The River Valley Series

by Tess Thompson

  “He was killed in a car accident when I was ten. A drunk driver. I have photos of him I can show you. We look like him. He was an incredible person. I miss him every day.”

  “I suppose you saw my father’s interview yesterday?” Sarah asked.

  “I did see it, yes.”

  “I’m sorry. It’s awful, what he’s done. I can’t make any excuses for him, even if I wanted to. We haven’t spoken since my mother died. When she got sick, my dad couldn’t handle the stress. He started gambling more. It wasn’t until her funeral, when we had to beg for money from friends to bury her, that I realized he’d lost everything. Even the house. I don’t think my mother ever knew, which is a blessing. I’m rambling. I do that when I’m nervous.” She took in a deep breath and continued before Gennie could say anything. “After I found out about his gambling, we had a big fight. He told me then that you were raped.”

  Gennie’s heart beat faster; the palms of her hands were wet with perspiration.

  Sarah’s voice quivered. “My mother never told me that part.”

  “We didn’t want you to know.”

  “Because you thought it would be too hard for me?”

  “That’s right. We didn’t want you questioning your own character or thinking you were an awful accident because you weren’t. You were a perfect, innocent baby that God wanted on this earth. I believe that to be true…I know that to be true.”

  “Most women would have aborted. And I wouldn’t be here. It’s weird to think about.”

  Gather the right words. Tell her the ugly truth. She has a right to know. “The circumstances of the rape.” She stopped, her voice breaking. “It was as bad as you can imagine. I had no experience with boys, let alone a man. I was scared out of my mind when I figured out I was going to have a baby.” She took in a shaky breath and grabbed tissues, wiping under her eyes. “I didn’t figure out I was pregnant until I was about twenty weeks along. Days after I took a test and it was positive, I felt this fluttering in my stomach. It was you. A little person growing inside me. You became the most important thing in my life. My own needs had to come second, at least for the next few months. That’s when I went to my mom, and she helped me come up with a plan for your adoption. I knew it was the right decision, even though it was hard to let you go. I wanted your well-being more than anything.”

  Sarah’s wide eyes never left Gennie’s face. “I don’t know if I could ever be that brave.”

  “You never do until you have to.” Gennie shifted on the sofa, scooting forward and placing her feet on the floor. How do I tell her who her father is?

  In a small voice, Sarah asked the question Gennie knew she would. “Did you know him? The man who raped you?”

  “He was…he is a public figure. A politician.”

  “He’s someone powerful.” Sarah stared at her, transfixed. “Someone I would know.”

  “I think so. Do you know who Rick Murphy is?”

  “The guy running for president?” Her face had blanched of all color.

  “Yes.”

  Gennie told Sarah about the essay contest and how she’d gone to his home office to meet with him. “After it happened, he threatened to kill my mother if I ever told anyone. All these years, I’ve kept quiet because I wanted to protect my family. I lied to my mother to protect her.” She wiped under her nose with the tissues. “But given everything that’s happened, it seems clear that I should come forward.”

  “Because he might do it to someone else?”

  “Yes, exactly.”

  “Will you ever be able to look at me and think of anything besides him?” Sarah asked.

  “Gosh, yes. I don’t see him. I see you. You’re beautiful and smart and kind. A sperm donor is not a father.”

  “My adopted dad isn’t so great either.” Sarah tucked her hair behind her ears, laughing softly. “Talk about daddy issues.”

  “I wish it were different for you.” It breaks my heart that it isn’t. Damn you, George Bentley. Damn you to hell, Rick Murphy.

  Sarah looked down at her lap. “It’s a lot to take in.”

  “I know it is. I’m sorry.” Tell her the rest. “And there’s more. I’ve set up an interview for tomorrow with Rachel Birdwell. I’m going to tell her about the rape and file a motion for a paternity test—unless you don’t want me to. If you’re uncomfortable with the world knowing who your father is and how you came to be, I’ll pull the plug on the whole thing.”

  “No, you have to do it. The world should know he’s a monster.”

  It’s becoming real to her now. Soon she will feel sick.

