemsthatwentmissingfromtheMertons’homethenightofthemurders.SomeofSheila’sjewelry.Wehaveaninventory.Whenwesearchedyourhouse,wefoundapairofearringsinyourwife’sjewelryboxthatwerepartofthatinventory.”
“Oh,yes,Iknowallaboutthat,”Tedsays,tryingtosoundcasual,ashesitsdown.“Catherineborrowedthoseearringsfromhermotheracoupleofweeksago.”
“Didshetellyouthat?”Reyesasks.“Ordoyouactuallyknowit?”
Tedcanfeelhimselfcoloring;hecan’tthinkofhowtoanswer.
DetectiveBarrsays,“It’ssimple.Didyouseeherwearingtheearringsbeforethemurders?”
“Yes,sheworethem.”
“Good.Thenyoucandescribethemforus,”Reyessays.
Buthecan’t.Hestaresbackatthemblankly.Catherineshouldhavetoldhimwhatthefuckingearringslookedlike.
Howstupid.“Ican’tremember,”hesaysfinally,feelinghimselfflushanuglyred.“ButIknowsheborrowedthem.”
“Isee,”Reyessays,risingfromhischair.“Wewon’ttakeupanymoreofyourtime.”
Asthetwodetectivesturntoleave,Tedsaysratherstrongly,
“Catherinehadnoreasonatalltoharmherparents.We’refinanciallycomfortable.Catherinewouldhatemeforsayingthis,butI’mafraidit’sDanyoushouldbelookingat.”
Reyesturnsbackaroundtofacehim.“FredMertonhaddecidedtochangehiswilltogivehissister,Audrey,half,substantiallycuttingintoyourwife’sinheritance.”
“Audrey’ssayingthat,”Tedsays,“butnoonebelievesit.”
“Ibelieveit,”Reyessays.“Fredwasdying.Perhapshesaidsomethingtoyourwife.AndifSheilaknewwhathewasgoingtodo,shemayhavetoldher—oroneofherotherchildren.That’smotiveenoughforme.”Thetwodetectivesexittheoffice.
Tedwaitsuntilhehearsthemleavethedentalpracticeandthenhegetsupfromhisdeskandcloseshisofficedoor.Hewantstoslamit,butherestrainshimself.Hepacesthesmallareaofhisoffice,thinkingofthesmuglookonthedetective’s
faceashewasleaving.Theydon’tbelievehimabouttheearrings.They’reactingliketheythinkCatherinekilledherparents.It’sinsane.ItmusthavebeenDan.He’stheonewiththemostobviousmotive.Itmusthavebeenhim.Sowhyaretheylookingsocloselyathiswife?
Tedslumpsdowninhischair,suddenlyexhausted,ignoringthepatientshehaswaiting.Hethinksaboutthatnight,EasterSunday,atCatherine’sparents’.Sheilahadsaidshehadsomethingtotellthem,butthey’dbeeninterruptedbyDan’sarrival.WasitaboutAudreyandthewill?ButlaterCatherinehadtoldhimitwasJenna’sallowancehermotherhadwantedtotalktoherabout—that’swhatshetoldhimthenextmorning.Onlythenshesaidherparentsweredeadwhenshegotthere.
Hisstomachischurning,andhefeelsdizzy.
Nowherememberssomethingelseaboutthatnight,somethinghe’dforgotten.WhenhewassittingonthesofawithJake,andDanwasstandinginthecornerofthelivingroom,talkingtohisfather,Catherineandhermotherhadcomedownthestairstogether.He’dbarelyregistereditbecausehewaseavesdroppingonDanandhisfather.MaybeSheilatoldheraboutAudreyandthewillwhentheywereupstairs.MaybeCatherineknew.
HethinksabouthowmuchCatherinewantedthathouse.
Howattachedshegetstomaterialthings.Likehouses,andearrings.Shelefthercellphoneathomethatnight.
Hesitsathisdeskandtriestopullhimselftogether.48
RosewalksintoTempleBlackthroughtheheavyglassdoorstoreception,summoningallthepoiseshecanmuster.It’sthekindoflawofficeshehasalwaysaspiredtoworkat—onethatoozesmoney,andpower,andsuccess.
Notlikehershittylittlestorefront,withits“walk-inswelcome”sign.Sheshouldhavejoinedalarge,prestigiousfirmlikethisone,ratherthansettingoutonherown,butthetruthis,shedidn’thaveanyoffers.Maybeshewouldn’thavegottenherselfintotroubleifshe’dhadsomeonewatchingoverher.Theyalwayswarnsolepractitionersaboutthat.Butit’stoolatetothinkthesethingsnow.
AsshefollowsthereceptionistdownthecorridortoWalterTemple’soffice,shehappenstoglancethroughtheglassintooneoftheboardroomsandrecognizesalawschoolfriend,JanetShewcuk.Janetseesherandquicklyturnsaway.
RosehasnevermetWalterTemple.Hewelcomesherwarmly.Hemustnotknowyet,shethinks,aboutwhatshedidwithDan’smoney.
“Ms.Cutter,”hesays,“thankyouforcoming.”
Shegiveshimatentativesmile.“Thepolicetoldmeyesterday—aboutthewill,”shesays,sittingdownoppositehim,crossingherlegsattheankles.
Theolderattorneynods.“It’sgoodnewsforyou,althoughIimagineitmaybealittleupsetting,too.”
Shelooksbackathim.“Soit’strue?”
“Yes.YouhavebeennamedasabeneficiaryinFredMerton’swill.”Heclearshisthroat.“I’mnotsureifyouknewhewasyourbiologicalfather.”
Sheshakesherhead.“No.”Shesitscompletelystillashegoesoverwhatshewillinherit.Whenhe’sfinished,shetakesadeepbreathandsays,hereyesfixedonthesurfaceofhisdesk,“Ihadnoideaaboutanyofthis.Ididn’tknowhewasmyfather.Thisis—unimaginable.”
Asshegetsuptoleave,Waltersays,withawarninginhisvoice,“Youshouldprepareyourself—theothersdon’tlikeit.”
???
ROSEDRIVESDIRECTLYtohermother’shouse.Hermotherissurprisedtoseeher.
“Weneedtotalk,Mom,”shesays,walkingbrisklythroughthefrontdoor.
Theysitdownacrossfromeachotherinthesmalllivingroom.Hermotherlooksatherexpectantly.“Whatisit?”sheasks.
“Dadwasn’tmyrealfather,washe?”Rosesays.Itsoundsaccusatory.Hermother’sfacetakesonapained,almostfrightenedexpressionasRosestaresather.Hermotherlooksdownintoherlapandsays,“No,hewasn’t.”Shehesitatesforamoment.“Yourfathercouldn’thavechildren,”sheexplains.
“SoIfoundsomeoneelse.”
Whenhermotherdoesn’tfillthesilence,Rosesays,“Youhadanaffair.”
Hermotherlooksather,almostpleading.“Iwantedachildsobadly,Rose.Itwastheonlyway.”
Rosestaresathermother.She’dneverknownthemanshe’dbelievedwasherfather;he’ddiedwhenshewasaboutayearold.Still,it’sastrangethingtoknowaboutyourparents.
Aboutyourself.“IjustfoundoutthatFredMertonwasmyfather.”
Hermotherasks,clearlysurprised,“How?”
“FredMertonmademeabeneficiaryinhiswill,”shesays,andwatcheshermother’sfacetransform.Astonishmentfirst—
andthenpleasure.
“Hedid?Howmuchdidheleaveyou?”
“Aboutsixmillion,”Rosesays,hardlybelievingit,evennow.“Thesameastheotherkids.”
“Thesame—ohmyGod,”hermothersays,withanexpressionofutteramazement.“Ihadnoideayouwereinthewillatall!”Hermotherleansforwardandtakesoneofherhandsandclaspsitinherown.“Thisiswonderful,Rose!
Becauseyou’rehisfleshandbloodjustasmuchasthoseotherkidsare.Youdeserveanequalshareofhiswealth.”Hermothercontinuesexcitedly.“Healwaysknewyouwerehis.
Andhegavememoneyforyourcare,everymonth,fromwhenyouwerelittleuntilyougraduatedlawschool.”Shebecomesmoreseriousandadds,“I’msorryIkeptitfromyou.
PerhapsIshouldhavetoldyou.Buthedidn’twantthat,andIdidn’twanttorocktheboat.AtfirstIwasafraidhemightstopsendingmoney,andIneededit.Andthen,afterthat—IguessIwasjustacoward.”
Rosefeelsaflutteringinherstomach.Thisreallyisthesortofthingyoudreamof,ifyou’reraisedbyasinglemomandyourfriendsarewealthy.It’slikeafairytale.Butallfairytalesaretingedwithdarkness.
Hermothersays,“Theymightnotacceptyouasasisterrightaway,eventhoughCatherine’syourfriend.ButI’msurethey’llcomearound.Oh,honey—thiswillchangeyourlife!”
ButRoseisonlyhalflisteningnow.
???
LISAWALKSAROUNDTHEHOUSE,numb,disoriented.It’saweekexactlysincethebodieswerediscovered.Shetriestoactnormally,butit’shard.WhenDanarrivedhomeearlierfromhispoliceinterview,hewasangryandupset.Hedidn’twanttotellherwhy.Butshefinallygotitoutofhim.HeadmittedtheyhadawitnesswhosawhiminBreckenHillthenightofthemurders.
Theyweresittinginthelivingroom,acrossfromeachother.Hewasonthesofa,andshewasinthearmchair.That’swhensherealizedthatshe’dbeenkeepingherselfatadistancefromherhusbandlately.When,exactly,hadshestoppedsittingbesidehim,herhandonhisshoulder,lookingupintohisface,commiseratingwithhim?Insteadshesatcoldlyopposite,watchinghimwhilehehadhisheaddown,staringatthefloor.
Shesatrigidinherchair.“Isittrue?”sheasked,aquiethorrorandbitternessinhervoice.Thedisposablecoverallshadbeenconcerning,butsheknewwhytheywerethere;he’dusedthemfortheworkintheattic.He’dtoldherthathe’dbeendrivingaroundthatnight,tryingtocalmdown,thathehadn’tbeenanywherenearBreckenHill.She’dbelievedhim.
“Yes,”headmitted.“ButIcanexplain.”
Shesattherereviewingheroptions,ashetriedtobeghiswaybackintoherheart.
“Ineverwenttomyparents’againthatnight,Iswear,”hesaid.HetoldherthenhowRoseCutterhadswindledhim.Themoneywasgone.Itwastheownerofthehousewhohadseenhim.
Shesattherethinkingwhatafoolherhusbandwas,tobetakeninbyRoseCutter,tolosehalfamilliondollarslikethat.
Maybehisfatherhadbeenrightabouthimallalong.Still,ifhe
wasn’tconvictedandinheritedallthatmoney,they’dberich.
Shedidn’tnecessarilyhavetostaymarriedtohimforever.
“IdrovetothathouseinBreckenHillandjustsatthere,thinking,”Dansaid,speakingquickly.“Iwassoangryatmyselffortyingupourmoneyforsolong—Ididn’tknowwe’dneedit.ThepolicethinkIknewwhatshe’ddoneandthatI’dnevergetthemoneyback,anditmakesitlooklikeIkilledMomandDad.”Hestoodup,inarage.“Thatfuckingbitch—
thisisallherfault!Ifshehadn’tpushedthatdealonmewewouldn’tbeinthismess!”
Lisacouldseehispoint.They’dhadhalfamilliondollarsininvestments.Thehousewasfullymortgagedbecauseinterestratesweresolow.ButDanhadtakenthatmoneyoutwithouttellingheratfirst,andbeenduped.Thatmoneycouldhavekeptthemnicelyforalongtime,untilhegothimselfsortedout.Andnowthemoneyisgone.ItstruckherthatbecauseofRoseCutter,herhusbandmighthavebeendriventomurder.
Now,shethinksaboutitallagain.Danisoutinthegarage,tryingtotakehisincreasinglyunhingedmindoffthings.She’sinsidethehouse,tidyingaimlessly,thinkingabouthowonethingleadstoanother.49
Irenapullshercatupontoherlapandlistenstoitpurrasnightfalls.
ShewasgratefulwhenCatherinecalledherlastnightaboutthewill,butitwouldhavebeenniceifshe’dcomeinpersonwiththenews.Irenaknowsshe’speripheraltotheirlivesnow.Itsmartsalittle,afterallshe’sdoneforthem.Butshepushesthewoundedfeelingsaside.
IrenahasjustreturnedfromgoingtoCatherine’sherselfthisevening.Shewantedtoknowwhatwasgoingon,howeveryonewasholdingup,andCatherinewastheonemostlikelytoknow.WhenCatherinetoldherthatLisahadcalledtotellherthepolicehadawitnessputtingDaninBreckenHillthenightofthemurder,Irenahadfeltachillrollupherspine.
Sheremembersherlastinterviewwiththedetectives,herreluctantadmissionthatanyoneofthosekidsmightbecapableofmurder.
SheremembershowFredusedtodelightinpittingthemagainstoneanother.Hebelievedinazero-sumgame,Freddid.
Therecouldonlyeverbeonewinnerinanysituation.Hewouldsetthemupincompetition,anditwasneverfair.
ThingslookbadforDan,Irenathinks.She’snotsosureCatherinecares,despiteherprotestations.OrJennaeither.
Dan,asalways,hasbeenlefthungouttodry.
???
THENEXTMORNING,Wednesday,Ellenisbracingherselfforadifficultconversation.Audreyisonherwayoverforcoffee,
andshedoesn’tthinkAudreyisgoingtolikewhatshehastosay.She’snotgoingtolikehearingthatEllen’sdaughter,Rose,isherbrother’sdaughter.AndthatRosewillgetmorefromFredMerton’sestatethanAudreywill.Butshewillundoubtedlyhearitsoonerorlater,andit’sbetterthatitcomefromher
Shetellsherselfthat,ontheotherhand,Audreymightbepleasedthatthosespoiledkidsaregoingtohavetosharetheirfortunewithanoutsider.Theydon’tliketoshare.AndAudreyhasalwaysbeenfondofRose.Perhapsshewillbepleased,afterall,thatsheisRose’saunt,andthatRoseisherniece.
EllenthinksitmightgetalittleuglywiththeMertonkids—
maybenotwithCatherine,who’ssofondofRose,butwiththeothertwo—andshe’shopingAudreywillbeonherside.
ButAudreyhasbeensodifferentlately,amoreextremeversionofherself;Ellenisquitenervous.
???
ROSEDOESN’TBOTHERgoingtotheoffice,fortheseconddayinarow.Shecallsherassistant,Kelly,andtellsheragaintoholdthefortandcancelanyappointments.Shetellshershehasacold.
She’shiding.Shedoesn’twanttofaceanyone,knowingthatshewillsoonbeprosecutedforfraud.Herlawcareerwillbeoveranyway,andthepracticewillfold.Shehopesshecanavoidprison.Withherinheritancemoneyshecanmakerestitution,throwherselfonthemercyofthecourt.
She’sgoingtohavemoremoneythanshe’severdreamedof,soshereallydoesn’tneedtogointohershittylittlepracticeeveragain.
Hermindturnsuneasilytothosedetectives,tohermeetingyesterdaywithWalterTemple.Shetellsherselfthateverythingisgoingtobefine.
???
LATERINTHEMORNING,ReyesisnotifiedthatAudreyStancikisatthefrontdeskandwantstospeaktothedetectives.
Shelooksbetterthanthelasttimethey’dseenherinthehospital,Reyesthinks.There’smorecolorinhercheeks.
Audreybarelywaitsuntilthey’reseatedbeforeshesays,
“Haveyoumadeanyprogressonwhotriedtokillme?”
“Therewasdefinitelyantifreezeintheicedtea,”Reyessays,“butnoevidenceofwhowasinyourhomeandmighthaveputitthere.”
