Lullabies & Lies

by Ruby Blaylock

  Ms. Richards, may I come in? he asked, glancing back over his shoulder. I think I just beat the storm, he added.

  Of course, Annie replied, pulling the front door open to let him into the house. In the kitchen, Karma was

  still barking madly.

  Oh, I’m sorry—I’ve spooked your dog, I guess, Philip apologized. I drove a little too quickly and ran up the porch steps. I hate getting caught in the rain, he explained.

  Annie forced a smile. That’s alright. Karma is just being his usual protective self. She excused herself long enough to open the kitchen door and reassure the dog. Once he saw that Annie was fine, he settled into a sitting position by the kitchen door, occasionally emitting the odd low growl as Annie talked to Philip.

  I’m afraid that Emma is asleep right now, Annie apologized, but she should be up soon. Can I get you a cup of coffee or tea while we wait?

  Philip relaxed slightly. Coffee would be great, he replied.

  Annie led him to the sitting room to wait while she prepared the coffee. When she returned, Philip was perched on the edge of the sofa, studying the room around him.

  Is that the original fireplace? he asked, accepting the coffee carefully.

  Yes, I believe that it is. We didn’t do much to it, mostly just cosmetic repairs and a very thorough sweeping, she replied.

  It’s a very beautiful home, he said before sipping his drink. Thank you for the coffee. I drove quite a ways to get here and I still have a long drive ahead of me, he explained.

  I thought you were staying at the motel near the highway? Annie asked.

  I was. But when your chief of police demanded to see a copy of Emma’s birth certificate before he’d let me take her home, well, I didn’t have much choice but to drive back and get it, did I?

  Annie took a seat in the easy chair adjacent to the sofa. I know it’s frustrating, but Emmett has to do his job. Emma is his first priority. He has to make sure she’s safe while he finds out who killed your fiancee. And you could have waited for the state to send over a copy of the birth certificate, she thought, but kept this sentiment to herself. She supposed that she could understand his impatience—if she’d been kept from Devon for days on end, she probably would have gone to such lengths, too.

  Well, I’ll make his job a little easier. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a long, white envelope. I brought the long-form copy of Emma’s birth certificate proving that I’m her father. He passed the envelope to Annie, who wasn’t sure whether it would be appropriate for her to open it or not. She was about to slide her fingernail underneath the sealed flap of the envelope when Rory appeared. He was drenched from head to toe, dripping water onto the wooden floor.

  I’m sorry about the mess, Annie. I’ll clean this up, I just wanted to let you know that I’m taking Karma over to my place now. He hesitated, then added, You might want to leave the kitchen door unlocked for me in case this storm picks up too much. My place is sturdy, but if we get another tornado, I’d rather be over here.

  Do you want me to make up a room for you? she asked. I want you to be safe.

  I think you’ll need it for this gentleman. I don’t think driving in this weather is even going to be an option. Besides, there are already some branches down along the driveway. If the winds pick up like the weatherman says they could, that old pine tree at the bottom of the driveway is going to drop like a bowling pin.

  Crap, Annie murmured. Sorry, Mr. Hutchens, I didn’t mean that it’s crap that you’d be staying here, it’s just that we had to deal with fallen trees a couple of years ago and it was an expensive mess.

  Philip nodded. Pine trees can be particularly troublesome, can’t they? But honestly, if I just go and get Emma and leave now…

  Annie shook her head. I can’t let you take her out in this storm. Besides, I’m not the one you need to give this too, she said, waving the envelope in the air. Emmett will need this. I can call him, but it will likely be tomorrow before he can get here, so you might as well make yourself comfortable.

  Philip opened his mouth to protest but before he could speak thunder cracked loudly outside the house. Annie jumped, then blushed. Oh, that one surprised me, she said, pulling a nervous smile onto her face. Surely you can see the sense in staying here, Mr. Hutchens?

  Philip looked from Annie to Rory. You definitely don’t want to be out in that, Rory affirmed.

