Jill Elizabeth Nelson

by Legacy of Lies

  “What was that you just said, dear?” Grandma lifted her bandaged head from the pillow. Her eyes were bright and alert. “I thought you were reading the news report from the last city council meeting, and I could grab a little snooze.”

  Nicole laughed. “Yeah, this move of the city officials is kind of startling, isn’t it? I’ll read the paragraph again. ‘The city manager reported to the council regarding his research on the procedure to change the town’s name. A motion was made and seconded to begin the process. The motion was unanimously carried. City residents will be given an opportunity for input on choosing the new name.’ Awesome, yes?” Nicole grinned at her grandmother.

  “How low the mighty have fallen when their own town doesn’t want their name.” Grandma tsk-tsked. “Is there any more in that paper about the town heroes?”

  “Who?”

  Grandma sniffed. “You and Rich, of course.”

  “Oh, Grandma!”

  “Don’t deny it, young lady. You survived abduction and a murder attempt. That Melody and her accomplice, Terry, are headed for long stints in prison, along with that no-good Simon. And, to top it off, you and that handsome police chief of yours solved a half-century-old kidnapping and murder case.”

  “Rich is not my handsome police chief.”

  “Ah-ha! You admit he’s good looking.” Grandma wagged a finger at Nicole. “I think he’s sweet on you.”

  Nicole scrubbed a hand over her face. “Grandma, nobody says ‘sweet on’ anymore.”

  “Semantics, shamantics.” Nicole’s grandmother sniffed. “Have you finally realized you were born to be a cop’s wife?”

  Nicole’s face warmed. “It’s a little premature to be planning a wedding.”

  “Who’s planning a wedding?” Rich’s voice came from the doorway.

  Nicole turned his direction, skin flaming. “Grandma’s indulging in idle speculation.”

  “Nothing idle about it.” The older woman chuckled. “Grandmothers know these things.”

  Rich laughed and brought his arm from behind his back. An abundance of roses filled his hand.

  “What a lovely bouquet,” Grandma said.

  “Two bouquets. One for you.” Rich stepped into the room and placed an arrangement on the overbed table by Grandma’s bed then turned and extended the other bouquet toward Nicole.

  Pulse skipping, she took the offering and smelled the fragrance of the yellow roses, so like her grandfather’s favorites from his garden.

  “Told you he likes you.” Her grandmother chortled.

  “Thank you,” Nicole told Rich. “I like you, too. Just a little.” She quirked a small smile.

  He grinned that scrumptious grin of his, and Nicole’s insides did twirls. “That’s a good start,” he said.

  “Given a little time,” Nicole said primly, “I might decide that receiving flowers from you should become a tradition.”

  “Since crime in Ellington has been reduced to jaywalking, I’ve got plenty of time on my hands.” He winked at her.

  Everyone laughed.

  Nicole sobered. “I’m so glad Hannah survived. How is she doing?”

  Rich’s grin faded. “She spent three days under evaluation in a mental-health facility, but they gave her the green light to be released into outpatient care, poodle skirt and all. Her sister, Fern, didn’t fare so well. She lost it completely when she found out the last of the Ellings were going to prison. No one’s even told her yet that she killed Samuel. Somewhere deep inside, I suspect she knows. She’s been committed indefinitely, which is a measure of justice. There isn’t enough hard evidence to take to a murder trial, even though DNA testing has confirmed Samuel’s proper parentage. Hannah’s now the sole occupant of the house on the hill.”

  “That poor woman,” Grandma Jan said. “What consequences will she face for that fake kidnapping scam on the Ellings?”

  “None.” Rich spread his hands. “The statute of limitations expired on the offense long ago.”

  Nicole looked from Rich to her grandmother. Why did Grandma look so troubled? “You think she should be punished?”

  “I’m the one who deserves consequences.” Grandma slowly shook her head. “Decades back, I found that letter from Hannah to my husband and leaped to a conclusion without talking to a soul. I thought I was being noble to quietly forgive my husband and move on with our lives. The truth is I was embarrassed. Humiliated. It was easier to sweep the matter under the rug and bear a grudge against Hannah. That was wrong. May God forgive me.”

  Nicole grasped her grandmother’s hand. “He has, you know.”

  “I know. But when I get back on my feet, I’m going over to see Hannah. Someone needs to tell that dear lady about the grace and mercy that’s available to her, too.”

  “I’ll help you with that.”

  “Count me in,” Rich said, stepping forward.

  Smiling, Nicole took his hand. Her fingers felt so right in his. Rich grasped her grandmother’s other hand. Deep peace spread warmth through Nicole’s insides. Their little ring of faith felt like a true family—a place of belonging, safety and hope.