Shesighsdramatically,clearlydisappointed.“Lastnight,DanMertonwassittinginhiswife’scar,watchingmyhouse.”
“You’recertainitwashim?”Reyesasks.
“Yes.”Sheadds,“Hedoesthat,youknow,Itoldyouthat.”
Sheleansforward.“IhavesomeotherinformationthatIthinkwillbeofinteresttoyou.IimagineyoualreadyknowthatRoseCutterisFred’snaturaldaughter,andthatshe’snamedinhiswill.”
“Yes.”
Shegivesalittlesnort.“Well,Ijustfoundout.”Shetakesamomenttosmoothherruffledfeathers.“Hermother,EllenCutter,isafriendofmine.I’veknownherforalmostfortyyears.Sheworkedformybrotherashissecretaryalongtimeago—that’swherewemet.WebothworkedforFred’scompanythen.”
Shecontinues.“It’sjustthat—EllenknewthatFredwasgoingtochangehiswilltogivemehalfrightbeforehedied.
BecauseItoldher—thesamenighthetoldme.”Sheadds,
“AndIdon’tbelieveforasecond,nomatterhowmuchshepretendsotherwise,thatEllenandRosedidn’tknowRosewas
inthewill.FredwouldhavetoldEllen,andEllenwouldhavetoldRose.”
“Whydoyouthinkthat?”
“BecauseFredlikedtoletpeopleknowwhenhewasdoingthemafavor.Justlikeheenjoyedlettingpeopleknowwhenhewasdoingsomethingtohurtthem.Helikedthefeelingofhavingpoweroverpeople,ofbeingabletogivethingsandtakethingsaway.Ifyou’dknownhim,you’dunderstandwhatImean.”50
RoseCutterisathome,tryingtoenjoyherdayofplayinghookyfromwork.Sheneedstothink.There’ssomuchgoingthroughhermind.Asudden,sharpknockingonherdoormakesherjump.
Herentirebodytenses.Maybesheshouldpretendshe’snothome.
Buttheknockcomesagain,persistent.Shehearsashoutthroughthedoor.“Iknowyou’reinthere,Rose.”SherecognizesCatherine’svoice.“I’vealreadybeentoyourofficeandIcanseeyourcarinthedriveway.”
Reluctantly,Rosegetsupandopensthedoor.Shehastofacehersometime.ShestepsbackandCatherineentersthehouse.Rosetriestogaugeherexpression.ButCatherine,asusual,ishardtoread.
“Canwesitdown?”Catherineasks.
“Sure,”Rosesays,movingintothelivingroom,wheretwosmallcouchesfaceeachotheroveralowtable.
“So,”Catherinebeginsoncethey’resettled,becauseRosecan’tbringherselftospeak.“I’msupposedtobelieveyou’remyhalfsister.”
“Catherine,Iknowthismustbeupsetting,”Rosebegins.“Ihadnoidea.Mymotheronlyadmittedittomeyesterday,afterIlearnedaboutthewill.”
Catherinelooksawayindisdain.
Rosenowseeshowthisisgoingtogo.Catherineisn’thappyabouthavingahalfsister.She’dhopedshewouldbe—
thattheirrelationshipmightdevelopfromoneoffriendshipintooneofsisterhood.ButWalterhadwarnedher.Rose’smisgivingsescalate;shefeelsalmostlikeshe’ssuffocating.
Shespeaks,rushingherwords.“I’msorry,Catherine.Itmustbeupsettingforallofyou.Idon’tmeantocauseanyharm.
You’remyfriend.”
“Yourfriend?”Catherinesays.“YoustoleDan’smoney!Ohyes,Iknowallaboutit.Whatkindoffrienddoesthat?”Sheleansforward.“Howcouldyou?”
“Itwasn’tlikethat,Catherine,”Roseprotestsdesperately.
“Iwasjust—borrowingthemoney.Iwasgoingtopayitallback.Noonewaseversupposedtoknow.”
“Well,weallknownow,don’twe?”Catherinelooksbackatherwithcontempt.“Soyoucanpayhimback.”
“Ican’t,”Rosewhispers,lookingdown.“Idon’thavethemoneytopayhimback.Notyet.”
“What?”
“Iinvesteditandlostmostofit.”
“Howcouldyoudosomethinglikethis?”Catherinerepeatsangrily.
“How?I’lltellyouhow,”Rosesays,findinghermettle.“Ididn’thavewhatyouhad,growingup.Iwasn’trichandconnected.I’vehadtoworkforeverythingIhave.AndIgotgreedyandimpatient.Youwouldn’tunderstand.”Butthenshetiltsherheadandlowershervoiceandsays,lookingatCatherineintently,“Ormaybeyouwould.Maybeyougotgreedyandimpatientandmurderedyourownparents.Isthatwhathappened,Catherine?OrwasitDan?”
Catherineglaresatherwithcoldeyes.ShestandsupquicklyandlooksdownatRose,stillseated.“We’llsueyouif
wehaveto,togetbackwhatyouowemybrother.AndIwillmakeitmypersonalmissiontomakesureyouareprosecutedtothefullestextentofthelaw.Andyouwillneverbeacceptedaspartofthisfamily.”
???
AUDREYARRIVESHOMEfromthepolicestation,hermindracing.
Shebelieveswhatshetoldthedetectives—FredwouldhavetoldEllenaboutthewill.AndEllenwouldhavetoldRose.
AndRosehasthesametroublinggenesfromFredthattheothersdo.ItmighthavebeenanyoneofthosefourkidswhokilledhimandSheila.AudreyfeelsutterlybetrayedbyEllen,whohasalwaysbeenherbestfriend.Ellenhadneverrevealedanythingofthistoher.
ShewondersifRoseiscapableofmurder.Ellenmightsoonhavetoaskherselfthesamequestion.Ifso,she’llbeallaloneinherownprivatehell.
Audreyisgratefulthatshe’sneverhadanycausetoworryaboutherowndaughter.
???
JENNAROLLSOUTofJake’sbedandstartspullingonherclothes.It’slateafternoon,butshe’dcomeintothecitytoseehim,and,asusual,theyendedupinbedbeforetheydidmuchofanythingelse.He’sgottenlittlemarksofpaintalloverthesheets.He’sgoingtoneednewbedding.
She’spouringherselfsomejuicefromthefridgewhenheentersthetinykitchen,doinguphisjeans.Shelooksathimforamoment—admiringhim.
“There’ssomethingIhavetotalktoyouabout,”Jakesays.
Shetenses;there’sahintofsomethinginhisvoicethatshedoesn’tlike.Whatisit,nervousness?“What?”shesays,smilingoverhershoulderathimtocoverherownuncertainty.
“I’mabitshort.”
Shepretendsnottounderstand,tobuytime.“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Myrentwentup,andIdon’thaveenoughtocoverit.”
Jesus,shethinks.Thatdidn’ttakelong.What’sitbeen,alittleoveraweeksinceherparentsweremurdered?Andhe’salreadyaskingherformoney.Shetakeshertimeputtingthejuicebackinthefridge,herbacktohim.Thensheclosestherefrigeratordoorandturnstofacehim,stillnotsurehowsheshouldhandleit.“Cantheydothat?”sheasks,playingfortime.“Justraiseitwithoutnotice?”
“I’mtalkingaboutmystudiospace.Theycandowhateverthehelltheywant.”
Sheknowshe’sright.She’sseenhisstudiospace,andit’sallunderthetable.
“Ican’tlosemystudio,”hesays,withabitmoreflintinhisvoice.
Hedoesn’tlikeitthatshe’sstalling,thatshe’snotjustthrowingmoneyathim,shethinks.Butit’sadelicatedancethey’redoinghere,somethingthatwilllikelysetthetoneforthefuture.Theydon’tknowhowthey’regoingtodoasacouple,longterm,orifthere’sevengoingtobealongterm.
Heknowsshehasmoneyorwilleventually.Alotofmoney.
Andhe’sliedtothecopsforher.Hewitnessedthatawfulfightwithherparentsthenighttheydied,andhetoldthepolicehewaswithherallnight.Sheoweshim,butstill,shedoesn’tlikeitthathe’sasked.
“Howmuchdoyouneed?”shesays,tryingtosoundlikeshereallydoesn’tmind,thatthisissomethinganewloverwoulddo.She’sthinkingafewhundredwillbeenoughtohelphimout.
“Couldyoumanagefivethousand?”heasks.
Sheturnstohiminsurprise.“Howmuchisyourrent?”
Helooksbackather,meetinghereyes.“It’sjustthatIwanttohavesomeinreserve,sothatIdon’thavetoworry.YouknowI’mdoingabiginstallationpiecerightnow—Ican’tbethinkingabouthavingtomove.”
Andthereitis.Sheknows.He’saskingformorethanheneeds.He’saskingforwhathewants.Andhiswantsaregoingtogetbiggerandbigger.
“Idon’thavemoneylikethatlyingaround,”shesays.
“Iknow.Butyoucangetitnow,right?”
Shenoticesthenow.“IsupposeIcantrytoaskWalterforanadvance,”sheadmits.
Henods.“Great.Ihavetogetgoing—Iwanttogetsomemoreworkdone.Stayaslongasyoulike.”
Heapproachesherandgivesheralong,intimatekiss.Shepretendsshe’senjoyingitasmuchassheusuallydoes.Butwhenheleaves,shestaresatthecloseddoorafterhimforalongtime.51
AsReyesandBarrapproachEllenCutter’smodestbutwell-keptbungalow,Reyesmusesaboutwhatkindofwomansheis.She’scertainlyabletokeepasecret.
Thedoorisopenedbyawomaninherearlysixties.Theyproducetheirbadgesandintroducethemselves.“Maywecomein?”Reyesasks.
Sheletstheminandtheyallsitdowninthelivingroom.
“We’reinvestigatingthemurdersofFredandSheilaMerton,”Reyessays.“Weunderstandthatyourdaughter,Rose,isthebiologicalchildofFredMerton.”
“Yes,sheis,”sheanswersatriflesharply.
“We’renotheretodisputethat,”Reyessays.“ShesharesequallyinFredMerton’swillwithhisotherchildren.”
“Yes.Itwasquiteashocktolearnthat,”shesays.“Ijustfoundoutyesterday.Rosetoldme.”
“Youhadnoideathatyourdaughterwasabeneficiary?”
“Absolutelynot.”
“WherewereyouonthenightofApriltwenty-first,EasterSunday?”
Sheseemstakenaback.“What?Why?”Hesimplywaits.“Iwasathome.Mysistercame,andmydaughter,forEasterdinner.Roseleft,butmysisterstayedoverandwenthomeinthemorning.ShelivesinAlbany.Whyareyouaskingmethis?”Helooksathersteadily.Shegivesashortlaugh,uncertain.“You’rewonderingifIkilledthem?That’s
ridiculous.”ShelooksnervouslynowfromReyestoBarr,asifunsureofherfooting.
Reyesexplains.“FredMertonhaddecidedtochangehiswill,cuttinghischildrenoutofhalfofhisconsiderablefortune.”
“HowwouldIknowthat?”Ellensays.
“BecauseyourfriendAudreyStanciktoldyou.”
Henoticeshersurprise,watchesasshelosessomeofherassurance.“Maybeshedid,Idon’tremember,”shesays,tryingtobeoffhandaboutit.“ButIhadnoideaRosewasinthewillatall.Ihadnothingtodowiththis.”
Heletsasilencefall,waitingtoseeifshe’llfillit.Shedoes.
“Mysisterstayedoverthatnight,asIsaid.Shedidn’tgohomeuntilthenextmorning.Youcanaskher.”
“WhataboutRose?Whendidsheleave?”
“Abouteighto’clock.”Shereadstheirfacesandsays,
“Rosedidn’tevenknowFredwasherfathertillafterhewasalreadydead.”Reyessaysnothing.“Mydaughterhasnothingtodowiththis,”Ellensaysdismissively.“Maybeyoushouldlookattheotherchildren,theoneswhoknewtheyweregoingtoinherit.”
Reyesisn’tgoingtotellherthatherdaughterisabouttobearrestedforfraud.He’llleavethattoRose.Buthecan’tresistsaying,astheyleave,“Maybeyoudon’tknowyourdaughteraswellasyouthinkyoudo.”
???
ELLENWATCHESTHEdetectivesastheyleave.Audrey’sbehindthis,shethinks,shemustbe.Audreymusthavetoldthemshe’dtoldEllenabouttheexpectedchangetothewill.AndnowAudrey’sturnedonher—pointedthepoliceatherandRose,becauseshe’sangryaboutRose’sinheritance.That’sjust
crazy.Audreyisoneofheroldestfriends.Shethinksbitterly,youreallycan’ttrustanyone,canyou?
ShetriestocallRose,butthere’snoanswer.
???
WALTERTEMPLELOOKSUPfromhisdeskandwatchesJanetShewcukscurrydownthehallpasthisofficewithherheaddown.Hestaresafterher,anditstrikeshimsuddenlythatshe’sbeenavoidinghimtheselastfewdays.Thefeelingofuneasinessthat’sbeentappinghimonhisshoulderlatelynowcirclesaroundandstareshimintheface.He’sfeltconcernedeversincehemetRoseCutter.HeturnstohiscomputerandlooksupwhereRoseCutterwenttolawschool,andwhen.HedoesthesameforJanetShewcuk,hisjuniorassociate.
Thenhesitsbackanxiouslyinhisbigleatherchair,dreadingwhathemustdo.Hecloseshiseyesforalongmomentandaskshimselfifhecanjustdonothing.Thenheopenshiseyes,pullsoutthecardfromthetopdrawerofhisdesk,andcallsDetectiveReyes.
???
THERECEPTIONISTATTempleBlackdirectsReyesandBarrtoWalter’sofficeassoonastheyarrive.Walterlooksasifhehassomethingheavyweighingonhismind,Reyesthinks.
“Whatisit?”Reyesasks,asheandBarrseatthemselvesacrossfromtheattorney.
Waltersighswearilyandsays,“Twoorthreemonthsago,Iaskedmyjuniorassociate,JanetShewcuk,todoawillsreviewforFredandSheilaMerton.Itwascominguptofiveyearssincethey’dlookedattheirwillsandweusuallydoareviewaroundthattime.”
“Goon,”Reyessays.
“Yesterday,RoseCutterwasheretotalkaboutthewill.Andsomethingdidn’tseemright.”
“Likewhat?”
Waltershakeshishead.“Idon’tknow.Somethingwasoff.Ijustdidn’tbelieveher—thatshedidn’tknowaboutanyofthis.”Hebiteshislippensively.“It’sbeenbotheringmeeversince.ThenIdidsomedigginganddiscoveredthatJanetandRosehadgonetothesamelawschoolatthesametime.”
“Andyouthoughttheymightknoweachother,”Reyessays,“andthatshemighthavetoldRosewhatwasinthewill?”
Walternodsmiserably.“Ithoughtmaybeitwouldbebetterifyouaskedher.”
Reyessays,hispulsequickening,“Let’stalktoher.”
“I’llgetherforyou,”Waltersaysandleaveshisdesk.
Acoupleofminuteslaterhereturnstohisofficewithayoungwomaninagraysuit,herblondhairpulledbackinaneatponytail.Hepullsoutachairforherasshesitsdownnervously,thenheintroducesthedetectives.WhenJanetShewcukrealizesthey’redetectives,sheisclearlyfrightened.
WhenReyestellsherthey’reinvestigatingtheMertonhomicides,shebeginstotremble.
Reyessays,“Weunderstandyou’refamiliarwiththeMertonwills.”Theyoungattorneyflushesaguiltyred.Hewaits.
“Ireviewedthem,”sheadmits,goingredderstill.
“Youdon’thappentoknowRoseCutter,doyou?”Reyesasks.
Sheswallows,hereyesblinkrapidly.“Wewenttolawschooltogether.”