  Philip let out a resigned sigh. Okay, but if those Marshalls try and start anything with me…

  I don’t think that will be a problem. I’ll have a word with Everett when he gets in. He seems like a reasonable man and I’m sure he will agree that it’s best if you and Emma stay here until the storm has passed and Emmett can okay her release to you. Annie glanced over at Rory. "And I’ll leave the back door for you, Rory. Don’t wait for

  it to get too bad—if the winds pick up, you and Karma hightail it over here."

  Rory smiled and gave her a mock salute, then headed back to the kitchen to get the dog. Once he was gone, Philip spoke again. Everett Marshall is not here?

  Annie hesitated. No. He said he had something important to take care of. Did you need to speak with him? I know he’s been working on the arrangements for Miss Ashcroft’s funeral.

  She thought that she saw Philip’s jaw tense. He really should just keep his nose out of our business, he grumbled.

  Oh, I’m sure he just wanted to help. I understand that he and Kimberly were quite close friends during the time that she worked for the Marshalls. I think he feels that he let her down somehow and he’s trying to make up for that however he can, she added ruefully.

  I’m sure he thinks they were close, Philip growled, but she wasn’t his employee when she died, she was my fiancee. And he was the reason that she died. If she hadn’t been driving to see him, she wouldn’t have been killed on the side of the road and left by the creek like some piece of trash.

  Annie didn’t know how to respond to his statement. He had a right to be angry—he was grieving the loss of the woman he had loved—but she liked Everett, at least she liked him more than she liked Philip. Still, she knew that it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to defend Everett against Philip’s accusations.

  Would you like me to show you to your room, Mr. Hutchens? She felt that changing the subject was the only way she was going to get out of his way gracefully and Annie really didn’t have it in her to listen to the man rant about the Marshalls. As far as she’d seen, they had been more upset over Kimberly’s death than Kimberly’s own fiancee was. As awful as the thought was, Annie couldn’t help but wonder if Kim was better off dead than married to a man as boorish and demanding as Philip Hutchens.

  And I suppose the Marshalls are going to be happy to foot the bill for my room? he asked, barely holding back a scowl. I suppose I might as well get that much out of them, he grumbled.

  Actually, I’ll comp the cost of the night from their bill, Annie replied a little more sharply than she meant to. Now’s not the time to worry about money. As if to prove her point, another boom of thunder shook the skies above Rosewood Place. The swiftly following streak of light in the sky told Annie that the storm was practically overhead. If Everett Marshall was out in this weather, Annie hoped that he at least had the good sense to get off the road.

  As she moved towards the door of the sitting room, Philip rose to follow her. They were greeted by the sight of Bessie and the sounds of a wailing Emma.

  Oh, dear, Bessie cried in a singsong voice, it’s alright, Emma. Did that big, bad storm wake you up?

  Philip’s eyes darted to the child. Emma! What’s wrong with her?

  Bessie looked as though she’d been slapped. Nothing’s wrong with her, she snapped. The thunder woke her up. I wouldn’t be surprised if it didn’t wake up all the bodies out in the graveyard, too, as loud as it was.

  Philip looked confused. There’s a small family graveyard on the property, Annie explained. My mother was being dramatic. I’m sure the poor thing was startled by the storm, tho
ugh, she added. Thunderstorms frighten me, too, she said, stroking the infant’s cheek with one finger.

  Philip held out his arms. May I hold her? he asked, this time a little more gently than he’d spoken before.

  Bessie had managed to quiet Emma’s cries with a pacifier. She hesitated only a moment before passing Emma to Philip.

  It feels like she’s grown so much these past few days, he sighed. I was away on a business trip for almost a week before I got the call from your local police department telling me that there had been some sort of an accident. I couldn’t get back here fast enough—all I could think about was getting back to Emma and taking her home.

  It must have been awful for you, Annie sympathized. I’m sure you’ve been through a lot these past few days. But, I can promise you that Emma’s been in good hands. She’s a very happy baby.

  As if on cue, Emma spat out the pacifier and began crying again, more loudly than the first time. Philip looked surprised and more than a little frustrated as his attempts to soothe the infant failed to work. Shhh, he whispered loudly, don’t cry now.

