Lullabies & Lies

by Ruby Blaylock

  Annie wondered how long the Marshalls would stay at Rosewood Place. Everett had offered to pay her for the entire week, but Annie hoped that they might leave a day or so earlier than that. She wasn’t worried about losing a few days’ worth of income because she’d already planned to be closed for the week. Mostly, Annie just wanted a quiet few days before her next guests arrived. She couldn’t imagine anything close to peace or quiet with the Marshall family all under one roof.

  Marlena cleared her throat, distracting Annie from her thoughts. Apologies, Annie, but I just feel that I need to discuss something with you before my husband comes downstairs. It’s about the adoption agency.

  Annie shook her head. Oh, no, that’s fine. You don’t have to explain anything to me, Mrs. Marshall. And you’re right—lots of people of all ages adopt. I mean, look at Madonna.

  Marlena looked slightly puzzled, but pushed on. I don’t want to go behind Maxwell’s back, really I don’t. But at my age, I feel that I owe it to myself to be happy. She smoothed Emma’s fine baby hair across her forehead. You know, I can’t help but feel that maybe Emma was sent to us for a reason.

  Annie froze mid-fold. What?

  Marlena smiled. I know it’s terribly sad about her mother, but look how happy Emma’s making everyone here at Rosewood Place. Maybe Emma is a sign—perhaps Kim’s death was just the catalyst that I needed to show me what it is that I need in order to be happy and make my marriage whole again.

  Annie tensed, unsure of how to respond to such a bizarre statement. You think that Kim’s murder was some sort of blessing because you got to spend time with her baby?

  Marlena cocked her head to one side, contemplating Annie’s question. Yes, I think you could say that. Kim’s sacrifice has shown me that I was right all along. A baby makes all the difference in the world. She stroked Emma’s chubby cheek. Maybe I should just adopt you, you little sweetie.

  Warning bells went off inside Annie’s brain. She’d made a horrible mistake. Marlena wasn’t just happy to be around a baby. Marlena was thrilled that Kim’s death had cleared the way for Marlena to spend time with Emma.

  This was certainly not normal. Annie felt suddenly very uncomfortable watching Marlena with Emma.

  Well, Annie began gently. Emma does still have a father to consider. Philip Hutchens is her father, remember?

  Marlena nodded solemnly. Oh, yes, I know he claims to be her father. But if he really was this beautiful child’s daddy, don’t you think he’d have produced proof by now?

  Something in what Marlena said nagged at Annie. It had been two days since Emmett had explained to Philip that he could have custody of Emma if he produced a birth certificate showing that he was the baby’s father. Now Everett claimed that Philip had checked out of the motel but, as far as Annie knew, he still hadn’t contacted the police regarding the birth certificate.

  Marlena might be as crazy as a loon, but she had a very good point. Something wasn’t adding up in regards to Philip’s role as Emma’s father.

  Emma began to fuss in Marlena’s arms. What’s wrong, little sweetie? Marlena lifted the baby from her knee. A sour expression filled her face. Oh, I think I know what’s wrong, she said, answering her own question.

  Annie stifled a grin. Forgot how much stink cute babies can produce, huh?

  Marlena nodded stiffly. I think I’ll just pass her back to you now, Annie. Besides, I have some things to do in my room, she added, so if anyone needs me…

  Annie took the baby from Marlena. I’ll let them know where you are, Annie replied, reaching for the diaper bag with one arm while wrangling the infant with the other.

  Marlena smiled sadly at Annie. You make that look so easy, she lamented before turning away and heading towards her room.

  Annie turned her attention to the baby. Let’s get you cleaned up, little Miss. And then I think I’d better call Emmett and see if he knows anything about who your daddy really is, she added in a singsong voice. Emma gurgled and laughed. Annie smiled back at the baby, determined that whatever Emmett found, no one would take Emma without proving that they were worthy of such a sweet little child.

  20

  Delbert Drops By

  Passing by the front door on her way to the kitchen, Annie was surprised to see a Cooperville police cruiser creeping up her driveway. She paused and watched Delbert Plemmons climb out, pulling an oversized basket full of pink, frilly things.