“Isee,”Reyessays.Thewomanattorneyglancesfurtivelyatherbossandlookslikeshe’sabouttocry.“AndyoutoldherthatshewasabeneficiaryunderFredMerton’swill.”
Thenshedoesbegintocry,messily.Walterhandsheratissuefromaboxonhisdesk.Theywaititout.Atlastshemanagestosay,“Iknowitwasabreachofconfidentiality.Ishouldneverhavesaidanything.”Herfaceisaportraitinmisery.“ButRoseisalawyertoo—shewasn’tgoingtosayanything.Ididn’tthinkitwouldhurtanyone.”Shelooksatthem,distraught.“HowwasItoknowthattheywouldbemurdered?”
“AndwhendidyoutellRoseaboutthispotentialwindfall?”
Reyesasks.
“Itwasmaybetwomonthsago?ItwassuchasurprisewhenIsawhernamerightthereinthewill.Ididn’ttellherwhenIfirstfoundout.Ididn’tmeantotellheratall.ButwewereoutonenightandIhadabittoomuchwine.”
ReyesstealsalookatWalterandhisfaceislikethunder.
Reyesasks,“Afterthemurders,didRoseaskyounottoadmityou’dtoldher?”
“No.Shedidn’thaveto,”Janetanswersmiserably.“Webothknewifitgotoutitwouldruinmycareer.”Shelooksupatthemandsays,“Surelyyoudon’tthinkshedidit?”52
Roseisstandingoutsidehermom’sfrontdoor.Hermotherhasbeencallingher,butRosehasn’tanswered.Shereallydoesn’twanttotalktoher,butsheknowsshemust.Sheringsthebell.
Hermotheropensthedoor,visiblyupset.“I’mgladyou’rehere.I’vebeentryingtoreachyou.”
“Iknow,Iwastiedup,”Roselies.
“Thepolicewerehere,”hermothertellsher.
“What?”
“AboutFredandSheila’smurders.”
“Whatthehellareyoutalkingabout?”Roseasks,thrownoffbalance,followingherintothelivingroom,wheresheseeshermotherhasaglassofwinepoured.Ashermotherexplains,Rosefeelsheranxietyescalate.
“JustbecauseIknewthatFredwasgoingtochangehiswill,givinghalftoAudrey,theyhadthegalltosuggestIdidit
—toprotectyourinterest.Ididn’tevenknowyouwereinthewill!TheyaskedmeifIhadanalibi.”
“Theycan’tbeserious,”Roseprotestsasshesitsdownbesideher.
“Fortunately,Barbarawashereallnight.”Hermotherturnstoherandsays,“Theywereaskingaboutyoutoo.ButItoldthemyoudidn’tevenknowFredwasyourfathertillafterhewasdead.Youdidn’tknowaboutthewilleither.”
Roserememberswithasickeningfeelinghowthedetectivesquestionedheraboutthemurder.“IwenthometobedafterEasterdinnerwithyou,”Rosesays.“Idon’thaveanalibi.”Shefeelslight-headed.
Hermothertriestoreassureher.“Well,Iwouldn’tworry.
There’snowaytheycansuspectyou.Youdidn’tknowanything.”Hermotherasks,“HaveyouspokentoCatherineyet?”
ButRoseisn’tlistening.Herinsidesareclenchedinaknot.
“Rose?”hermothersayssharply.
Shelooksupathermotherandsays,“There’ssomethingIhavetotellyou.”
???
BACKATTHEPOLICESTATION,ReyesandBarrareapproachedbyanofficerwhohassomethingtoshowthem.Heseemsexcited.
HeandBarrfollowtheofficertoacomputermonitorandtheyalllookatthescreen.
“I’llbedamned,”Reyessays.Heclapstheofficerontheback.“Goodwork.”
???
ONCEHERDAUGHTERHASLEFT,Ellenpacesthelivingroom,horrifiedaboutRoseandtheterriblethingshe’sdone.WhenRosetoldheraboutthemessshe’dgottenherselfintowithDan’smoney,shesimplycouldn’tbelieveit.She’dbeenstruckdumb,literallyunabletospeakforalongmoment.
Ellenhadn’tbeenassupportiveasshemighthavebeen.But
—howcouldRosebesoselfish?Soreckless?Sostupid?Itwascompletelyunlikeher.Thiswasn’ttheRosesheknew.
Shefinallyunderstoodwhyherdaughterhadbeensostressed,whyshehadlostweight.She’ssoangryather.Andshetoldherhowdisappointedshewas.
EllenhasalwaystakenagreatdealofprideinRose,inbeinghermother.Butpeoplearegoingtofindoutaboutthis.
Rosewillprobablygotojail—notfortoolong—butthethoughtofvisitingherdaughterinjailmakesEllenfeelutterlyhumiliated.Everyonewillknowwhatshedid.Shewon’tbeabletopracticelawanymore,aftersheworkedsohard.AndEllenwillforeverbeashamedofher.Shewon’tbeabletosaythatherdaughterisanattorney.Herdaughterisacriminal,andshewon’tbeabletosayanythingatall.
Now,asEllencries,tearsrunningdownherface,asmallpartofherwishesshehadn’tbeensoharshwithRose,wishesthatshe’dhuggedherdaughterbeforesheleft,thewayshealwaysdoes.Butshehadn’t.Thisisgoingtobehardtoforgive.Sheneedstime.
Shecontinuestopace,withadetourintothekitchentorefillherwineglass.AtleastRosewillgetherinheritance.
She’llbeabletostartover,onceshegetsoutofjail.Theywillprobablyhavetomoveaway—howcouldeitherofthemholdtheirheadsupafterthis?ItwouldhavebeensolovelyifRosehadn’tbrokenthelaw,andsheinheritedallthatmoney.Shecouldhavehadeverythingshewanted.Ellencouldhavebeensoproudofher.
Sheknows,too,now,thattheyhavealreadyquestionedRoseaboutthemurders—Roseadmittedit.Sheisgoingtobechargedwithfraud.Butthosedetectivescan’tseriouslythinkRosehadanythingtodowiththemurders;itwon’tmatterthatshedoesn’thaveanalibi.Rosedidn’tknowshewasinthewill.
SheneverthoughtRosecouldberemotelycapableofstealingsomeoneelse’smoney.Sheremembersthatawfuldetective’slastwordstoher:Maybeyoudon’tknowyourdaughteraswellasyouthinkyoudo.
Ellencan’tstopthinkingaboutwhatshereadonlineaboutpsychopathy,andhowitcanruninfamilies.ShethinksabouttheMertons.HerRoseisnowpartofthatfamily.Whatifoneofthemisthemurderer?SheknowsAudreyhasalwaysthoughtso.
Audreymayneverspeaktoheragain,andthispainsher.
ShehadhopedtheirlongfriendshipcouldweathertherevelationofRose’sparentage.
ThenitcrosseshermindthatifoneoftheotherMertonchildrenisconvictedofthemurders,theywillforfeittheirshare,andtherewillbemoreforRose.
???
ITWASINEVITABLE,Rosethinks,sittingonceagaininthehardchairinthesameinterviewroom,herattorneybesideher,concerned.Aseveningapproaches,thetwodetectivesquestionheraggressively.She’dhopedJanetwouldn’tsayanything,thatnoonewouldfindtheconnection.Butheresheis,andthedetectiveshavealreadyspokentoJanet.
“Youknewyouwereinthewill,JanetShewcuktoldyou,”
Reyesrepeats.“Youliedtous.”
“Yes,Iknew,”Roseadmitsfinally,exhausted.“ButIdidn’tkillthem.”
“Youdon’thaveanalibi,”Reyespointsout.“YouneededmoneytopayDanbacksothatyouwouldn’tgotojailforfraud.Isthatwhatyouwerethinking?ThatifFredandSheilaweredead,andeverybodygottheirinheritance,youcouldpayhimback,andnoonewouldbethewiser?Or,morelikely,ifthemoneydidn’tcomethroughfromtheestateintime,andtheyfoundoutwhatyou’ddonewithDan’smoney,theywouldjustkeepitquietandletyoupayhimbackandforgiveyou,becauseyou’refamily?”
“Ididn’tkillthem,”Roserepeatsstubbornly.Butfearhascreptdownherthroatandsettledinhergut.53
Thatevening,Catherinecarefullysetsthescene.Despiteeverythingthat’sgoingon,shewantsthemomentsheandTedhavewaitedfortobeperfect.She’sboughtflowersforthetable.She’sorderedagourmetmealfromtheirfavoriteFrenchrestaurant,whichshe’skeepingwarmintheoven.
WhenTedarriveshomefromwork,shetakeshisjacketandtellshimshehasasurpriseforhim.Heturnsandlooksatherandshesmiles.“It’snotabadsurprise,”shesays.
“Oh,good.Becausewe’vehadalotofthose,lately,”Tedsays.
“Putallthatoutofyourmind,”shetellshim.“Comewithme.”
Hefollowsherintothediningroom,whereshehassetalovelytable.“Smellthat?”sheasks.“I’veorderedin,fromScaramouche.”
“What’stheoccasion?”Tedasks.
“I’lltellyou,butfirst,sitdown.”
Shebringsthefoodtothetable,andtheysitacrossfromoneanother.Shelightsthecandles.
She’sputabottleofredwineonthetable,whichheautomaticallyopens.Hereachesovertopourforherbutsheplacesherfingersacrossthetopofherwineglassandsmilesathim.Heglancesupatherinsurprise.
“Noneforme,”shesays.Hedoesn’tseemtogetit.Shetellshim,“It’snotgoodforthebaby.”
“You’repregnant?”Hegetsupandcomesaroundtohersideofthetable.Shestandsandheembracesher.Shecan’tseehisface.
Itis,shethinks,aperfectmoment.
???
LATERTHATEVENING,Tedslipsoutofthehouse.HetellsCatherinehe’sgoingtopickupafewthings.Sheseemshappy,chatteringonabouthowshe’llhavetoswitchfromwinetotonicandlime—withoutthegin—sonoonewillsuspectshe’spregnant.Atleastforawhile.Untilthey’repastthethree-monthpoint.Heurgeshertorelax,haveabathandpamperherselfwhilehe’sout.Hetellsherhowhappyheisaboutthebabyandthathe’llbehomesoontotakecareofher.Thenheleavesthehouse,closingthedoorbehindhim.
Hewantsachild,ofcoursehedoes.He’sjustnotsurehewantsonewithher.Heimaginesthetwoofthem,withababy,livinginthemurderhouse,andhastosuppressashudder.
Hedrivestothearrangedmeetingplace.He’sgoingtoseehissister-in-law,Lisa.Hehasaterribleneedtoconfideinsomeone,andthere’snooneelsehecantalktoaboutthis.Hehopeshe’snotmakingamistakeintrustingLisa.Butifhedoesn’tdosomething,he’sgoingtoexplode.HeandCatherinehavebeenworryingoutloudthatDanmaybeamurdererandagreeingthattheymustdowhattheycantoprotecthim.
ButmaybeDanisn’tthemurderer.
Afterthedetectivesvisitedhimathisofficeyesterday,TedtoldCatherinewhatthey’dsaid.Howstupidshe’dbeenfornottellinghimwhattheearringslookedlike.She’dgoneverystillandsaid,Shit.Shedescribedthemthen,butthetruthis,hecan’trememberhereverwearingthem.Ontheotherhand,henevernoticesherjewelry.
HehasnoideawhatCatherineisreallythinking.Doessheknowhesuspectsher?Andnowthis—she’spregnant.Hecoulddowithoutthisgoodnews.
HestandsagainsthiscarinthefallingduskintheparkinglotofaHomeDepotandspeculatesaboutwhat’sbeengoingonoveratDan’shouse.Hehopestofindout.
HewatchesLisadriveupinherlittlecarandstop.Shegetsoutandapproacheshim,lookingworried.Unexpectedly,shethrowsherselfagainsthimforahug.HeremembershowshealwayshugsCatherine.Shehugseveryone.She’sawomanwhothrivesoncomfort—bothgivingandreceiving.
Shepullsawayandsays,“Sorry,I’mamess.”
“That’sokay,I’mamesstoo,”hesays.
“Where’sCatherine?Whyarewemeetinghere?”sheasks.
“Iwantedtotalk,justyouandme,”hesays.Isheimaginingit,orisherbackgoingup?She’sclosertoCatherinethansheistohim.
“Why?”
Hehastenstoreassureher.“I’mjustfindingthishard.Ithoughtyoumightbetoo.Ithoughtwecouldgiveeachothermoralsupport.”
Sheleansagainsthiscarthen,besidehim.“IknowCatherineistryingtoprotectDan.”Hervoicetrembles.“But
—Ikeepimaginingwhatmighthavehappened….”Shestopsspeakingandstaresstraightaheadofheracrosstheparkinglot,asifseeingthemurdersinhermind’seye.Finally,shesays,hervoicebleak,“IknowCatherinewantstoprotecthim
—butI’mnotsureIcan.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”Tedsays,turningtowardher.Doessheknowsomething?Somethingtheydon’t?
Sheswallows.“Ifhedidit…couldyoulivewithhim?”
Tedlooksaway.Sothere’snothingdefinitive,nothingshecansaytohelphim.He’slivingwiththesamehorror.HemetwithLisahopingshewouldtellhimsomethingtoconfirmDan’sguilt,thathe’dconfessedtoherorsomething.ThenTedcouldstopdoubting.Butshedoesn’tknowanymorethanhedoes.They’rebothinthedark.Theystandinsilenceforawhile.
Shespeaksslowly.“Itrytotellmyselfthathecouldn’thavedoneit,nottheDanIknow—butwhatifthere’saDanIdon’tknow?TheyhaveawitnessputtinghiminBreckenHillthatnight.Heliedtomeaboutit.ButIkeeptellingmyselfhedidn’tdoit,becausepartofmecan’tbelieveit,anddoesn’twanttobelieveit.”
Tedlooksatherandfeelsaterribleneedtounburdenhimself.Heswallowsandsays,“Iknowwhatyoumean.”
Sheshakesherhead.“Idon’tthinkyoudo.”
“Listen,”Tedsays,hisvoicelowandstrained.“Idon’tknowifDandiditornot.Butifhedidn’t,thenitwasprobablyCatherine.”
Shelooksathim,obviouslyshocked.“Whywouldyouthinkthat?”
“Shewasthere,Lisa.”
“Aftertheyweredead.”
“That’swhatshesays,butshecamehomethatnightandactedlikeeverythingwasfine.Shemadeupanentireconversationshehadwithhermother,whowasalreadydead.
Andsaidnothingfortwodays.Whodoesthat?”
“ShethoughtshewasprotectingDan.”
Henods.Hehesitates,onthebrinkofbetrayal.ShouldheconfideinLisaornot?Heexhales.“That’swhatweallthought.Butthepolicecametomyoffice—theyfoundapair
ofSheila’searringsinCatherine’sjewelryboxwhentheysearchedourplace.Theysaythey’reoneoftheitemsthatwentmissingfromthehousethatnight.”
“What?Ihaven’theardanythingaboutthat.”
“Catherinesayssheborrowedthemacoupleofweeksbefore,butIdon’trememberseeingthem.”
“Maybeshedidborrowthem.”
“Maybe,”Tedsays.“Shesworetomeshedid.”Afterapause,Tedsays,“ThatdetectiveseemsconvincedthatFredwasgoingtochangehiswilltogiveAudreyhalf,andthatoneofthemknew.”
“That’sbullshit,isn’tit?”
Tedshrugs.“Theydon’tseemtothinkso,becauseFredwasdying,andtheyseemtobelievehewasputtinghisaffairsinorder.”Shenodsthoughtfully.Hecontinues.“IknowSheilahadsomethingshewantedtotellCatherinethatnight.Maybethatwasit.”Hehesitates,buthecan’thelphimself,heneedstotellsomeone.“Catherinewasupstairsalonewithhermotherthatnight,justbeforedinner.MaybeSheilatoldheraboutthewillthen.”Lisastaresathim,hereyesbig.Afteranothersilence,Tedasks,“IsDansayinganythingtoyou—aboutCatherine?”