  EPILOGUE

  Five Months Later

  Nicole scooped up twin handfuls of snow in her grandmother’s backyard and molded the wet mounds into a single tight ball. “Hey, sweetie!” she called.

  Rich turned from positioning the carrot nose in the snowman they’d been putting together this bright Saturday afternoon early in December. Snorting a laugh, Nicole fired her missile. The snowball splatted on the front of his jacket. Roaring, Rich charged for Nicole. She whirled with a shriek and ran, but not fast enough. A big body knocked her flat into the snow. Chill crystals sprayed into her face. Her high shrieks of laughter mingled with his rumbled chuckles as they wrestled. Rich came out on top, and she let him steal a kiss. Then he rolled away, still laughing. They lay on their backs next to each other, puffing out smoky breaths.

  “Good thing your grandmother is Christmas shopping with her friends,” Rich said, “or she’d be standing on the deck scolding us for acting like kids.”

  “Right before she chucked a snowball at us.” Nicole giggled. “Can you see that crew of hers? A half dozen spry little old ladies swooping through the mall. Darlene stomping around with her cane, marshaling the troops like a general. Grandma making lists and checking things off. And Hannah—”

  “Now there’s the biggest surprise. Nowadays, she looks like the most normal in the bunch.”

  “She likes jeans and T-shirts almost as much as I do.” Nicole pursed her lips. “Sometimes I kind of miss her crinolines and dancing slippers.”

  “I can’t say I do. I’m glad she gave herself permission to join us in the twenty-first century.”

  Nicole rolled onto her side and mentally admired the handsome galoot sprawled beside her. These months of getting to know one another since solving the crime of last century had been so precious. “Laying her little Sammy to rest in a proper burial spot was the best therapy she could have received.”

  “No arguments there.” Rich rose, grunting.

  Nicole took his outstretched glove and let him help her to her feet. They dusted snow off themselves.

  “Let’s finish Mr. Snowman,” Nicole said.

  They returned to shaping and patting, chattering lightly about their day. Nicole was abuzz about the orders streaming into the shop. “And Grandma is having no end of fun designing new logos. I don’t even have to tell her ‘I told you so.’ She says so herself every day.”

  “What an awesome God we serve.” Rich grinned. “How things have turned around so quickly. You might be interested to know that the accountants and attorneys have wrapped up the combined IRS-law-enforcement investigation into the Elling finances. That bunch has been lying, cheating and stealing for years, just to keep their heads above water in that mausoleum of theirs.”

  “The authorities are going to release Hannah’s money then?” Nicole’s heart leaped.

  “That’s right. Major Christ
mas present for her.”

  Nicole smoothed the snowman’s plump belly. Earlier in the investigation, a hidden trust fund had been uncovered with Hannah’s name on it—a substantial sum set aside by her parents before their deaths. She’d been well off since she was a teenager and hadn’t known it. Another kindness for which she could thank her sister, Fern, the executor of her parents’ will. It must have grated the Ellings every minute of every day that they couldn’t get their hands on all that money moldering in the bank.

  “What is that evil grin about?” Rich asked as he fit a stick arm into one side of the snowman’s body.

  “I’m always tickled when the underdog gets the last laugh.” Nicole wrapped a knitted scarf around the snowman’s neck. “Now what shall we name this guy? Mr. Snowman doesn’t quite cut it.”

  “How about Parson Brown?”

  Nicole stared up at Rich. The intensity of his gaze warmed Nicole’s skin. “Parson Brown? I don’t know any pastors in the area by that na— Oh, you mean like in the song, ‘Winter Wonderland’?”

  “You catch on quickly.” His gloved hand dipped into his jacket and came out holding a square box. He held it toward Nicole.

  Big-eyed and breathless, she stared down at the plump box covered in blue velvet. “Is that—” She halted on a dry mouth then licked her lips and swallowed. “Is that what I think it is?”

  Rich flipped it open. A diamond on a gold band glittered back at her. “I love you, Nicole Mattson. I was hoping later on this evening we could conspire by the fire. Make some ‘I do’ plans.”

  Pulse thundering in her ears, Nicole averted her eyes from the hot hope in his. Finger by finger, she pulled off her glove. Her bare hand trembled as she held it toward him.

  Rich tucked his hand under his arm and pulled it free of his glove. His fingers were warm and gentle as he slipped the ring on her finger then clasped her hand in his.

  Nicole lifted her head, lips parted. His mouth lowered to hers, and she received the kiss with all her heart.