  Mama, Delbert’s here, she called out to Bessie, who was already in the kitchen with Emma and Rory. The pair of them joined Annie in the foyer, watching Delbert through the window.

  What’s he carrying? Bessie asked.

  Looks like baby stuff, Rory suggested.

  Why’s it all pink? Bessie scoffed. You know, little girls can wear whatever color they like nowadays. You don’t have to just stick ’em in pink things.

  Annie laughed. I doubt Emma has a preference just yet. She pushed open the front door and stepped onto the front porch. Afternoon, Delbert. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit today?

  Annie watched as Delbert’s cheeks turned six shades of red. The young police officer had a terrible crush on Annie for some reason that she couldn’t fathom, and it amused her to see how flustered he got around her.

  Uh, well, afternoon, Miss Annie. Chief asked me to drop this off for him—the gang at the station all chipped in and bought some things for the baby. Is your mama at home? I’ll just give these to her.

  She’s inside with the baby and Rory. Come on in and I’ll fix you a glass of sweet tea for your troubles.

  She stepped aside and let Delbert through. He made it a few feet inside the door before Bessie swooped in on him.

  Oh, Delbert, what is all this? Bessie put one hand to her cheek in surprise as he repeated what he’d told Annie. Oh, y’all shouldn’t have!

  Rory took the basket from Delbert. Want me to put this in the sitting room, Bessie?

  That’d be fine, Rory. Delbert, where’s Em? Why didn’t he bring these things himself? Bessie asked, working her voice into a slight fret.

  Oh, he had to go to the hospital for some tests, Delbert informed her. He said he might be all afternoon, so he asked me to stop in and deliver it to you. He said if some of the things don’t fit you can take them back—we’ve got receipts at the station.

  Bessie’s face paled considerably. Em’s in the hospital?

  No, he just went up to the diagnostics place. Said he had some urgent tests to run—I’m not sure what for. Delbert rubbed the back of his neck. I didn’t mean to scare you or anything. I probably shouldn’t have even said anything, but I just figured since you and he talk about everything, well, I thought you already knew.

  Bessie shook her head. No, I did not know. And I’m not happy with Emmett for keeping something like this from me.

  Mama, I’m sure Em’s fine. He would have told you if something was wrong.

  Would he? Bessie demanded. Annie, I can’t stand the idea of him keeping secrets from me. Not about his health, she added.

  If you’re so worried about him, why don’t you call him? Annie asked.

  Bessie shook her head vehemently. Oh, no. No, he needs to come to me with whatever this is. I’m not going in there like some snooping Nancy, prying into his personal life. No, if he wants to marry me, he needs to be upfront and honest. I might just turn him down, you know.

  Annie looked at her mother as if she’d just sprouted another head. That’s ridiculous. You’re overreacting, I’m sure.

  Delbert cleared his throat loudly. Uh, I’d love that glass of tea, if you don’t mind, Annie.

  Bessie harumphed. I’ll get that for you, Delbert. Why don’t you go rest yourself in the sitting room for a bit and I’ll be right in. She stormed off towards the kitchen before Delbert could reply.

  She’s really het up about this, isn’t she? he asked Annie in amazement.

  Oh, yes. My mother can’t stand to be out of the loop on anything, especially regarding people she cares for.

&
nbsp; "I hope she wasn’t serious about not marrying the chief. He’s really sweet on her. Says she reminds him of his

  first wife in a lot of ways."

  Annie wondered if the first Mrs. Emmett Barnes had been a stubborn, strong willed woman like her mother. If what Delbert said was true, then Emmett certainly had a penchant for challenging ladies.

  Annie and Delbert made their way to the sitting room where Rory waited for them. The men made small talk while Annie began pulling items out of the basket in order to take a closer look at them. When the men’s conversation turned to sports, Annie excused herself to the kitchen.

  Bessie greeted her with a sigh of relief. I was wondering how I was going to carry this tray and the baby, she admitted to her daughter. Now you can get one and I’ll grab the other.