“Justthatsheknewaboutthedisposablesuitsinourgarage,andthatheneverlocksthedoor.”Sheavertshereyes.“Heclaimsshe’stryingtosethimup,butIneverbelievedit….”
Shetrailsoff.
“Idon’tknowwhattobelieve,”Tedsays.
“Itcouldhavebeeneitheroneofthem,”Lisasaysslowly,obviouslyshaken.“Whatarewegoingtodo?”
“Idon’tknow.Butdon’ttellDanabouttheearrings,okay?”54
Thenextmorning,Thursday,thedetectivesinterviewJakeBrenneragain.HehastakenthetrainuptoAylesford.
He’smorewarythistime.
“Jake,”Reyessays,“we’regoingtogiveyoutheopportunitytocomecleanwithus.”
“Whatdoyoumean?”
“Weknowyoudidn’tspendthenightatJenna’splacehereinAylesfordonEasterSunday.You’vebeenlyingtous.”Jakeblinksrapidly.Reyessays,“YouwerecaughtonthesecuritycameraattheAylesfordtrainstation.YoutooktheeightfortybacktoNewYork.”
Jake’seyesdartbackandforthbetweenthetwoofthem.
“Okay,yes,Iwentbacktothecitythatnight,”headmitsatlast.
“Andyoudidn’thaveaproblemwithlyingforher?”Reyesasks.Hewatchestheothermanswallow.
“No.”Heexplains.“Shecameintothecitythenextday,Monday,andspentthenight.Everythingwasgood.OnTuesdaymorning,Ileftforwork,andshecalledmetotellmeherparentshadbeenrobbedandmurderedandaskedmetosayIwaswithherallnightonEasterSunday.Shesaiditwouldjustbeeasier.”Headds,“IagreedbecauseIdidn’tthinkshehadanythingtodowithit.”
ReyespushesphotosofthecrimesceneacrossthetableinfrontofJake’sface.Heglancesdown,hisfaceblanching.Hesuddenlylookslikehemightbesick.
“Youdon’thonestlythinkshecouldhavedonethis,”Jakesays.
Reyesdoesn’tanswerthat.Insteadhesays,“Obstructionofjusticeisaseriouscharge.”
“Ineverthought—Imean,shewasperfectlynormalonMonday.Itneveroccurredtomethatshecouldhavekilledthem.Imean,whywouldit?Iknewtheyfoughtthatnight,butfuck—”
“Whatdidtheyfightabout?”Reyesasks.
He’swillingtotellthemeverythingnow.“Thefatherwasmeantoeveryoneatdinner.Insultingeverybody.Theothersallleftreallypissedoff,eventhecleaninglady.WewereabouttoleaveandthenJennagotintoitwithherdad.”Hepauses,asifhedoesn’twanttosaywhathehastosaynext.“Herfatherstartedcomplainingabouthowuselesstheyallwereandsaidthathe’ddecidedtochangehiswillandleavehalfofeverythingtohissister,andthathe’dalreadymadeanappointmenttodoit.Jennawasfurious.IwantedtogobutJennawouldn’tleave.Itwasugly.”
“Diditgetphysical?”
“No,buttheywerebothshouting.”Headds,“Shetoldmeafterwardthatshe’stheonlyonewhoeverstandsuptotheirfather.Theothersaretooafraidofhim.”
Well,well,well,Reyesthinks,whenthey’vefinishedwithJake.JennaMerton,atleast,knewforcertainthatherfatherwasgoingtochangehiswill.AndJakewasn’twithherthatnight.Reyestapshispencilonhisblotter,deepinthought.
Eachofthosefourkidsstandstogainmillions.Allofthemareroughlythesameheight,right-handed,andphysicallycapableofcommittingthemurders.
Perhaps,hethinks,thekidsareinonittogether,andthisisallpartofagrandplan.Perhapstheyareplayinghim.Hehas
noevidenceofconspiracy,butanyconspiringcouldeasilyhavebeendoneinperson,withoutleavinganytrail.Theyaresowingenoughconfusionamongthemtocreatereasonabledoubt—they’reallbehavingasthoughtheymighthavedoneit.Gettingpeopletolieforthem.TheearringsinCatherine’sjewelrybox.DanbeingsightedinBreckenHill.JennalyingaboutwhathappenedthatnightaftertheothersleftandsayingJakehadbeenwithher.EvenIrena’sbehaviorwiththeknife.
AndRose—maybethey’reallinthistogethersomehow.
Ishebeingmanipulatedbyallofthem?HeremembershowIrenasaidthattheywouldneverworktogether.
Ishenotgoingtobeabletosolvethiscase?Reyesrubshiseyestiredly.Herefusestoacknowledgethepossibility.Thetruthisthere.Hejusthastofindoutexactlywhathappened.
Andthenhehastobeabletoproveit.
TheyhavetotalktoJennaagain.
???
JENNA’SCELLBUZZESandsheseesthatit’sJakecalling.Maybehecouldtellshewasn’tveryhappyabouthimaskingherformoney.
“Hey,”Jennasays.“What’sup?”sheaskslightly.
“I’vebeeninAylesford,talkingtothepolice,”Jakesays,hisvoicetight.
“Whatthefuckareyoutalkingabout?”
“Theyknow,Jenna,”Jakesays.
“Theyknowwhat?”
“TheycaughtmeonthesecuritycameraattheAylesfordtrainstationgoingbacktothecitythatnight.Itoldthemthetruth—thatIwasn’twithyou.AndItoldthemabouttheargumentwithyourparents.”
She’sstunned.Andfurious.“What,exactly,didyoutellthem?”sheasks,hervoicecold.
“Thatyourdadsaidhe’ddecidedtochangehiswillandgivehalftohissister.”
Shedoesn’tspeakforamoment.Thenshedemands,“Whythefuckdidyoutellthemthat?”
“Juststayawayfromme.Idon’twantanythingtodowithyou,”Jakesays,anddisconnectsthecall.55
Thatevening,Jennavisitshersister.
Catherineletsherinandtheysettleonceagaininthelivingroom,curtainsdrawn.“Youwantanything?”
Catherineasks.“Wine?Ginandtonic?”
“Sure,”Jennasays,sittingdowninoneofthearmchairs.
SheseesCatherine’salreadygotaginandtoniconthecoffeetable.“Wine,please.”Tedishoveringinthebackgroundthewayhedoes,asifhe’snotcertainhe’swelcome.Butheobviouslywantstobethere—hewantstohearwhatshehastosay.
JennahasnoticedachangeinTed.He’slostsomeofhisassurance.You’dexpecthimtobebaskingintheglowofallthemoneycomingfromCatherine’sinheritance,Jennathinks.
ShestudieshimsilentlywhileCatherineisinthekitchengettingherdrink.Teddoesn’tgiveashitaboutDan,orcareaboutthefamilyreputationthewayCatherinedoes—why,then,ishelookingsodistressed?Itstrikesher,likearevelation;maybehedoesn’tbelieveDandiditatall.MaybehethinksCatherinedidit.
“Youokay,Ted?”sheasks.
Tedsays,clearlyonedge,“Theyfoundsomeearringsofyourmother’shere,inCatherine’sjewelrybox.Catherineborrowedthem,butthedetectivesdon’twanttobelieveher.”
“Whatearrings?”Jennaasks.
Catherinecomesbackinfromthekitchenandsays,“Theantiquediamondstuds,withthescrewbacking.Youremember
those?Iborrowedthemawhileago,andnowthey’regivingmeahardtimeaboutit.”Shehandsheraglassofredandthensitsonthesofa,foldingherlegsunderneathher.“So,what’shappening?”sheasks.
Jennagiveshersisteralong,contemplativelook.Thenshesays,“Thedetectiveswanttointerviewmeagaintomorrowmorning.Iwantedtotalktoyoufirst.”
Catherineleansforwardalittle,reachingforherglass.
“Why?”
Jennahesitatesforamoment,thensays,“Jakechangedhisstoryandtoldthemhewasn’twithmethatnight.”
Catherinegoesstill,herglassinterruptedonitswaytoherlips,andsays,“Washeornot?”
“No,”Jennaadmits.“Iaskedhimtolieforme.”
There’salongsilence.“Whatabunchofliarsweallare,”
Catherinesaysfinally,andtakesasipofherdrink.
“Iwashomeallnight.Ididn’tkillthem,”Jennainsists.“Ijustdon’tneedthegrief.”
“Thatmakestwoofus,”Catherinesays.
“I’mtakinganattorneywithme.”
“Andwhatwillyoutellthem?”Catherineasks,lookingintoherglass.
“Nothing.”
Catherinenods.“Look,”shesayscarefully.“WeallknowDanprobablydidit.Buttheydon’tseemtohaveanyhardevidence.EventhewitnessthatputsDaninBreckenHillthatnight—sowhat?It’snotenough.It’snothing.It’snotlikehewasseenatMomandDad’s.Weshouldalljusttrytorelax.
Weneedtoholdournerve.”
Jennalooksupfromherwineglass.“IhadanargumentwithDadthatnight,aftertherestofyouleft.Hesaidhewasgoingtochangehiswill,giveAudreyhalf.Hewasfedupwithallofus.Jakeheardallthat—andhetoldthedetectives.”
“Hewasreallygoingtodothat?Areyousure?”Catherineasks.
“That’swhathesaid.”ShelookshardatCatherineandasks,
“Didyouknow?”
“What?No,ofcoursenot.”There’satautsilence.“Jesus,”
Catherinesays,andfinishestherestofherdrinkinonego.
Thenshesays,“Thatdoesn’tlookgoodforyou,doesit?”
???
LATERTHATNIGHT,afterJennaisgone,Catherinesitsupinbed,pretendingtoreadanovel,whileTeddoesthesamebesideher.It’sagoodthinghecan’treadhermind.Becauseasthepageblursinfrontofher,she’sseeingsomethingelse—hermother’spaleface,hereyesopenandstaring.She’srememberingkneelingdown,bendingcloser,asiftokisshercheek.Butinstead,shereachesforthediamondearringinhermother’searlobe.SheilaiswearingtheantiquediamondstudsthatCatherinehaslongcoveted.Shemusthavethem.HermotherhadbeenwearingadifferentpairatEasterdinner.
Catherinecansaysheborrowedthese.Noonewillknow.
???
DANANDLISAsitonthesofaintheden,watchingtelevision.
Theyhavebeenawkwardandtensewitheachother.Thateasethey’dalwayssharedislonggone.Danisn’tsurewhatLisathinksaboutthemurders.Maybeshethinkshedidit,hedoesn’tknow.Buthe’sprettysureshedoesn’tlovehimanymore.
Unabletoconcentrateontheshow,hefindshimselfthinkingabouthowit’sallgonetoshitsofast.Andnoneofit’sevenhisfault.It’severybodyelse’sfault.Hisfather’s,forsellingthebusinessandruininghiscareer.RoseCutter’s,forpushingthatinvestmentonhimanddefraudinghim.HissisterCatherine’s,forsuggestingRosetalktohiminthefirstplace.
Hefidgetsashismindrunsawaywithhim,hislegjumpingupanddownonthecouch.Hecantellhe’sannoyingLisa.
Hegetsup.“I’mgoingoutforadrive.”
Shelooksupathim.“Why?Whereareyougoing?”Asifshe’ssuspiciousofhim.
Hedoesn’tlikehertone,sohedoesn’tanswer.Heleavestheden,halfexpectinghertogetupandfollowhimtothedoor,askhimtostayhome.Butshedoesn’t.Shestaysintheden,asifshenolongercareswhathedoes.Hegrabsadenimjacket—nothisusualwindbreaker,thepolicehavethat—andleavesthehouse.Hehastogetout.Hecan’tsitstillanotherminutewithallthistensioncoursingthroughhim.Heneedstodrive.
HeclimbsintoLisa’scar.Itpisseshimoffthathehasn’tgothiscarbackyetandnoonecantellhimwhenhewill.
Everythingseemstobegettingtakenawayfromhim.Heturnsoffhiscellphoneandbacksoutofthedriveway.Hedrivesaimlesslyatfirst,alongfamiliarroads.Drivinghelpshimthink.Itusuallycalmshim.Butlatelyithasn’t,andit’snotworkingtonighteither.Hisangerisfestering,growing.
HismindsettlesonRose,whomheblamesforeverything.
Shestolefromhimandnowshe’sgettinganequalshareofthefamilyinheritance—moneythatwassupposedtogotohimandhissiblings.
Heknowswhereshelives.He’slookeditup.Itwasinevitable—hefindshimselfdrivingtoherhouse.Whenhegetstoherstreetofmodeststarterhomes,heparksacrossfrom
herhouseandstares.Thelightsareallout,exceptforoneoverthefrontdoor.There’snocarinthedriveway.
He’ssoangryather.Heclenchesthesteeringwheelsohardthathishandsbegintoache.Butstillhesitsthere,watching.
???
ROSEARRIVESHOMEshortlyafter11:00p.m.,havinghaddinnerwithfriends.Shehadn’tenjoyedit.She’dbeenquietanddistractedthroughout,enoughthatherfriendsnoticed.Shedeniedthatanythingwaswrong.They’llfindoutsoonenough.
Shehasn’ttoldanyoneaboutthewill,anditlooksliketheMertonshaven’teither.Ithasn’tyetmadethenews.Butit’sallgoingtocomeoutanydaynow
Thestreetisdarkasshepullsintoherdriveway.She’sgladsheleftthelightonoverthefrontdoor.Assheparkshercarandgetsout,shenoticesthesmallcaracrossthestreet.There’samaninside,andshethinkshe’swatchingher.Instantly,herheartbeginstorace.Shecan’ttellwhoitis—it’stoodark.Shedoesn’twanttostopandgetagoodlook.Shehastogetinside.
Sherushesupthestepstothedoorandfumbleswiththekey,listeningforthesoundofacardooropeningbehindher,footstepsonthepavement.Onceinside,shelocksthedoorandthrowsthedeadbolt.Thensheleansagainstthedoorinthedark,breathingfast.
Shedesperatelywantstoturnonallthelights,butshedoesn’t.Shedoesn’twanthimtobeabletoseeherinsidethehouse.Shesitsinthekitcheninthepitchdarkwithhercellphoneinherhand,poisedtohit911.
Finally,aroundoneinthemorning,shegetsupthenervetocreepouttothelivingroomandlookoutsidefrombehindthecurtain.Thecarisgone.56
Despitehavingherattorneybesideherassheentersthepolicestationthenextmorning,Jennaisuncharacteristicallynervous.She’sfuriousatJakeforbetrayingher.He’snothingbutacoward.Atleastshewon’thavetopayhimanythingtokeephimquiet.Hehasnothingtoholdoverhernow;he’stoldthemeverythingheknows.
Perhapshewillcometoregrethisdecisionwhenhecan’tmakehisrent.Thatgiveshersomesmallsatisfaction.Maybeit’sallforthebest.It’snotlikeshereallyhasanythingtoworryabout.
Theysettleintheinterviewroom,Jennaandherlawyerbesideherononesideofthetable,andReyesandBarrontheother.Jennacomposesherselfwhiletheintroductionsaregoingonforthetape,beforethequestionsstart.
Reyesbegins.“Yourboyfriendhassoldyouout.”
“He’snotmyboyfriendanymore,”shesays,withasmall,tightsmile.
“Hesayshewasn’twithyouthenightofthemurders,thatyouaskedhimtolieforyou,”thedetectivesays.
Sheglancesatherlawyer,andthenlooksbackatReyes.
“That’strue.Ididaskhimtocoverforme.ButIdidn’tkillmyparents.Idrovehimtothetrainstationafterdinner,thenwentbacktomyplacealone.”
“Whydidyoulie?”
“Whydoyouthink?Soyouwouldn’tthinkitwasme.Samereasonmybrotherandsisterlied.”