  Dear Reader,

  Nicole and Rich survived deadly trials with their faith strengthened, their hope renewed and their hearts bound in love. They faced difficult, even shocking, issues that made them appreciate the blessings of life and family more deeply. Nicole realized that protecting her heart was more costly than risking it. Rich ran across the biggest case in his career and discovered how far short man’s law can fall in providing justice for the innocent.

  I want to thank Sherry Deyo, RN/PHN, for providing health-care information. Deep appreciation goes to the Steeple Hill staff for all the wonderful things they do to bring these exciting tales of faith and hope into your hands, dear reader. I particularly want to thank my savvy editor, Emily Rodmell, for her fabulous insights that enrich the story. I also need to say to my family, especially my husband, thank you so much for your love and support (and your patience when I am wrapped up in deadline). I couldn’t write without you, dear fam!

  And without you, dear reader, stories would have nowhere to go. I invite you to visit me on the Web at www.jillelizabethnelson.com. Read on, faithful ones!

  Abundant Blessings,

  Jill Elizabeth Nelson

  QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

  Nicole and her grandmother have different visions for the same business. Clashing visions happen in relationships. How do you resolve these important differences in a Godly fashion?

  In times of grief, we seek safe havens. After losing her husband, Nicole returns to a person and a place that has always equaled security to her, and then a shocking discovery threatens everything she trusted. How does she react? How would you react in such a situation?

  Rich has been admiring Nicole from afar with plans to kindle a romance. The resurrection of this cold case brings Rich’s duty into conflict with his heart. What is more important, heart or responsibility? Can the two be reconciled? Why or why not?

  The Elling family has ruled the area with money, influence and outright threats when necessary. These mini-dynasties pervade society. What influence do those in such positions of power have on the dynamics of a community? How does a person of integrity wisely respond to this type of undue influence?

  Rich’s deputy thinks he should have Rich’s job. Rivalry and jealousy in the workplace are common. Discuss situations you’ve encountered or observed. How should these matters be handled?

  Loss upon loss has been piled upon Nicole’s life, and grief has dulled her relationship with God. Where in the story do you see her renew her commitment toward the Lord and why?

  Why does Nicole become irritated whenever Rich compliments her coplike deductive and investigative abilities? Do you have hot-button issues in your life? Does your touchy reaction indicate a need to look for the underlying cause, and then to deal with it?

  In her prior marriage, Nicole encountered an issue with infertility. She was willing to adopt a child. But when she lost her first husband and Rich came into her life, she was not willing to consider forgoing children in order to have him. Was this a legitimate concern or an excuse to protect her heart? How about her decision never to marry another cop—legitimate concern or excuse? Do we often set up criteria in our relationships that are designed to protect ourselves? When is this a good thing and when does it have negative effects?

  Despite the Keller family’s long-standing respect in the community, people’s opinion turns sharply against them after the infant’s remains are found. Have you encountered similar rushes to judgment? What position should a Christian take when circumstances arouse suspicion but not all the facts are in?

  Nicole saw the devastating results on her family due to reporting her discovery of the remains at the beginning of the book. Later in the story, she encounters another piece of important evidence, but she hesitates to report it to Rich. Are her reasons compelling?

  Mason is a bad boy who wreaks havoc wherever he goes and nearly gets an innocent young woman killed. He’s also suffered rejection by his family from the day of his birth. Does his pain excuse his behavior? Why do bad boys fascinate good girls—or vice versa?

  Hannah’s psyche becomes stuck in the ’50s. Why? And why might she continue to make up excuses for Fern no matter what her sister does?

  What is the basic fear behind the Ellings’ obsession with carrying on their name? What goal do they expect to achieve by perpetuating their lineage at all costs? Is this thinking rational?

  Discuss the affect of this tragic obsession on the following characters: the Elling patriarchs (Seth, Silas and Simon); the Elling wives, including Margaret and Fern; Melody and Mason; Hannah; Frank and Jan Keller; Nicole; the community of Ellington. Could every one of them be considered a victim in some way? Do they all commit or omit something that allows the obsession to continue? Who would you name as the truest victim in this story? Why?

  Discuss Frank and Hannah’s response to Elling evil and the death of baby Samuel. Were they justified in their actions? What might you have done if you were Hannah or Frank?

  ISBN: 978-1-4268-6650-0

  LEGACY OF LIES

  Copyright © 2010 by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

  All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the editorial office, Steeple Hill Books, 233 Broadway, New York, NY 10279 U.S.A.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This edition published by arrangement with Steeple Hill Books.

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