  “He can buy anyone off,” Gennie said, “including police and judges. You name it, and he has access to it.”

  Sarah stared at the ceiling. “In one of my courses last year, my professor told us his theory about Senator Murphy’s father. My professor believes that in 1967, he killed a girl and the family had it covered up.”

  Gennie nodded. “You mean Minnie Stevens.”

  Mike Murphy, Rick Murphy’s father, was in his thirties—and married—when he drove his mistress home from a party while drunk. The car spun out of control and wrapped around a tree. He dragged her from the car, but according to the coroner, she’d died on impact. No charges were brought against him because Murphy claimed she was driving the car, even though eyewitnesses saw them leave the party together with him in the driver’s seat. Although not prosecuted, the senior Murphy’s chance at the White House was ruined. His son was the next Murphy hope.

  “It was a huge scandal at the time, but yes, nothing was ever proven.”

  “But that girl wasn’t famous or rich like you. You’re America’s favorite actress. You have power that Minnie Stevens didn’t.”

  “I have more power than she did, but not enough to fight the Murphy family. I’m worried about your safety.”

  “Gennie, if there are others and you tell the truth, maybe it would give them the courage to do the same. He wouldn’t be able to destroy all of you at once.”

  She hadn’t thought of that. If there are others, we can band together to fight him.

  “You could hire bodyguards for us,” Sarah said.

  “Bodyguards?”

  “Yeah, like in that movie with Kevin Costner.”

  Gennie chuckled. “You mean The Bodyguard?”

  “Right. I want a young, hot one that follows me around everywhere.”

  “How would you feel about moving in with me for a while? I could hire a driver/bodyguard for you.”

  “If that’s what it takes to get him, then yes.”

  Sarah stared into the fire, tapping her fingers on the arms of her chair. After a few minutes, she turned to Gennie. “You have to do this. He needs to be stopped. I’m willing to sit for an interview, too, if you think that would help.”

  Gennie went to the window and pushed back the curtains. Right at that moment, an icicle fell from the roof and shattered on the hard snow. Could she share her brutal experience? She wasn’t sure she was that brave. In fact, she knew that down deep she was a coward, hiding all these years behind her fear instead of exposing a monster. Gennie let go of the curtain. It fell back into place, dimming the room.

  “Regardless of if we can prove it was nonconsensual, I was fifteen. He’ll be charged with child rape.”

  “He’ll go to prison, where he belongs,” Sarah said.

  “It will add a level of scrutiny to your life that will never go away. The press will go crazy. You’ll forever be known as Rick Murphy’s child. Are you prepared for that?”

  “I’m not, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it.”

  Gennie chuckled. “I suppose.”

  “What about you? What will this do to your career?”

  “I have no idea. I’m more worried about our immediate danger. This is going to be a long process before we can put him in jail.”

  “What is it they say? The truth will set you free?” Sarah asked.

  “Something like that.”

&n
bsp; She didn’t even hesitate. She immediately thought of others. This is a good girl.

  Gennie sensed movement in the doorway. She turned to see her mother coming in from the foyer. “Hi, Mom.”

  “Hi, sweetie.” Looking stylish in a red dress and black boots, her mother crossed the room to where they sat on the couch. Gennie and Sarah stood.

  “I’m Joan Banks. Gennie’s mother.”

  Sarah held out her hand, but her mother grabbed her into a hug. “You look so much like my late husband.” Tears spilled from her eyes. “You’re absolutely stunning.” She turned to Gennie. “She’s your spitting image except she has your father’s height.” Back to Sarah, she continued, “He was a wonderful athlete. I hear you are too.”

  “I do love sports. I swim for UCLA,” Sarah said.

  “So I’ve heard. Your grandfather loved the water too. Anything active, he was all over it.”

  “What about you, Gennie? Did you like sports?” Sarah asked.

  “No, I was more the nerdy bookworm type,” Gennie said. “More like my mom.”

  “She always made me proud. Still does, of course. You must have the same work ethic. UCLA is terribly impressive.”