“You’reallgoingtobemillionaires,”Reyessays.
“Exactly.Weallknewwe’dbesuspects.”
“Jaketoldusabouttheargumentyouhadwithyourfatherthatnight.Iunderstanditwasveryheated.Hetoldyouhewasplanningtoleavehalfofhiswealthtohissister,Audrey.”
“Wehadanargument,”Jennaadmits.“Hemighthavesaidthat.Butmyfatheralwayssaidthingslikethatwhenhewasangry.Ididn’ttakeitseriously.ItprobablylookedworsetoJakethanitwas.”
“Rightnow,you’retheonlyoneweknowforcertainknewaboutyourfather’sintention.”
Sheshrugs.“Iwouldn’tbesosure.Ifhereallymeanttodothat,MommusthavetoldCatherine.Shewouldhavetoldherifsheknew.”
“WhyCatherine,particularly?”
“ShetoldCatherineeverything.Shewasthefavorite.OurmothernevertoldmeandDananything.”
“AreyouawarethatyourauntAudreyhasbeenpoisoned?”
Reyesasks.
“Iheard.Iwonderwhoshepissedoffthistime.”
“She’sfine,bytheway,”Reyessays.
???
ELLENCUTTERISDOWNTOWNrunningafewerrandswhenshespotsJanetShewcukonthesidewalkheadingtowardher.
She’swalkingwithherheaddownanddoesn’tseeher.ButEllenrecognizesherdaughter’sfriendfromlawschool,theonewhogotajobatafancylawfirminAylesfordwhenherdaughterdidn’t.Shedecidestogiveherawideberth,keenlyawarethatitwillsoonbeknownfarandwidethatRosehasdefraudedaclientandbrokenthelaw.She’sabouttoveer
aroundherwhenJanethappenstolookupandstopsdead,herfacefrozenassherecognizesEllen.Ellenmovestogoaroundher,butJanetreachesoutandputsherhandonherarm.“Mrs.
Cutter.”
She’sstucknow;shecan’tpretendshedoesn’tknowher.
Andthenitgetsworse.Janetlooksather,eyesfillingupwithtears,andwhispers,“I’msosorry.”
Ellenlooksbackatherinconfusion.DoesshealreadyknowwhatRosehasdone?HasRosetoldher?Shedoesn’twantherpity.Beforeshecanwrenchherarmawayandwalkon,Janetspeaksagain.
“IknowRoseisintrouble,andit’sallmyfault.InevershouldhavetoldhershewasinFredMerton’swill.”
Ellenfeelsherkneesstarttobuckle,butshehastohearitall.
???
LATERTHATDAY,ReyesandBarrandtheforensicsteam,armedwithasearchwarrant,headtothesmallhouseJennaMertonrentsontheoutskirtsofAylesford.It’saruralproperty,awood-framehousethatneedspainting.It’soutinthemiddleofnowhere.Noimmediateneighbors.Noonetonoticehercomeandgo.She’snotsurprisedtoseethem.
Reyesisn’tsurewhathewasexpecting—amessinsidewithashtraysandbongsanddetritusfromadissoluteartist’slife—
butwhatheseessurpriseshim.Inside,theroomsarebrightandwellkept.Thewallshavebeenfreshlypaintedwhite,andtherearebrightcanvasesonthewalls—hewondersiftheyarefromherboyfriend,Jake.Butthenhethinks,iftheywerethey’dprobablyhavebeentakendownandshreddedbynow.
They’remodern,abstract,butsomehowpleasing.Behindthelivingroomisasunnybackroomshehasturnedintoastudiothatlooksoutontothefields.Therearevariouspiecesof
sculptureinthestudio,andhestudiesthemwithinterest.Heseesanentirerowoffemaletorsoswithoutheads,justbreastsofallshapesandsizes.
“Mybusts,”shesayssardonically.
Someofthepiecesarerecognizableasfemalegenitaliabutothersaremoreconventional.Perhapsshe’sbranchingout.
Theyarecertainlyexperimental.Oneappearstobetheheadandshouldersofamanthatshe’sbeenworkingoninclay.It’sunfinished.Ormaybeitisfinished—hecan’ttell.Hehasnounderstandingofmodernart.
“Doyoulikeart?”Jennaaskshim,asifreadinghismind.
Shedoesn’tseemperturbedbythembeingthere.
“Idon’tknow.I’veneverreallythoughtaboutit,”headmits.
Sheshakesherheadathimasifheisaphilistine.Perhapsheis.Butshemaybeakiller,andshe’sinnopositiontojudgehim,Reyesthinks.Hefocusesonthetaskathand.
Heknowsshe’ssmart.Ifshekilledherparents,they’renotlikelytofindanything.Theygothroughtheentirehouse.Nosignofbloodanywhere.Noneofhermother’sjewelryisthere.
Butthen,Jennahasentirelydifferenttaste.
HerMiniCooperhasbeentakenawayforexamination;arentalcarisalreadyparkedtotheleftofthehouse.Astheygooutside,Reyesrecognizesafamiliarfiguresittinginacaronthedirtroadinfrontofthehouse.It’sAudreyStancik.JennastepsoutfrombehindReyeswhensheseesherfather’ssister.
Shestridesoverangrily.“Whatthefuckareyoudoinghere?”
Jennaasks.
“It’safreecountry,”Audreyreplies,smilingnastilyatherniece.
“Fuckoff,”Jennasnaps.SheturnsbacktoReyesandcalls,
“Can’tyougetridofher?”
“Nevermind,”Audreysays.“I’mleaving.”Shestartshercaranddrivesoff
ReyesandBarrfollowthetechteamtothebackyard.There,theyimmediatelybecomeinterestedinthefirepit.
Thedetectivescomecloserandwatchastheteamcollectseverylastbitofashanddebrisfromthefirepittotakebackforstudyatthelab.ReyesfeelsJennacomeupbesidehimandturnstolookather.
“It’safirepit,”shesays.“Sowhat?”Heturnshisattentionbacktotheblackenedcircleathisfeet.“You’renotgoingtofindanythingthere,”Jennasays.
???
THENEXTDAYISSATURDAY,andAudreyisathome,feelinglonelyandfrustrated.ShemissesEllen.
What’swrongwiththosedetectives?shethinks.Obviouslyoneofthekidsmurderedherbrotherandhiswife,buttheycan’tseemtofigureoutwhichone.Andoneofthemhastriedtokillher,aswell—who’stosaytheywon’ttryagain?
ShewishesshestillhadEllentotalkto.Ellenissosteady,socalming.ButAudreyisstillangryather—howcouldEllennottellher,alltheseyears,thatRoseisFred’sdaughter?
AudreyhastrustedEllenwithherdarkestsecret.Perhapsthatwasamistake.AndEllen’sowndaughtermaybethemurderer.
She’snotgoingtoletherbrother’skillergetawaywiththis.
She’sobsessedwithfindingtheanswer.Asshebroods,sherealizesthat,besidesthekiller,there’sonepersonwhomightknowthetruth.
???
ELLENSITSATherkitchentableandstaresintospace.Sheknowseverythingnow,anditisn’therdaughterwho’stoldher.Ellen
hasbeenpracticallycatatonicsincesheranintoJanetthedaybeforeandlearnedtheawfultruth.Shecan’tbringherselftocallRose.
Sheputsherfaceinherhandsandweepsasifsheisbroken,herheartseizinginfear.Rosehadliedtoherrepeatedly,andshe’dhadnoidea.Shecouldn’ttell.ThateithermakesherdaughteranextremelygoodliarormakesEllenextremelystupid.She’dalwaysthoughtherdaughterwashonestandopenhearted.Sheneverwouldhavethoughthercapableofstealingthatmuchmoney.Shedidn’tknowheratall.AndRosehadliedtoherfacewhenshesaidshedidn’tknowshewasinFred’swill,whenthetruthis,she’dknownformonths.Whatelsedoesshenotknowaboutherdaughter?
AudreyhasputaterriblefearintoEllen’sheart,withherstoriesaboutFredandwhathedid.Sheisafraidthereisanunknowabledarknessatthecenterofherdaughter.Shedoesn’tknowifshewilleverbeabletolookatherinthesamewayagain.57
AudreypullsintoIrena’sdriveway.Thehouselooksquiet.SheseesaflitofthecurtaininthefrontwindowasIrenapeepsouttoseewhoisthere.Audreywondersifshe’llletherin.
AudreyandIrenaknoweachother,ofcourse,butnotparticularlywell.BotharestrongwomenandwerewillingtostanduptoFredMertonifnecessary.AudreyhadalwaysadmiredIrena,whileshedespisedSheila.Irenadidherbestforthosekids,noonecoulddenythat.ShesteppedinanddidthemotheringthatSheilawouldn’t,orcouldn’t,do.Asthekidsgotolderandwerelessinterestedintheirauntandmoreinterestedintheirfriends,andasSheilamadeitclearerthatshedidn’tlikeAudreycomingtothehouse,shesawlessofthefamily,andlessofIrena.Shedoesn’tknowhowIrenawillreacttohernow.
Shehasalwaysbeenprotectiveofthekids.AndAudrey’sheretotrytofindoutwhichoneofthemisamurderer.
Shestepsoutofthecarandmakesherwaytothefrontdoor.Beforeshecanknock,thedooropensandIrena’spalefacelooksoutwarilyather.
“Whatdoyouwant,Audrey?”Irenasays.
“Ijustwanttotalk.”
Irenastaresatherforalongmoment.“Okay,”shesaysandletsherin.
Audreybreathesaninwardsighofrelief.Atleastshegotinthedoor.Shehadn’tcountedoneventhatmuch.“Howareyou
holdingup?”Audreyaskssympathetically.Irena,whensheseesherupclose,looksawful,withdarkringsunderhereyes,thegrayingponytailtoosevereforherlinedface.Shelooksolder,butofcourse,Irenamustbethinkingthesamethingabouther.
Irenasays,“I’mokay.Wouldyoulikecoffee?”
“Yes,thatwouldbelovely,thanks.”ShefollowsIrenaintohertidykitchen.AsIrenapreparesthecoffee,Audreytakesaseatatthekitchentableandsaystentatively,“Iwassogladtohearyougotabequest.It’sonlyrightthatFredandSheilarecognizeyouforallyouryearsofservice.”Itsoundsawkward,andshefeelsawkwardsayingit.“Youdidsomuchforthekids.”
“Thankyou,”Irenasays.
“Willyouretirenow?”Audreyasks,forlackofanyotherwaytokeeptheconversationgoing.
“Idon’tknow.I’vetoldmyclientsI’mtakingsometimeoffwhile…youknow.Theyunderstand.”
Audreynods.AtleastIrenahasturnedandisfacinghernow,whileshewaitsforthecoffeetobrew.Audreyhastobroachtheelephantintheroomsomehow.“It’ssoawful,whathappened,”shesays.“Ican’tstopthinkingaboutit.”Herownvoicesoundshollow.
Irenanodsandsays,“Iknow.”Sheconfesses,“I’vebeenhavingnightmares.”
Alargetabbycatcomesintothekitchenandjumpsuponthetable.“Oh,he’sgorgeous,”Audreysays,reachingouttopatthefriendlycat.
Irenasmilesforthefirsttime.“Isn’the?Buthe’snotsupposedtobeonthetable.”Sheliftshimdowntothefloor,whereherubsagainsttheirlegsinturns.
AudreywondersifsheandIrenacanbeallies.“Youfoundthem—it’snowonderyou’rehavingnightmares,”shesays.
Irenanods.“Anybodywould,”Audreyassuresher,seekingtobuildrapportwiththeonepersonwhoknowsthosekidsbest.
Shelooksaroundthesmallkitchen,hermindworkingonhowbesttocoaxIrenaintorevealinghersecrets.
???
LATEINTHEAFTERNOON,anofficerapproachesReyeswithanexcitedexpression.“Sir,wemayhavealeadonthattruckwe’vebeenlookingfor.”
Reyesperksup.
“Awomanjustcalled.Saidherneighborhasatruckmatchingthedescriptionweputouttothemedia.Shesaysshenoticedhehasn’tbeendrivingitthelastcoupleofweeks.”HehandsReyesanaddressasReyesgrabshisjacket.“Shewouldn’tgiveherownnameoraddress.”
ReyesfetchesBarrandexplainsonthewaytothecar.Theydrivetoanareaofrun-downhomeswithgaragesandunkemptyards,wheremoneygoesfornecessitiesratherthanniceties.
WhywouldsomeonewholivesherebedrivingaroundinBreckenHill?
Theypullupoutsidetheaddressthey’relookingforandparkonthestreet.“Idon’tseeatruck,”Barrsays.“Maybeit’sinthegarage.”
Reyesnods.Thegaragedoorisclosed.Hefeelsabeatofexcitement.Theyneedabreakinthecasesobadly—perhapsthisisit.Theyexitthecarandapproachthefrontdoor.
Awomaninherfiftiesanswersthedoor,lookingdismissivelyatthem.“Notinterested,”shesays.
ReyesandBarrholduptheirbadges.“AylesfordPolice,”
Reyessays.“Maywecomein?”
Shelooksnervousnowandstepsback,openingthedoor.
“Carl!’shecallsoverhershoulder.
Amaninhisearlytwenties,needingashave,comesupbehindher.“Whoareyou?”heasks.
Reyesmakestheintroductionsagain,andthemanshiftshiseyestotheirbadgesapprehensively.
“What’sthisabout?”thewomanasks,butshe’slookingatCarl,ratherthanatthedetectives.
“Idon’tknow,Mom,”Carlsays.“Iswear.”
Reyessays,“We’reinvestigatingthemurdersofFredandSheilaMerton.”Thewomanfreezes.Hersonlooksworried.
ReyesaddressesCarl.“Areyoutheownerofadarkpickup,withflamespaintedonthesides?”Carlhesitates,asifconsideringhisoptions,thennods.“We’dliketoseeit,”Reyessays.
“It’snothistruckyou’relookingfor,”themothersays.
“It’sinthegarage,”Carlsays.Heputsapairofsneakersonhisbarefeetandleadsthemthroughthekitchenandoutthedoorintothegarage,hisanxiousmotherfollowing.Carlflicksaswitch,andthegaragefillswithlight.
Reyeswalkstowardthetruck,lookingitover.It’sadark-coloredpickup,withorangeandyellowflamespaintedalongthesides.JustlikeHotWheels.Reyesdoesn’ttouchit,butlooksinthewindows.It’smessyanddirtyanddoesn’tlooklikeit’sbeencleanedinalongtime.
“DoyoumindtellinguswhereyouwereonthenightofApriltwenty-first?”Reyesasks.
Carlanswersnervously.“Idon’tremember.Idon’trememberwhatIwasdoingonwhateverday.”
“ItwasEasterSunday,”Reyessays.
“Oh.IimagineIwashome,right,Mom?”
Nowhismotherlooksscared.“I-I’mnotsure,”shesays.“Ican’trememberexactly.”Shefumbles.“Wehaddinneratmysister’s.Thenwecamehome.”Sheturnstoherson,awobbleinhervoice.“Didyougooutafter?”
Sheknowshewentout,Reyesthinks,butshe’sleavingthelyinguptohim.Shedoesn’tknowwhathemighthavedone.
Shelooksathersonasifshe’susedtobeingdisappointed,he’sjustleveledup,andshe’spreparingherself.
“No,I’mprettysureIstayedinthatnight.”
“Let’sgodowntothestationandhaveachat,”Reyessays.
“DoIhaveto?”Carlasks.
“No,wejustwanttotalktoyou.Butifyoudon’t,Imightarrestyouandreadyouyourrightsandtakeyoudowntownanyway.Andthenwe’llcomebackwithasearchwarrant.
Whichwouldyouprefer?”