  Annie reached for Emma, scooping her out of her infant chair after undoing the safety restraints. I’ll take this adorable handful right here, she cooed. Annie was surprised when the baby lifted her chubby arms towards her and smiled. Aww, she wants to come to her aunt Annie!

  Bessie stifled a laugh. That’s just weird. I’m the foster mom, so you’d be her foster sister, not her aunt.

  Annie shrugged her shoulders and tickled the baby under her chin. I’ll be whatever she needs, yes I will! Annie’s finger brushed against something rough on the baby’s neck. She ran her finger across it again gently, wondering if it wasn’t a bit of food stuck on the child’s neck.

  Oh, exclaimed Bessie, I forgot to tell you about that. It’s a little birthmark. I noticed it when I gave her a bath. Looks like a little strawberry if you look closely.

  Annie craned her neck to peer at the child’s neck. Oh, yeah, I see the resemblance. It’s cute, but I’m sure she’s lucky that it’s kind of hidden.

  Oh, I know. I went to elementary school with a girl who had one of those port wine birthmarks on her cheek. Bless her heart, first time I saw it, I thought somebody had slapped her! She and I became good friends and she laughed when I told her what I’d thought about her port wine mark. I thought it was kind of pretty, once I’d gotten used to it.

  Pretty? I don’t know if I could handle such an obvious birthmark on my face. I’d be so self-conscious, Annie admitted.

  Oh, no, I just thought she looked like she’d painted it on. I was actually kind of jealous because my parents wouldn’t let me touch makeup until I had graduated from high school. Bessies sighed. She moved away when I went to junior high. I often wonder whatever happened to her, she confessed. Well, let’s get this stuff into the sitting room and take a look at all the wonderful things that Delbert brought for Miss Emma.

  The trio ambled into the sitting room, where they found Delbert and Rory deep in discussion about baseball. And I might just buy me some season tickets for the Braves this year, Delbert quipped. Cheaper than buying them individually.

  Rory shook his head. No way would I want to battle Atlanta traffic to go watch the Braves play. I’ll just watch them at home and leave Atlanta to herself, thanks.

  Bessie put her tray down on the coffee table in front of the sofa. Here you are, boys. Sweet tea and a little something to tide you over until suppertime. She’d placed a small plate of crackers and a cheeseball on the tray along with some plump grapes.

  I was going to head on back to the station, but I guess I could stop and eat a bite, Delbert said sheepishly. This sure does look good.

  Bessie and Annie took turns cooing over baby items from the basket for several minutes. It was a cozy scene, and for a moment Annie could just picture them all at Christmas time doing something similar. Of course, they probably wouldn’t still have Emma at Christmas.

  Annie was surprised to find herself feeling just a little sad about that fact. She’d quickly grown to love having a baby in the house. Of course, she’d be happy to see Emma reunited with an actual, caring family member, but part of Annie would miss the beautiful little girl once she was gone.

  Excuse me, Annie, could I have a word with you? Everett Marshall had appeared as silently as a cat, reminding Annie of her son’s cat, Tigerlily, who often snuck up on Annie while she worked around the house.

  Mr. Marshall, she replied, placing a pack of onesies back into the basket. Of course, you can.

  Annie followed Everett into the foyer. What can I help you with?

  He rubbed at his temples, as though he might have another headache. I’ve got to run an errand. If Philip Hutchens comes here while I’m gone, do not let him take that baby.

  Annie was surprised by his command. I had no plans on doing any such thing, she assured him. But if Emmett calls and says we have to let her go with him—

  I don’t think that’s going to happen. Everett sighed. I can’t talk about it right now, but just call me if he comes around here while I’m gone, okay?

  Annie frowned. No offense, Mr. Marshall, but I can’t stop Emma’s father from taking her home if Emmett says he can.

  Everett scowled. He hasn’t proven that he’s her father. And quite frankly, I don’t trust him.

  Annie decided not to argue with Everett. I can’t promise that the police won’t clear him to take her, she said quietly, but I can call you if he arrives while you’re out. I have your number in my office. I’ll use it if I need to, she assured him.

  Everett sighed. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell my parents about my request, but you can let them know I’ll be back as soon as I can get back. He hesitated, then added, Thank you, Annie.