  “I was lucky to get in,” Sarah said. “I’m not very good at math. I’m majoring in English. I want to be an elementary school teacher. I love kids.”

  “You won’t believe it, but my mother was a kindergarten teacher,” her mom said.

  “Really?” Sarah’s face lit up. “Maybe I take after her.” Color had returned to her cheeks. The resilience of the young.

  They all sat back on the couch. I can see her as a teacher, patiently teaching them to read and write. The children will all love her.

  “Can you tell me about Gennie when she was young?” Sarah asked.

  “Gennie’s my favorite subject, so that will be no problem.”

  They all laughed. Sarah laughs like my mom. Both have husky laughs, suppressed inside their chests.

  Her mom continued, “I never thought she’d become an actress. She was shy as could be when she was little, always hiding behind her father in the grocery store. A twiggy little thing; she was always the smallest in class. She loved books. Always had her nose in a book.”

  Me too.” Sarah looked over at Gennie and flashed a shy smile.

  “She had a best friend named Margaret,” said her mom. “They were thick as thieves. Do you have good friends at school?”

  “I have a lot of cool friends from my team, and I’m super close with my roommate, Lily. We were roommates in the dorms my first year, and we bonded immediately. She’s the greatest. We were freshman when my mom got sick, and Lily was a huge support. I didn’t think I could go back to school after mom died. It happened right before Christmas, but Lily basically made me return. She knew it was better for me to keep moving. Plus, she knew how proud of me my mom was for getting into UCLA. My best friend from high school is named Veronica, but everyone calls her Ronnie. She’s at UC Berkley now, and I miss her a lot. She freaked out when she saw the news. That’s how I found out. She called me. I’m sorry I’m talking so much. I’m nervous.”

  “Please don’t stop. I love hearing about your life. I’d like to hear more. Everything, really,” Gennie said.

  Sarah smiled. “Okay, well, I’ll have to talk faster then.”

  Gennie laughed. “Would you like to stay the rest of the weekend? We can talk more.” Gennie explained that Annie and Drake had a room for her. “And, I’d like to keep you here, at least for a couple days. We’re safe here. The place is under lock and key.”

  “Sure, okay,” Sarah said.

  The doorbell rang, announcing the arrival of other guests. She’d been so wrapped up in the moment, she’d forgotten it was Thanksgiving. Her friends. How kind they were last night. No matter what happens, no matter what the haters do, they can’t take this from me. My tribe. She glanced at her mother and daughter as they continued to chat, bouncing from one topic to the next. My family. My rich and full life.

  The voices of Linus, John, Ellen, and Verle came from the foyer as they stomped snow from boots and hung jackets in the closet. She closed her eyes, absorbing the sounds and scents of the moment. The crackle of the wood-burning fireplace. Her mom’s soft chatter, and Sarah’s husky laugh. Linus already launching into a story of his heroic survival of John’s driving during the icy ride over. Scents of roasting turkey and baked apple pie mingled and drifted in from the kitchen. She brought her fingers to her nose, breathing in the faint scent of Stefan’s cologne from when he’d held her hands.

  This is where I belong. Right here. Right now.

  Chapter 7

  The tribe gathered in the dining room of Drake and Annie’s house, searching for their names on place cards written by eleven-year-old Alder in uneven handwriting. He’d spelled out her full name, Genevieve, but had run out of room on the small card, so the last three letters were squished together like sardines in a can. Below her name, he’d added a smiling face and a “sorry.”

  An open concept, the front room was both sitting and dining areas. Tall windows gave view to the yard and river below. Standing near the window, Gennie basked in the rays of the sun, letting them warm her as she absorbed the view like a painter released from a dark dungeon. Snow-covered mountains stretched out across the landscape, displayed against the brilliant blue sky in jagged peaks. Below, the swollen river, a ribbon of green, wound with winter fury through the gully. Just beyond the patio, a sparrow hopped from icy branch to icy branch, as if unsure where to land during this unexpected freeze.