“Fine,”hesays,sullen.58
Here’sthething,”Reyesbegins,whenthey’reallseatedintheinterviewroom.“YourtruckmatchesthedescriptionofthevehicleseendrivingawayfromtheMertonhouseonthenightofEasterSunday,thenightthatFredandSheilaMertonweremurdered.Weknowyou’vebeenkeepingthattruckinthegaragesincethedescriptionofitwentouttothemediaafterthebodieswerediscovered.So—whatwereyoudoinginBreckenHillthatnight?”
Heshakeshishead.“Itwasn’tme.”
“Itwasyourtruck.”
“Ididn’tkillanybody.”
“Whatwereyoudoingthere,then?”Reyesasks.
“Fuck,”Carlsays.Reyeswaits.“Iwantalawyer.”
Nowit’sReyes’sturntosayfuck,buthesaysittohimself.
“Igotsomebody,”hesays.“CanIcallhim?”
“Ofcourse,”Reyessays,andheandBarrleavetheroom.
Anhourlater,CarlBrink’sattorneyarrivesandtheybegintheinterviewagainafterCarlhasspokenprivatelywithhim.
Carllooksnervouslyathislawyer,whonodsreassuringly.
Carlsays,“Iwasouttherethatnight.Itookawrongturnandwentpastthathouse.Iwenttothenexthouse—itwasadeadend—andturnedaroundandwentbackpastitagain.”
“Whattimewasthis?”Reyesasks.
Carlshakeshishead.“Idon’tknow.Eleven?Twelve?”
“Canyounotpinitdownalittlebetterthanthat?”Reyesasks.
Carllooksfurtivelyathisattorney,asifforhelp.Buttheattorneyhasnothingtosay.“That’sthebestIcando.Imayhavebeenalittlehigh.”Theattorneygiveshimalittleshakeofthehead.“Ihadnothingtodowithwhathappenedthere,”
Carlinsists.Helickshislipsnervously.
“Bullshit,”Reyessays.“Thenwhydidn’tyoucomeforwardwhenweputoutthedescriptionofyourtruck?Youobviouslyknewwewerelookingforit—youhaven’tdrivenitsince.”
Carlhangshisheadandsays,“Mylicensewassuspended.Iwasn’tsupposedtobedrivingthatnight.AndI’vekeptitinthegarageeversincebecauseIknewyouwerelookingforitandIdidn’twanttogetstopped.”
Forfuck’ssake,Reyesthinks.“Whatwereyoudoingoutthere?”
“Iwasmeetingafriend,”Carlsays,avertinghiseyes.
“YouhavefriendsinBreckenHill?Really?”Reyesallowshisdisbelieftocomethroughloudandclear.“Ormaybeyouweredoingsomedealing?”
Thelawyerclearshisthroatandsays,“Myclienthassomeinformationthatmightbeuseful.Perhapswecouldfocusonthatandnotgettoocaughtupinwhathewasdoingtherethatnight?”
Reyessighsheavilyandasks,“Whatkindofinformation?”
Theattorneynodsonceathisclient.
“Isawsomething,”Carlsays,“inthedrivewaywherethatcouplewaskilled.”
“Whatdidyousee?”Reyesasksintently.
“Therewasacarparkedattheendofthedriveway,likeneartheroad,notnearthehouse.Ithoughtthatwasweird.”
“Didyouseeanybody?”
Heshakeshishead.“No.Justthecar.Itlookedempty.Thelightswereoff.”
“Whatkindofcarwasit?”
“Idon’tknow.Justacar.Butithadavanityplate.IRENAD.”
???
REYESANDBARRareontheirwaytoIrenaDabrowski’splace.
“Shegetsamillionunderthewill,”Reyessays.“That’salotofmoneyforacleaninglady.Weneverevensearchedhercar.”
“Well,wecansearchitnow,”Barrsays.
“SheknewaboutthesuitsinDan’sgarage,too,”Reyesremembers.
TheyarriveatIrena’sandparkonthestreet.WhenIrenaopensthedoor,sheseemsdismayedtoseethem.
“Maywecomein?”Reyesasks.
Shestepsasideandletsthemin,suddenlypale,asifshemightfaint.
“Maybeyoushouldsitdown,”Barrsuggestsandguideshertoanarmchairjustinsidethelivingroom.
“Wehaveanewwitness,”Reyestellsher.“Someonewhosawsomethingthenightofthemurders.”
Shelooksbackattheminapparentdread.“Whichonewasit?”shewhispers.
Reyesisimpressed.She’sbeenactingallalong.He’sannoyedathimselfformissingit.“Itwasyou,Irena.Youkilledthem.”
Shestaresbackatthem,aghast.“Me?What?No.Ididn’tkillthem.”
“SomeonesawyourcarattheendoftheMertons’drivewaythatnight.”
Sheshakesherheadindisbelief.“Ididn’tkillthem.You’remakingamistake!”
Reyessays,asBarrcuffsher,“IrenaDabrowski,youareunderarrestforthemurdersofFredandSheilaMerton.Youhavetherighttoremainsilent.Anythingyousaycanandwillbeusedagainstyouinacourtoflaw.Youhavetherighttoanattorney….”
???
IRENAHASREQUESTEDanattorneyanditiseveningwhentheybeginformalquestioning.Irenaappearstobeveryshaken,almostinshock.
Reyeswatchesherwithoutsympathy.Shehasplayedthemallalong.Cleaningtheknifewhenshewentbackto“discover”
thebodies,tomakethemthinkshewasprotectingoneofthechildren.HerreluctantadmissionthatitmighthavebeenanyoneoftheMertonkids,whenitwashertheentiretime.She’dthrownthemallunderthebus.
Theattorneyasks,lookingworriedlyathisdistressedclient,
“Whatmakesyouthinkmyclientmurderedheremployersincoldblood?Shewastheircleaninglady,forChrist’ssake.”
“Wehaveanewwitnesswhosawhercar—withherveryidentifiablelicenseplate,IRENAD—parkedattheendoftheMertons’driveonthenightofthemurders,sometimebetweeneleveno’clockandmidnight.”
Irenashakesherheadandmumbles,“Iwasn’tthere.”
“YoureceiveonemilliondollarsunderFredMerton’swill,”
Reyessays.“Correct?”
“Yes,”sheadmits.
Theattorneysays,“Areasonableenoughbequest,consideringthewealthofheremployersandthelengthofherservice.”
“Andmotiveenoughformurder,”Reyescounters.“Peoplehavekilledforfarless.”
“Ididn’tdoit,”shesaysagain,withfearinhervoice.“Ididn’tevenknowthey’dleftmeanything.WhywouldIkillthem?”
“Interferingwiththemurderscene—youdidthattodirectattentiontowardthekids,awayfromyourself.”She’sgoneashen.“YouknewaboutthosedisposablecoverallsinDan’sgarage,andthatheleftthedoorunlocked.”
Thelawyerbreaksin.“Ithinkwe’redonehere.You’regoingtoneedmoreevidencethanonequestionableeyewitness.Unlessyou’vegotmore—”
“We’llgetmore,”Reyessays.59
DanlearnsofthearrestwhenabreakingnewsreportcomesonTVthatnight.Hecan’tbelieveit.Heyellsforhiswife.
Shecomesrunninginfromthekitchen.
Heturnstoher,queasywithastrangemixtureofhorrorandrelief.“They’vearrestedIrena.”Lisalooksfromhimtothetelevision,stunned.“Nowdoyoubelieveme?”hesaysbitterly,butwithanoteoftriumph.Hefumblesforthecellphoneinhispocket.“IhavetocallCatherine.”
???
CATHERINEISSTILLUPwhenDancalls,readinginbedwithTed.
Theyfindithardtosleepthesedays,oftenreadinglateintothenight,untiltheyturnoffthelightandtheirfearkeepsthemawake.
Sheseesthatit’sDan,andreluctantlyacceptsthecall.She’ssurprisedDaniscallingher—he’sbeendoinghisbesttoavoidher.
“Catherine—haveyouheard?They’vearrestedIrena.”
“Forwhat?”shesaysstupidly.
“Forthemurders.”
Shesucksinabreath.“Irena?”ShefeelsTedmovingbesideher.
“It’sonthenews.Lookonline.”
Shetapstheappforlocalnewsonherphoneandseestheheadline,FormerNannyArrestedinMurderofMertonCouple.Tedisnowlookingoverhershoulderatthephone.
Sheglancesatherhusbandastherealityofitsinksin.Thensheputsthephonebacktohermouthandsays,“You’dbettercomeover.I’llcallJenna.Weneedtodecidewhattodo.”Hermindisracing.Whatnow?DotheystandbehindIrena?Saynothing?Orvilifyhertothepress?Shedisconnectsthecallandlooksup.Tedisstaringather.
“Ican’tbelieveit,”shesays,hervoiceawhisper.“IhonestlythoughtDanhaddoneit,allthistime.”
???
TEDHOLDSHISWIFEinhisarmsforamoment,hugginghertightly.Hecan’tquitebelieveiteither.Irena?Ifthey’vearrestedherforthemurders,theymusthavegoodreason.
Theymusthaveevidence.He’sbeenwrongabouthiswife,whomhehadbeguntodeeplydistrust.He’sbeenwrongabouther—andshe’sbeencarryingthisawfulburden,allthistime,thinkingherbrothermurderedherparents.Hekissesthetopofherheadandfeelstheterribletensionthathe’sbeencarryingaroundthelastcoupleofweeksbegintorelease.Ofcourseshe’snotamonster.Shewillmakeawonderfulmother.Nowtheycanmoveforward,focusonthebaby.HisthoughtsturntoLisa,howshemustbefeelingthesamewayrightnow.HethinksoftheirfurtivemeetingintheHomeDepotparkinglot.
Maybetheycanbothrelaxnow,andtheywillneverspeaktoeachotheroftheirdoubtseveragain.
CatherinepullsawayfromhisembracetocallJenna.Thentheybothhurriedlygetdressed.
???
IT’SANOTHERSTRANGEfamilymeeting.They’reallhere,backinCatherineandTed’slivingroom—onlyIrenaismissing.
Lisafeelsasifshe’sholdingherbreath.Shewantssomuchforthistobetrue,forthepolicetoberight.ShedesperatelywantsIrenatobeguilty.Shewantsherhusbandexonerated,andCatherine,too,whomsheloveslikeasister.Shewantsherfamilybackandshewantsthemoneyandshedoesn’tcareaboutIrena—shebarelyknowsher.
WhensheandDanarrived,shecaughtTed’seye,andtheyimmediatelylookedawayfromeachother,asifashamed.
Catherinehadbeenonherlaptoplookingforanyinformationshecouldfindonthearrest.Thereisn’tmuch,onlythatnewevidencehasemergedputtingIrenaatthesceneofthecrimeattherelevanttime.That’salltheyknow.
“Ican’tbelieveit,”Jennasaysagain,voicingwhattheyallfeel.
“Iwonderwhattheevidenceis,”Dansays.It’swhatthey’reallthinking.
“Wehavetodecidehowwe’regoingtohandlethis,”
Catherinesays.Thethreesiblingslookatoneanother,uncertain.AtlengthCatherinesays,“Ithinkwesaynothing,tothepoliceorthepress.Don’tweoweherthat?”
Slowly,Danbeginstonod,andthenJennadoestoo.
Lisaknowswhatthey’rethinking.They’reallthinkingthesamething:ThankstoIrena,we’reallgoingtoberich.
???
THENEXTMORNINGISSUNDAY,andReyesandBarrareatIrena’shousebrightandearlywithawarrantandtheforensicsteam.Irenawasheldovernightandremainsincustody.Theytakeaquicklookatthecarbeforeitistakenaway.Therearenoobvioussignsofrecentcleaning,orofstaining.Itwilltaketimetohaveamorethoroughlook.Thentheygointothehouse.
Thecatishungry.Reyesfindsthecatfoodandfillsitsbowlswithfoodandwaterandwatchesasitbeginstoeat.
IrenahadrequestedthatsomeoneputitinitscarrierandtakeittoAudrey’shousetobecaredfor.Reyesassignsthetasktoayoungofficer.
Theyimpatientlywatchthecrimeteamdoitsmeticulouswork.Buttheyfindnothingatall.
???
LATERTHATDAY,Irenahassomethingtosay.Theyallreconveneintheinterviewroom,thedetectivesandIrenaandherattorney.ReyesandBarrresumetheinterview.
“I’verememberedsomethingimportant,”shetellsthem.“Ihadaphonecalllatethatnight—fromafriendofmine,wishingmeaHappyEaster.Idon’tknowwhen,exactly,butitmusthavebeenaftereleven.We’rebothnightpeople,andweoftencalleachotherlate.Wetalkedforawhile,onmylandline.Ifyougetmyphonerecords,thatwillproveIwashomethatnight,won’tit?”
They’vealreadyorderedthoserecords.ReyesturnstoBarr.
“Checkonhowmuchlongertillwegetthem,canyou?”Sheleavestheroom.Theywaitforherreturn.
Shecomesbackshakingherheadandsays,“I’veaskedthemtohurrythemup.”
“Iwasn’tthere,”Irenainsists.
“Wehaveawitnesswhoidentifiedyourcar.Withyourvanityplate.”
Irena,pale,butwithanewfirmnessinhervoice,says,“IthinkIknowwhatmighthavehappened.Ithinksomeoneelsemusthaveusedmycarthatnight.”
“OneoftheMertonkids?”Reyessays.Shenods.“That’saconvenientidea,isn’tit?Wereanyoftheminthehabitof
usingyourcar?”
“No.Butifanyofthemwantedto,theycouldhavetakenit.
Ialwaysleftasparecopyofmykeysintheback,onthepatio,undertheplanter.Afullsetofhousekeysandcarkeys.Theyallknew.IstarteddoingthatbecauseI’dlostmykeystwice.”
“Doesanyoneelseknowaboutthosesparekeys?”
Sheshakesherhead.“No.ItwasjustFredandSheilaandthekids.”
“Andwheredoyoukeepyourcar?”
“Onthestreet.”
“Soyou’resuggestingthatoneofthemtookyoursparekeysfromthebackyardonEasterSunday,afteryouwereathome,anddroveyourcartotheMertons’house,committedthemurders,andreturnedyourcar?”
“I’msayingit’spossible.Ican’tthinkofanyotherexplanation.Ididn’tdrivethecarouttherethatnight.”
“DidyoueverletCatherineorDanorJennaborrowyourcar,everdrivethemanywhere?”Reyesasks.
Sheshakesherhead.“No,theyallhavemuchnicercarsthanmine.”
???
AUDREYHADBEENASTONISHEDwhenapoliceofficerbroughtIrena’scatandallitssuppliestoherdoorthatmorning.Nowshesitswiththebigtabbyonherlap,listeningtoitpurrasshepetsitgently.Thetraitorouscatdoesn’tseemtomisshisowneratall.Itsbowlsanditslitterboxareonthefloorinthekitchen.Audreylooksatthemandwondershowlongthecatwillbehere.
Shecan’tbelieveIrenakilledFredandSheila.Irenaseemssogrounded,sosensible.Thepolicemusthaveitwrong.
WhensheandIrenaspoke,theywereinperfectaccord—oneoftheMertonchildrenmusthavedoneit.ButIrena,likeAudrey,didn’tknowwhichone.
ShewantstoknowwhythepolicehavearrestedIrena.
Therearenodetailsonthenews—justthattheyhavenewevidenceimplicatingher.
Thisisallsuchasurprise;shewassosureitwasoneofthekids.
???
THEPHONERECORDSconfirmthatIrenawasathome,onthephone,from11:11p.m.until11:43p.m.onEasterSunday.ShecouldnothavecommittedthemurdersifCarlsawhercartheresometimebetweenelevenandmidnight,asheclaims.
Shewouldnothavehadtime.Reyeshastolethergo.Hedoesn’thaveenoughtoprosecuteherfordoublemurder.Hedoesn’thaveenoughtoprosecuteanyone.Now,hestaresmoodilyintospace,tiredlytryingtomakesenseofitall.