  Bessie reached for the child. Here, let me take her in the kitchen and give her something to eat. She’s probably hungry and likely needs a diaper change, too, she added.

  Philip handed her over sheepishly. Kim was always better at this than I was, he said quietly. It’s going to take me awhile to get used to taking care of Emma on my own.

  Bessie shouldered the infant, soothing her with the change of position. If you’ll excuse me, I believe I left a few diapers in the sitting room. I’ll just pop in here and take care of that while you show Mr. Hutchens to his room, Annie.

  Annie stepped aside for her mother, who entered the sitting room and promptly closed the door behind her. Then Annie turned her attention back to Philip. If you’ll just follow me, Mr. Hutchens, I’ll show you to your room. I think you’ll be comfortable there until the storm passes and Emmett can come and release Emma back into your custody.

  You’ll do no such thing!

  Annie had been so preoccupied with Philip and the baby, she’d almost forgotten that Marlena Marshall was staying just upstairs. Now Marlena was storming down the staircase, the look on her face far more terrifying than the storm raging outside.

  He’s not taking that baby anywhere, she continued, pointing her finger at Philip. I will call the police myself and have him arrested if he tries.

  Philip pulled himself up to his full height. Normally, he stood taller than Marlena by at least three or four inches, but since she stopped on the second to last stair, she loomed over him, staring down with slightly bleary eyes.

  You think you can do whatever you like because you have money, Philip accused, but not this time, Marlena. I’m Emma’s father and I brought proof, so why don’t you just crawl back off into your little hole and find someone else to make miserable.

  Marlena scowled at him, her lips itching to say something, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to spit it out.

  Philip smiled, a look of smug satisfaction covering his face. Got no reply when the truth is thrown at you.

  Now Marlena reacted. You wouldn’t know the truth if it jumped up and bit you on the butt! You’re just an opportunistic little leech and a sub-par architect who thought you could pull a fast one on my husband in order to win his business. But he saw through you, didn’t he?

  Philip’s face was red with the effort of not replying to Marlena’s accusation.

  Oh, I bet you were very disappointed that Kimberly cut herself off from us. You probably thought she was your ticket into Maxwell’s pocket, am I right?

  Now Philip exploded, his anger almost palpable. How dare you say that about her! You hated her. You hate everybody, you dried up old hag. Maybe your life wouldn’t be so miserable if you climbed out of the liquor bottle and tried to act like a decent human being. His hands were clenched into fists. Annie truly doubted that the Marshalls would now even consider staying under the same roof as Philip.

  She put herself between the two guests. Why don’t we all just calm down. All this shouting isn’t good for Emma.

  Being in this house with those people isn’t good for her, either, Philip snapped.

  Annie opened her mouth to reply, but before she could utter a sound, there came a pounding from the front door. Her heart jumped into her throat until she realized who it was. Through the glass panel in the door, she could just make out Everett’s face.

  Annie hurried to let him in, but he was already drenched, soaking wet from head to toe. Annie hustled him into the foyer, thankful that the surprise of his arrival had distracted Marlena and Philip.

  Good god, were you walking out in that weather? Marlena hurried over to her son. You’re drenched!

  Everett wiped water out of his eyes. I got this walking from the car to the porch. I had to park down the driveway because there was a tree down across your driveway, he explained. I almost didn’t make it back here. My car slid several times because of flooding on the road, he added. They’re saying on the radio that this is a pretty big storm, but it could get worse. He looked at Philip, finally registering his presence. I wouldn’t go out there, if I were you.

  Oh, he’s not staying here, Marlena protested. Your father will go berserk.

  Everett replied to his mother, but never took his eyes off of Philip. Unless Dad can control the weather, he’s going to have to stay. Besides, we should probably talk, Everett added, now speaking to Philip. We need to discuss some things regarding Kimberly.