  When it was time to gather around the table, Gennie took her place between Stefan and Sarah. Her mom sat on the other side of Sarah. Stefan squeezed her knee under the table. Alder, Annie’s son, sat directly across from Gennie, sneaking covert glances at Sarah. Tommy and Lee sat with their toddler, Ellie-Rose, who banged a plastic-coated spoon against her sippy cup. Linus, dressed in a perfectly draped silk shirt the color of a pink sunset, had his arm draped around John. Verle, sitting next to Ellen, mentioned how beautiful the table looked as he tucked his napkin into his shirt. Like newlywed bookends, Bella and Ben sat on one end of the long table, with Drake and Annie on the other. Bella’s diamond wedding ring flashed under the lights as she pointed to the mound of mashed potatoes near her plate. Annie’s blond curls bounced as she draped a napkin over her pregnant belly.

  Drake clinked a fork against his wine glass to get everyone’s attention. “Mrs. Banks and Sarah, welcome. We’re so glad you could join us. We’ve been blessed to have many celebrations and meals at this table with our friends, and have developed a habit of long toasts before our meal. Normally, it’s Tommy and Linus who carry on, but tonight I’m moving out of my comfort zone to give a small speech.”

  “Hail to the king,” Linus said.

  “Quiet as a church mouse here.” Tommy made a zipping motion over his mouth.

  “Annie, thank you for cooking during your day off, especially given your condition. We all know how lucky we are to have this meal made by the best chef in the world.”

  “Totally,” Alder said, beaming with pride.

  Annie blew them both a kiss.

  Drake continued, “Words could never express how thankful I am for my wife and son, and the baby that will soon make us a family of four. Annie, I love you more every day. Alder, you’re just the best son a man could ask for, no matter that we got a late start together.”

  “I’m adopted too,” Alder said to Sarah, giving her a shy smile.

  “All the cool kids are adopted.” Sarah winked at him. Alder’s expression transformed from shy to ecstatic.

  “As I look around this table, I can’t help but remember how lonely, and frankly devastated, I was during my first Thanksgiving here. I’d lost my wife and little girl.” Drake choked up, his eyes glassy. “I thought my life was over.”

  Linus seemed to be looking for something in the bottom of his glass. Tommy bowed his head and closed his eyes, as if in prayer. Bella star
ed into her wine glass, her bottom lip quivering.

  “Then, Annie and Alder appeared in my life. And with my new family, came all of you. So many of you.”

  Everyone laughed. Lee wiped under her nose with a tissue. Annie’s cheeks glistened with tears. Stefan moved his hand from his knee and wrapped it around Gennie’s shoulders.

  Drake looked around the table. “There isn’t a moment I don’t miss my little girl, but I believe one day we will be reunited in Heaven. She would have wanted me to move on, to live life, and to love without fear, which is the hardest thing to do after a loss.” Drake picked up his napkin and wiped under his eyes. “I’m just so thankful for this second chance. I don’t take it for granted. Not one minute do I take it for granted. Don’t know what’s gotten into me today.”

  It’s his new baby coming soon. That would make anyone who’d lost a child emotional.

  “It’s a day for reflection,” Ellen said with her characteristic sniff. “Life’s not rainbows and sunshine all the time. After I lost my son, it was like I had the plague, like my tragedy and grief might be contagious. But it’s true. There is life again. Granddaughters. Great-granddaughters.” She tweaked Ellie-Rose’s strawberry blond hair. “And old coots to fall in love with.”

  Verle grinned. “Who you calling an old coot?”

  Drake took in a deep breath and smiled. “Linus, take this over before I get us all crying again.”

  Linus raised his glass. “Join me in a toast. To the abundance presented on this table. To Drake for reminding us what this day is all about. And to second chances.”

  They all toasted. When the noise around the table decreased, Linus shook his head in mock bewilderment. “Seriously, though, Drake, I’ve never heard you say that many words in a row. You must be exhausted.”

  “Well, don’t get used to it,” said Drake. “Now let’s eat before everything goes stone cold.”

  “Wait, we need to say grace first,” Tommy said. Groans erupted around the table. “Sorry, as a fallen Catholic, but grateful Christian, I have to keep us on the straight and narrow.”