IfCarlBrinkistellingthetruth,someonedrovethatcartotheMertons’thatnight.RosewouldnothaveknownaboutIrena’shiddencarkeys.ButheknowsthatallthelegitimateMertonoffspringdid,andtheyareallliars.Hehasthreesuspects.Noneofthemhavealibis.Allhadmotive.Hestaresatthegrislypicturesofthecrimesceneuponhiswall,ofFredandSheila,murderedincoldblood,andaskshimselfforthehundredthtime—Whodidthis?60
ThefollowingmorningisMonday,andthere’sacrowdofpressoutsidethepolicestationwantinganswers.Reyeshasnoanswerstogivethem.Hebrushespastthemwithaterse“nocomment”andmakeshiswayinside.It’sbeenfrustrating,thisentirecase.
Andthenfinally,midmorning,abreak.Someactualphysicalevidencehasbeendiscovered.
ReyesandBarrlockeyeswhentheygetthenews.
Reyessays,“Let’sgetallofthem—Dan,Catherine,andJenna—inheretogiveDNAsamples.Seeifwegetamatch.”
???
TEDSITSatthekitchentablewithacupofcoffee,staringatthenewspaper.He’snotgoingintoworktoday.Hefeelslikesomethingdarkandheavyiscrouchingonhischest.TwonightsagoIrenahadbeenarrested,andhethoughtthisnightmarewasover.Thenyesterdaytheylethergo.Noexplanationastowhyeitherofthosethingshappened,fromthedetectivesorinthenews.CatherinehastriedtocallIrenarepeatedly,butsheisn’tanswering,andtheyknowshehascallerID.Irenadoesn’twanttotalktoher.Theyneedtoknowwhatthefuckisgoingon.Tedfeelslikegoingoverthereandpoundingonherdoorhimself.
Catherinewandersintothekitchen,herhandrestingprotectivelyonherentirelyflatstomach.Hefeelsatwingeofanger.Shewantssympathyandsupport,buthe’snotsurehecangiveherthat,babyornot.
Thephonerings,piercingthesilence.Neitheroneofthemhassaidmuchtotheotheryetthismorning.Hegetsupandgrabsthephoneonthewall.HisheartplummetswhenherecognizesDetectiveReyes’svoice.
“MayIspeaktoMs.Merton?”Reyesasks.
“Justasec,”Tedsays,andhandsthephonetohiswife.
Hewatchesherasshelistens,hisheartrateescalatingpainfully.WhatmightIrenahavetoldthem,hewonders,forthemtolethergo?Catherine’sfaceisverystillasshelistens,andthefingersofthehandnotholdingthephonegripthekitchencounter.
“Now?”shesays.Then,“Fine.”Shehangsupthephone.
“Whatdoeshewant?”Tedasks.
Shelooksathim,thenquicklyavertshereyes.“Hesaysthey’vefoundsomephysicalevidence.TheywantmeandDanandJennatocomeintoprovideDNAsamples.”Sheswallowsandwhispers,“Ted,whatiftheyfoundthedisposablesuit,andDan’sDNAisalloverit?”
ThedarkthingcrouchingonTed’schestshiftsandsettles,heavierthanbefore
???
LISAKNOWSITwillallsoonbeover,onewayoranother.Thedetectiveshavefoundphysicalevidencerelatedtothecrime.
Theymusthavefoundthebloodyclothes,orthesuit.TheyhavecalledDantocomeintoprovideaDNAsample.
OnceDanleavestogotothestation,palebutstrangelycalm,shecallsCatherine.
Butit’sTedwhopicksupthephone.“Hello?”
“Ted.IsCatherinethere?”
“No.She’satthepolicestation.”Shecanhearthepanicinhisvoice.“ShehastogiveaDNAsample.”
“Dantoo.”
“AndJenna.They’redoingallofthem.”
“Whatdidtheyfind,doyouknow?”sheasksanxiously.
“Noidea.”
Theysharealong,uncomfortablesilenceovertheline,butneitheronereachesouttotheother;theyarebothtoofrightened.
“Goodbye,Ted,”Lisasays,andhangsupthephone.Shesuddenlyhastositandputherheaddownbetweenherkneestokeepfromfainting.
EASTERSUNDAY,11:02P.M.
Sheilasitsupinbed,tryingtoread,butthebookisn’tholdingherattention.Hermindkeepsreturningfretfullytoearlierthatevening.Fredhasalreadyfallenasleepbesideher,snoringirregularly,infitsandstarts.Shelooksoverathim,annoyed.
Shewatcheshimwithloathing.It’shardtofeelanythingelseforhim,eventhoughhe’sdying.He’sbeensuchabastard.
Whydidsheevermarryhim?He’smadeeveryone’slifeamisery.
Hemeanstochangehiswillinhissister’sfavor—he’sgettinghisaffairsinorder.Healwayswantstohurtthekids.
Andshe’sneverhadthepowertostopit.Shehasn’tbeenaverygoodmother.
She’sbeensoanxioustheselastfewweeks,knowingwhatFredisgoingtodo.She’sworriedabouthowthekidswillreactwhenFreddiessoonandtheyfindout.They’llbesoangry.Andthere’snothingshecandoaboutit.
Shehearsthedoorbellringdownstairs.Shelooksattheclockradioonherbedsidetable.It’slate—11:03.Shefreezes
andwaits.Whowouldcomeatthistimeofnight?Butthedoorbellringsagain.Andagain.Shecan’tjustignoreit.Shepushesbackthecoversandslidesherfeetintoherslippers,grabbingherhousecoatandpullingitonassheleavestheroom,Fredstillsputteringbehindher.Sheturnsonthelightswitchatthetopofthestairs,anditlightsupthestaircaseandthefronthall.Sheholdsthesmoothhandrailasshemakesherwaydownthecarpetedsteps.Thedoorbellringsagain.
Sheopensthedoorandstares,confusedbywhatshesees.
There’ssomeoneinahazmatsuitstandingonherdoorstep.
She’ssosurprisedshedoesn’trecognizewhoitisatfirst.Shenoticesthecordintheperson’srighthand.Ithappensalmosttoofastforconsciousthought—therecognition,thehorrorofsuddenlyunderstanding.Andthensheturnsandtriestogetaway.She’snotfastenoughandisyankedbackwardbyherneck.Asshefeelsthecordsqueezingtightlyaroundherthroat,Sheilatriestograbhercellphoneontheendtable,butitgetsknockedaway….61
Twodayslater,Jennasitsinthenow-familiarinterviewroom,herlawyerstraight-backedandalertbesideher.
She’snotgoingtosayanything.Shehasnointentionofconfessing.Shedoesn’tfeelguilty.Theyhaditcoming.
DetectiveReyesisstaringatherasifheknowseverything,asifhecangetrightinsideherheadandreadherthoughts.
Goodlucktohim.It’sdarkinhere,insideherhead.Butsheknowstheydon’thaveanyphysicalevidence,despitewhatthey’vesaid.Theycan’thavefoundthebloodieddisposablesuitandglovesandeverythingelse.Sheknowstheyhaven’t.
They’rebluffing.
“HaveyoueverdrivenIrena’scarbefore?”Reyesasks.
Sotheyknowaboutthecar.Shefiguredthat’swhytheyarrestedIrena.Butwhyhavetheylethergo?Irenadoesn’thaveanalibiforthatnight.Jennaknowsthat.ShewasgoingtogohomeafterEasterdinnerattheMertons’andgotobedwithagoodbook.That’swhatshesaid.
Havetheyfiguredoutthatsomebodyelsemighthaveusedhercar?Irenawouldhavetoldthemaboutthesparekeys,tryingtosaveherself.ButtheyallknewthatIrenakeptasparesetofkeysinthebackyard.
“HaveyoueverdrivenIrena’scarbefore?”Reyesrepeats.
Herlawyerhastoldhertodenyeverything.“No.”
“That’sinteresting,”Reyessays,“becausewehaveDNAevidenceputtingyouinthedriver’sseatofhercar.Wefoundahairfromyourhead.”
“That’simpossible,”Jennasaysquickly,thinkingsothat’swhattheyfound,that’stheirphysicalevidence.She’sfuckedup,sherealizesnow,herheartpounding,sayingshe’dneverbeeninIrena’scar.It’shardtothinkclearly,inthissmall,hotroom,witheveryonestaringather.Shecanfeelherselfstartingtoperspireandshebrushesherhairbacknervously.
“Whatistherelevanceofthis?”theattorneyasks.
Reyesanswers.“WehaveawitnesswhosawIrena’scar—
herememberedhervanityplate—parkedattheendoftheMertons’drivewayonthenightofthemurders.”
Nowtheattorneygivesheraquickglanceandlooksaway.
“We’redone,nomorequestions,”theattorneysays.“Unlessyouhavesomethingelse?”
Reyesshakeshishead.Thelawyerrises.“Comeon,Jenna,wecango.”
ButJennatakeshertime,herconfidencerebounding.Shesays,“It’sperfectlyunderstandablehowahairfrommegotinIrena’scar.IalwayshugherwhenIseeher,andusuallyshegetsintohercarrightafterward.Thatmustbehowthehairgotthere.”Sherisestoherfeettoleave.
“Thethingis,”Reyessays,hisfrustrationshowing,“weknowIrenawasathomethatnight.Shewasonthephone,talkingtoafriend,attherelevanttime.Weknowsomeoneelsemusthaveusedhercarthatnight.Andwehaven’tfoundDNAfromanybodyelseinhercar,justyours.Andweknowyoufoundoutearlierthatnightthatyourfatherwasgoingtochangehiswill.”
“That’snevergoingtobeenough,andyouknowit,”theattorneysays.“Asmyclienthaspointedout,thathaircouldhavebeenatransferfromahug.”
Jennasmirksatthedetectiveandfollowsherattorneyoutoftheroomwithoutanotherword.62
EversincetheyreleasedIrena,Catherinehasbeenonedge.They’dneverfoundoutwhytheyarrestedher,orwhytheylethergo.Irenaisn’tansweringhercalls,orherfrontdoor,whichisunnerving.AndtheyhadtakenDNAfromallofthem,twodaysago.
Catherinehearsthedoorbellringandrisesquickly,startled.
Shefeelsdizzy,suddenly.Aretheyheretoarresthernow?
Theycan’tbe.Shehasn’tdoneanything.Butshefeelsthepanicrisinginherchest.Fearforherunbornchild.
Shereachestoopenthedoor,adeepdreadinthepitofherstomach.“Audrey,”shesaysinsurprise.Hervoiceturnsicy.
“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“MayIcomein?”Audreyasks.
Catherinehesitates,thenstepsbackandopensthedoorwide.Tedhasjoinedthemnow,andhe’sgotthatexpressiononhisfacethatshehascometohate—alookoffear.Itmakesherwanttoshakehim.Theymaketheirwayintothelivingroomandsitdown.
“I’vebeentalkingtoIrena,”Audreysays.
Catherinestaresbackather,herheartinherthroat,andsteelsherself.WhywouldIrenatalktoAudrey,whenshewon’ttalktothem?She’safraidtolookatherhusband.“WhywouldIrenatalktoyou?”
Audreysays,“IrenaandIhaveknowneachotherforalongtime.Weunderstandoneanother.Itookcareofhercatwhileshewasarrested.”
Catherinelooksbackatherindismay.
AudreyexplainsaboutIrena’scarbeingseen.Sheadds,
“Irenasaysthatsomeoneelsemusthaveusedhercarthatnight.”
Catherinetriestospeak,buthermouthisdry.
ThenTedsays,hisvoiceflat,“That’s—that’sridiculous,surely?”
Audreyreplies,“Actually,theyknowsomeoneelsemusthaveusedhercarthatnight,becauseshewasathome,onthephone.Theyhaverecords.”Shepauses,clearlydelightinginpassingonthisinformation.“Shesaysthatallofyoukidsknewthatshekeptasparesetofkeysinthebackyard.”
Catherinedoesn’trespond,butsheglancesquicklyatTedandregistersthathehasgoneashadepaler.
“AndIknowsomethingelse.TheyfoundDNAevidence—
ahair—fromsomeoneelseinthedriver’sseatofthatcar,eventhoughIrenasaysnoneofyouhaveeverbeeninhercar,asfarassheknows.”
“Howdoyouknowthat?”Tedasks,hisvoiceaccusatory,asifhethinksshe’smakingallthisup.
“Iknowanewspaperreporterwho’sfriendlywithsomeoneinthelab.Shetoldme,hopingIwouldgiveherastory.”
“WhoseDNAwasit?”Catherineasks,hermouthdry.Shecanbarelygetthewordsout.
“Jenna’s.”
Catherinesinksagainstthebackofthesofa,atumultinsideher.Jenna.Shetakesadeepbreath.Jennaknewthatnightthattheirfatherwasgoingtochangehiswill.Jaketoldthedetectives.CatherinehadbeentroubledwhenIrenawasarrested;itseemedtoturntheworldupsidedown.She’dthoughtallalongthatDanhaddoneit,thathewastheone
mostliketheirfather.She’dalwaysworriedabouthisstrange,stalkingbehavior;sheknowsabouthishabitofdrivingaroundaloneatnight.Heinheritedtheirfather’sworstimpulses,shethought,butnothisgeniusforbusiness.“SotheythinkJennadidit?”shesaysfinally.“Aretheygoingtoarresther?”
Audreyshakesherhead,clearlyfrustratednow.“Myreporterfriendsaysitwon’tbeenoughtoarrestherformurder.Apparentlytheyinterviewedherandlethergo.”
Catherinedoesn’twantthefamilynamedraggedthroughthemud.Shewantsitalltogoaway.Sherealizes,almostwithafeelingofsurprise,thatit’sgoingtobeokay.Nothingterribleisgoingtohappen.Jennawon’tgotoprison;shewon’tevenbearrested.AndneitherwillDan.Everythingisgoingtobefine.Theycanbreatheagain,nowthattheyknow.Lifewillgoon.Thescandalwillrecede,eventually.Andthey’llallberich.
TheonlyonegoingtojailisRose.
Shesuddenlyfeelsasifaterribleburdenhasbeenliftedfromhershoulders.Shehastostifletheimpulsetosmile.
Instead,shelooksappropriatelygrimandsays,“Thankyou,Audrey,forlettingusknow.”
“IthoughtIshouldtellyou.Iwasn’tsureanyoneelsewould.”
CatherinenarrowshereyesatAudrey.“You’reenjoyingthis,aren’tyou?You’vealwaysdislikedJennathemost.”
Audreygetsuptoleave.“Fredshouldneverhavebeenmurderedatall.Ishouldhavegotmyrightfulsharewheneverhediedofcancer,whichwouldhavebeensoonenough.”Shestridestothefrontdoorandturnsaroundforafinalcomment.
“YouknowwhatI’dreallyenjoy?SeeingJennaconvicted.”
???
DANISATHOMEwhenhegetsacallfromCatherine.HefeelshisbodyfloodwithadrenalineasCatherineexplains
everything.Hecloseshiseyesinreliefforamoment.Thedetectiveswillbackoffhimnow.Andit’sgoodtofinallyknow.It’sgoodtoknowwhichofyoursiblingsyouhavetokeepaneyeon.HowoddthathehasAudreytothankforit.
“Whatshouldwedo?”Danasks.“Imean,dowetellherweknow,orwhat?”
Catherineisquietontheotherendofthelineforamoment,thinking.“Idon’tthinkwecanlethergetawaywithitwithus,youknow?”
Danissilent.Hedoesn’twanthertogetawaywithitatall.
Catherinesays,“Canyoucomeovertonight?WehavetoletJennaknowweknowandreassureherthatwe’renevergoingtosayanything.”
“Okay,”Dansaysreluctantly.“Ifyouthinkthat’swise.Youknowwhatatempershehas.”
???
THEATMOSPHEREISpalpablytenseinCatherine’shousethatevening.