  Annie thought she saw Philip tense at Everett’s last statement, but she couldn’t be sure it wasn’t just more

  macho male posturing. Philip was beginning to strike her as the perfect example of toxic masculinity. She just hoped he didn’t get into a physical altercation with any of the Marshalls. She didn’t like the thought of a fistfight taking place when the police couldn’t reach them easily.

  Let me get you a towel, Annie said to Everett, pulling his attention away from Philip. Mr. Hutchens, if you’ll follow me, I’ll show you to that room we were discussing earlier. She made her voice firm, but friendly. Reluctantly, Philip followed her up the stairs. Annie could hear Marlena fussing over her son as Annie left them. It was, she realized, the first time she’d actually witnessed anything like motherly love from Marlena. Annie wasn’t sure if this realization was more sad or frightening. She kept her thoughts to herself as she led Philip to the room furthest away from the ones in which the Marshalls were staying.

  22

  Odd Behaviors

  The storm lasted into the evening and long into the night. Annie was glad that Devon hadn’t been at his job at the library when the weather started to get ugly. He spent the evening in his room with the cat, saving his mother from worrying about him.

  Annie got very little sleep, due in part to the storm, but also in part to the powderkeg she’d created by encouraging Philip to stay at Rosewood Place. It may have been wrong of her, but something told Annie that setting up such a potentially explosive situation might just be the best way to finally help solve Kimberly’s death. Annie was convinced that someone in Rosewood Place knew more about the young mother’s murder than they were letting on. Until she could rule out exactly who that was, she wouldn’t feel comfortable letting Emma leave the inn.

  Emmett called very early the next morning, before the sun had even come up. Annie told him about Philip and the birth certificate. She could almost hear him scratching his mustache through the phone.

  I’m going to get over there as soon as I can, he told her, but the storm’s caused us all kinds of problems, not the least of which is another dead body.

  Annie sucked in a sharp breathe. Oh, Em, I’m sorry. I know the roads were awful last night. I made Philip Hutchens stay here for that very reason.

  You may have saved his life, Emmett conceded. But the body I have, it wasn’t a storm-related death.

  Annie’s blood felt cold in her veins. Was it another murder?

  Emmett pau
sed. You know I’m not supposed to talk about cases that I’m working on with members of the public, he cautioned, but I’m going to make an exception this time. I’ll be over in about half an hour, so if you don’t mind, put on a pot of that strong coffee your Mama buys. I think I’m going to need it today.

  Annie ended the call in a semi-frazzled state. She rushed to get dressed, pausing long enough to run a brush through her hair and brush her teeth before heading downstairs. To her surprise, Bessie was already in the kitchen, cooking and singing a nursery rhyme to Emma. The baby was strapped into a highchair that Annie didn’t recognize.

  Mama? You’re up early, Annie noted, reaching for a cup to fill with coffee from the already brewing pot.

  Oh, a little birdie told me that Emmett’s coming over here this morning. I wanted to surprise him with breakfast before he heads out to work. He’s going to be busy, I reckon, what with all the storm damage.

  Mama, Emmett just called me a little bit ago. How did you know he was coming over?

  Bessie blushed. He texted me, she admitted. Asked me if I would like some sugar in my coffee, the silly old thing! Bessie’s cheeks were flushed. She looked younger and happier than Annie could remember her looking in a long time.

  Mama, he told me that there’s been another murder, Annie said, keeping her voice low in case any of the guests were also already awake. He didn’t say it outright, but he’s coming over here to talk to me about it. She hesitated, not sure if she should say what she was thinking, but her mother seemed to read her mind.

  He thinks it has something to do with Kimberly Ashcroft’s death, doesn’t he? Bessie asked. Annie nodded in reply. Oh, then that settles it! This baby is not leaving my sight until Emmett has her mother’s killer locked up tight!

  Bessie scooped the baby out of her high chair and turned back towards her daughter. I’m going to go and change this little sweetie. The food’s ready, it’s just warming now til Em gets here or until the guests wake and want to eat. If they come down, put this out for them, will you?

  Annie smiled. Of course, I will, Mama. You go on and take care of the baby. I’ll take care of the guests.