  He left the house quickly and quietly, climbing into his car with a grim look on his face that made Annie worry for him. She hoped that Philip Hutchens stayed away. She had a feeling that if Everett and Philip were to see each other, something bad might happen. Maybe it was the approaching storm that filled the air with tension, or maybe another storm was brewing in the Marshall family, one that would only be settled when Kimberly’s murder was finally solved.

  21

  What the Storm Brought In

  The sky over Rosewood Place simmered with the threat of the oncoming storm. After reminding Annie to secure her storm shutters and doors, Delbert left the inn to go back to the station.

  Oh, it feels like we’re going to get a bad one, Bessie warned Annie. Thank goodness Rory fixed the shingles up on the roof. He may have more repairs tomorrow, she added. Bessie held Emma in her arms. The baby was sleeping soundly, despite the threat of bad weather looming on the horizon.

  Annie’s mother carried the baby upstairs carefully. Annie knew that Bessie hoped Emma would sleep for a little while. Although she hadn’t said as much, Bessie’s mind was worn out from worrying about Emmett and taking care of the baby all afternoon. Annie hoped the baby would nap long enough to give her mother a chance to rest herself. She’d been overdoing it lately, taking care of the baby and trying to keep up with cooking for the family and guests at the inn. Bessie Purdy was definitely not a slacker, and Annie realized that her mother was likely to take on more than she could handle if no one stopped her.

  Annie shivered as the wind picked up outside. She hoped that Everett didn’t stay out too long. If he did, he’d probably face driving in some pretty treacherous weather. When she’d first moved back to South Carolina, she’d forgotten how strong the spring and fall storms could be. They’d lost a few trees in the spring before the inn had opened for business thanks to a sudden storm and a popup tornado.

  Annie hoped that the storm headed in from the east coast wouldn’t be that bad. They did need the rain, but she could quite happily do without the wind and all the other drama that accompanied such storms.

  A clatter of paws on the wooden floor pulled Annie’s attention. Karma, Devon’s dog, had slipped in through the open kitchen door when Rory had opened it to go outside. The dog was whimpering and whining, not his usual playful self.

  Hey, Karma, come here, boy! Rory dropped to one knee and rubbed the dog’s ears affectionately. That mean old storm got you scared, huh?

  Karma was a German shepherd mix that Rory and Devon h
ad found by the side of the road near their house. He had proved himself to be a loyal guard dog, but when it came to storms, the big pooch was more of a big baby.

  Why don’t I just let Karma stay at my place with me tonight? Rory suggested. Let me feed your mom’s chickens and I’ll come back for him, okay?

  Annie smiled. Maybe I should say I’m afraid of the storm, too, she teased.

  Rory grinned. You don’t even have to do that, he assured her. You can sleep on my couch anytime.

  Annie distracted Karma with belly rubs and a dog biscuit while Rory fed the half a dozen hens that Bessie kept behind the house in a little chicken coop. Annie tolerated the birds—they were too messy and noisy for her taste—but her mother seemed to love the crazy things, so Annie and Rory both helped keep them fat and happy. Karma liked to chase them around the yard, but otherwise, the hens were left to their own devices most of the time in their little coop with a built-in run.

  Annie took a moment to check Karma’s collar. It was one of the electronic ones that worked with an invisible fencing system. He’d managed to slip the collar off once before and get onto the neighbor’s property, so Annie checked the dog often to make sure the collar was still in place and its batteries were intact. The collar looked fine, the dog was content indoors with Annie, and for a few minutes the house was blessedly quiet. Annie closed her eyes and enjoyed the solitude, but it was broken soon enough.

  A knock at the front door sent Karma into a barking frenzy. Oh, hush, Karma, she pleaded. This is why we keep you outside, you furry fiend. Annie slipped out of the kitchen and closed the door behind her, keeping the dog away from whoever had disturbed the short-lived silence.

  Annie was surprised when she opened the door to find Philip Hutchens standing on the front porch. He wore a lightweight jacket that was spotted with raindrops and an expression that was both serious and a little anxious.