Nowthatthemomenthasarrived,Catherinefindsthatshe’snervousandglancesatTedforsupport.Helooksonedgetoo.
Shedoesn’tknowexactlywhatsheexpects—somesortofcolddenialfromJenna—buttheymustrevealtoherthattheyknow.
SheandDanwillhavetokeepaneyeonJennaandhopeshewillneverhaveanycausetomurderanyoneelse.
Irena,whohadfinallyansweredhercall,haddeclinedherinvitation.Shedidn’twantanythingmoretodowiththem.
Irenatoldhershehaddecidedtoretireandmovesouthwhenshegotherbequest,thatshewouldsendheraChristmascard.
Andthenshehungup.Catherinecouldhardlyblameher.Herloyaltyonlywentsofar;she’dalmostbeenframedformurder.
Theyareallhere—exceptforAudrey—sheandTedsharingthesofa,JennainonearmchairandDanintheother,LisasittingbesidehimintheotherchairCatherinehaspulledup.
Catherinehasalreadypouredeveryoneaglassofwine,andisnursingherfakeginandtonic.
Catherineaimstomakehervoiceasneutralasshecanandsays,“Wefoundout,Jenna,thatthedetectivesfoundyourDNAinIrena’scar,thattheythinkitwasyouwhomurderedMomandDad.”ShewatchesJenna’sexpressiongrowcold,hermouthtakingonanangryshape.“Butit’sallright,”
Catherinecontinues.“Becausenothing’sgoingtohappen.ThathairinIrena’scar—it’snotenoughtoarrestyou.It’sgoingtobeokay.”There’samomentofloadedsilence.
“Howdareyou,”Jennasaysinamenacingvoice.
Catherinerecoils.She’sseenhersisterlikethisbefore;she’sfrightening.Catherineglancesattheothersforsupport.
“Weknow,Jenna.There’snopointindenyingittous.We’renotgoingtodoanything.”
“Theydon’tknowanything,”Jennasaysicily.“TheyfoundahairofmineinIrena’scar.Theydon’tknowhowitgotthere
—butmaybeyoudo.”ShelooksnastilybackatCatherineandCatherinefeelssick.Shecan’tmeantoputthisonher.SheglancesupquicklyatTed,buthe’sstaringatJennaasifthere’sasnakecoiledinthechair.
“Ormaybeitwasyou,Dan,”Jennasays,turningtohim.
Dangapesather.
Jennasays,“Idon’tknowwho,butoneofyoukilledMomandDadandputmyhairinIrena’scar.”
“Nooneelseputitthere,”Catherinesaysquickly,asthesituationbecomescleartoherandhernerveslurchcrazily.
Thisiswhatithascomedownto—Jennamurderedtheirparents.ButnowCatherine’sownhusbandwillneverbe
entirelysurethatitwasn’ther.SheglancesatLisa,andsheseesthedesperateuncertaintythereasLisastaresatthesideofDan’shead.Whowillshebelieve?ThenCatherineturnsbacktoJenna—butJennaislookingathermorecalmlynow,herconfidencerestored.
Jennasays,“Ineverleftmyhousethatnight,althoughIcan’tproveit.Butweallknoweachofyouwereoutforhours.”
Catherine,silentlypanicking,thinks,Thisfuckingfamily.63
JennadriveshomefromCatherine’s,herheadlightspiercingthedarknessalongthedirtroad,rememberingthatEasternight.She’dbeeninamurderousmoodwhentheyleft.ShedroppedJakeatthetrainstation—shedidn’twanthiscompany,andhedidn’ttrytochangehermind.Thenshewenthomeandthoughtaboutitandputtogetheraplan.
JennadrovetoDan’shouse.Dan’scarwasn’tinthedriveway.Wearinglatexglovesfromhercleaningcupboard,shesnuckintohisgaragethroughtheunlockedsidedoor.
Dan’scarwasn’tinthegarageeither.He’dgoneoutforadrive,shethought,becausehe’ssickthatway.Sheknowsabouthiscreepyhabits.Sheusedasmallflashlightshe’dbrought—she’ddeliberatelylefthercellphoneathome—tocollectthedisposablecoverallsandbootiesshealreadyknewwerethere.ThenshedrovetoIrena’shouse.Asexpected,hercarwasparkedonthestreet,andherhousewasdark.Jennaparkedherowncarfartherdownthestreet,outofsightofIrena’shouse,and,carefulnottobeseen,locatedIrena’ssparekeysintheback,undertheplanter.ThenshedroveIrena’scartoherparents’house,arrivingshortlybeforeeleven,and,killingtheheadlights,pulledinandparkedattheendofthedrive.
Thenightwasdarkandstill.Probablynoonewouldseethecarparkedhere,butiftheydid,itwouldbeIrena’scarthey’dsee,nothers.Shehadn’twantedtoriskanyoneseeingherowncar,herMiniCooper,anywhereneartheplacethatnight.
Shegotoutofthecarandstaredatthehouseforamoment.
Therewasafaintlightcomingfromthemasterbedroom.
Jennawalkedtothebackyardwithhercanvasbagofgear.
There,shetookoffhershoesandjacketandpulledonthedisposablecoveralls,anextrapairofthicksocks,andthebooties.Onceshewassuitedup,thehoodpulledtightagainstherface,nohairescaping,shefeltastrangesenseofinvincibility.Shetooktheelectricalcordshe’dbroughtwithherandwentbackaroundtothefrontandrangthedoorbell.
Noonecame.Sherangthebellagain.Andagain.Finally,shecouldsenselightsgoingon,overthestairsandinthefronthall,filteringoutthroughtheliving-roomwindowstoherleft,andatlasthermotheropenedthedoor,assheknewshewould.
Foramoment,hermotherstoodthere,notgettingit.Maybeshedidn’trecognizeherwiththehazmatsuitcoveringhercompletely,evenherhair,andchanginghershape.Hermotherdidn’tunderstandwhatshewasheretodo.Andthensherecognizedher,andsheknew.Thelookonherface.Shebackedup,turnedandstumbledtowardthelivingroom.ButJennawasrightbehindherandbroughttheelectricalcordupfastaroundherneckbeforeshecouldevenscream.Sheheldthecordtight,dragginghermotherfartherintothelivingroom,tryingnottomaketoomuchnoise,squeezingharduntilhermotherfinallystoppedstrugglingandsaggedagainstthecord.Ittooklongerthanexpected.Thensheloweredhertothefloor.Jennafeltnothing.Shewentbackandquietlyclosedthefrontdoor.Thenshereturnedtothebodyandstruggledwithhermother’srings,wrenchingthemoff.Itwasdifficult,withthegloves.Sheheardherfathercallingfromupstairs.
“Sheila,whoisit?”
Therewasn’ttimetoremovethetrickydiamondstudsfromhermother’sears.Jennamovedquicklyintothekitchenthroughthebackofthelivingroom,avoidingthefronthallwhereherfatherwouldcomedownthestairs.Sheputtheelectricalcordandtheringsdownonthecounterandwithdrewthecarvingknifefromtheknifeblock.“Inhere,”
shecalled,hopinghewouldn’tlookinsidethelivingroomfirst.Ifhedid,shewouldimprovise.Shewouldchasehimdown.
Shestoodlikeastatueinthedarkkitchenandwaitedforhim.Sheremembersgrabbinghimfrombehindashepassedbyherandslittinghisthroatinonecleanstroke,thebloodspurtingalloverherhand.Therestisabitofablur—itwasdifferentfromkillinghermother.Somethinginhertookover.
Bythetimeitwasdone,shewaspantingwitheffort,exhausted,andcoveredinblood.Shesatonthefloorforaminute,resting.Sheknewwhatshehadtodonext,andshehadtobequick.
Shegrabbedagarbagebagfromunderthesinkandputhermother’sringsandtheelectricalcordinside.Thenshewalkeddownthehallandupstairstothemasterbedroom.Sherifledthroughthejewelrybox,thendecidedtotakeeverything,dumpingitscontentsintothebag.Sheemptiedtheirwalletsandthrewthemtothefloor.Sheleftabloodytrailbehindher,pullingopendrawers,trashingtheplaceasshewent,upstairsanddown.Shewentintothestudy,butleftthesafealone.Lastofall,shetooktheboxoffamilysilverfromthediningroom.
Thenshewentoutthebackdoorinthekitchentothebackyard,whichvergedonaravine.Sheknewnoonecouldseeher—itwaspitchdarkandtheotherhousesweretoofaraway,blockedbytrees.Sheplacedtheboxofsilverinthecanvaszip-upbagshe’dbrought.Thenshestrippedoffthebloodieddisposablesuitandthebootiesandthethicksocksandplacedthemcarefullyintheplasticbag,alongwiththeelectricalcordandthejewelry,cards,andcash,removingthegloveslastofall.Shewipedherfaceandhandsthoroughlywithwetwipes,thenplacedthoseinthegarbagebagaswell.
Thensheplacedthatbaginsidethecanvasbag,putonhershoesandjacketandafreshpairoflatexgloves,andmadeherwaybacktoIrena’scar.ShedrovebacktoIrena’s,movedthecanvasbagintoherowncar,andreturnedthekeys.
Onthewayhome,shegotridoftheevidence.Somewherenoonewouldeverfindit.Shehidthecanvasbagonafarmpropertyalongthesameisolatedcountryroadsheliveson.
Sheburieditinthegroundwhereaconcretefloorwasgoingtobepouredforanewoutbuildingsometimeinthenextdayortwo.Itwasastrokeofgoodfortunethatshealreadyknewthisbecauseshe’sacquaintedwiththewomanwhoownstheproperty,andshehadmentionedittoher.
Now,everytimeJennadrivespastthatbuilding,seeingitgoup—it’sprogressingnicely—shefeelsasenseofsatisfaction.
Theywillneverfindtheevidence.She’stheonlyonewhoknowsit’sthere.
CatherineandDandidnotkilltheirparents,butTedandLisadon’tknowthatforsure.Jennasmirksasshedrives.Ifshewantedto,JennacouldtellTedandLisathings—thingsthatwereactuallytrue—thatwouldmaketheirtoescurl.
Thoseearrings,forexample—theonestheyfoundinCatherine’sjewelrybox,theonesshe“borrowed”—Jennaknowshermotherwaswearingthosesameearringsthenightshestrangledher.Shehadlongenoughtonoticethemwhileshehadthecordaroundherneck.SheknowsCatherinemusthavetakenthemofftheirmother’sbodythatnight.ShewonderswhatTedwouldthinkofthat.
AndDan—doesLisanotwonderaboutherhusband’scompulsiontodriveendlesslyafterdark?Wheredoesshethinkhegoes?Doesshenevertrytocallhiscell?Whatdoesshesupposehe’sdoing?Classicserialkillerbehavior,ifyouaskme,Jennathinkstoherself.
It’stoobadAudreydidn’tdiefromthepoisonsheputinhericedteathatSundaymorning,sneakingintheopenbackwindowwhileAudreywasout,butintheend,Jennathinks,itdoesn’treallymatter.EPILOGUE
AudreydrivestheroutefromFredandSheila’shousetoIrena’shouse,thentoJenna’shouse,overandoveragainoverthenextweeks.ShethinksJennamusthavedumpedthebloodyclothesordisposablesuitalongheresomewherethatnight.
ShewantstoprovethatJennamurderedFredandSheila.
Catherineclearlydoesn’t—shewantstokeepeverythingquiet,andtoprotectthefamilyname.ButAudreysuspectsDanfeelsthesamewayshedoes.Audreycanunderstandwhy.Inthepublicimagination,inthepress,obsessedwiththeMertonkillings,Danistheoneeverybodyseemstothinkisguilty.Hewantstobeexonerated.
AudreyfiguresitwasJennawhotriedtopoisonher.
ShetakestofollowingJenna,butatasafedistance.OnedaysheseesherstopinbrieflyatahomealongthecountryroadthatJennaliveson.Shedoesn’tstaylong,butlongenoughforAudreytonotice,asshewaitswellbackonthesideoftheroad,thatanewbuildingisgoingupontheproperty,somedistancefromthehouse.Jennacomesoutcarryingsomething.Audreyistoofarawaytoseewhatitis.
AsJennadrivesoff,Audreystayswheresheisforamoment.Thenshedrivescloser.Sheseesthesign:FRESHEGGS.
Audreygetsoutofhercarandwalksuptheshortdrive.It’sanoldhouse,nicelyredonetoretainitsoriginalcharm.Redbrick,creamgingerbreadtrimontheporch.Audreycouldseeherselflivinginaplacelikethis,outinthecountry,butnottoofarfromtown.Ofcourse,sheresentsthatshe’llneverbeabletoaffordBreckenHill,butit’strueshelovesitouthere—soprettyandpeaceful.
“Hi,”Audreysays,whenawomancomesoutthescreendoor.“Whatalovelyplaceyouhavehere.”
“Thankyou,”shesays.“Didyouwantsomeeggs?”
“Yes,please,”Audreyanswers.“Adozen.”
Asthewomanpackageshereggs,Audreysays,“Inoticeyou’reputtingupanewoutbuilding.”
Shenods.“PouredthefoundationjustafterEaster,andnowit’salmostfinished.”
Audreysmilesatthewomanandpaysforhereggs.
Audreyhaswatchedenoughcrimeshowstoknowthatit’ssmarttoburybodiesunderpouredconcrete,especiallywhenit’sthefoundationforabuilding.Whynotevidence?ShevisitsReyesandBarrandtellsthemwhatshethinks.Buttheyexplainthattheycan’tdigupabuildingonsomeone’sprivatepropertybasedonhersuspicions,nomatterhowmuchitmakessensetoher.
Somehowafullyeargoesby.Audrey’sheardthatCatherinehasgivenbirthtoababygirl,andthatsheandTedandthebabynowliveinFredandSheila’soldhouseinBreckenHill.
AudreysawTedrecentlyatthegrocerystore,wearilypushingacart,buyingfoodanddiapers.Helookedhaggard,unhappy.
Sheturnedaway,avoidinghimbeforehesawher.
OnesunnydayinearlyJune,Audreyhappenstodrivebythelovelyruralpropertyagain.ThistimeshenoticesaFOR
SALEsignoutfront.Audreyhasjustreceivedherinheritance—
amilliondollars.Shestopsthecarandstaresatthesignforalongmoment.Shouldbemorethanenough.
Shepicksuphercellphoneandcallstherealtor.ABOUTTHEAUTHOR
ShariLapenaistheinternationallybestsellingauthorofthethrillersTheCoupleNextDoor,AStrangerintheHouse,AnUnwantedGuest,SomeoneWeKnow,andTheEndofHer,whichhaveallbeenNewYorkTimesandTheSundayTimes(London)bestsellers.Herbookshavebeensoldinthirty-seventerritoriesaroundtheworld.ShelivesinTorontoandNotaHappyFamilyishersixththriller.
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DocumentOutline
AlsobyShariLapena
TitlePage
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
Epigraph
Acknowledgments
Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
Chapter52
Chapter53
Chapter54
Chapter55
Chapter56
Chapter57
Chapter58
Chapter59
Chapter60
Chapter61
Chapter62
Chapter63
Epilogue
AbouttheAuthor
TableofContents
AlsobyShariLapena
TitlePage
Copyright
Dedication
Contents
Epigraph
Acknowledgments
Prologue
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
Chapter26
Chapter27
Chapter28
Chapter29
Chapter30
Chapter31
Chapter32
Chapter33
Chapter34
Chapter35
Chapter36
Chapter37
Chapter38
Chapter39
Chapter40
Chapter41
Chapter42
Chapter43
Chapter44
Chapter45
Chapter46
Chapter47
Chapter48
Chapter49
Chapter50
Chapter51
Chapter52
Chapter53
Chapter54
Chapter55
Chapter56
Chapter57
Chapter58
Chapter59
Chapter60
Chapter61
Chapter62
Chapter63
Epilogue
AbouttheAuthor