Lullabies & Lies

by Ruby Blaylock

  You mean… Annie didn’t finish the sentence before Marlena began to reply.

  Yes. I believe that Everett is Emma’s father. Marlena put her hands together in a prayerful gesture. I believe that Emma is my very own granddaughter!

  25

  More Questions Than Answers

  Annie left Marlena’s room with more questions than answers. She knew that there was an easy enough way to determine if Marlena’s claims about Emma’s father were true—paternity testing was so common that you could buy kits from the pharmacy now—but figuring out who killed Kimberly Ashcroft was going to be a little trickier.

  She found herself wandering to the kitchen. Her watch told her that it was still far too early for a stiff drink, so she settled for a Diet Coke, cracking it open and sipping it straight from the can. Her mind ticked over all the things that had been revealed, both at the disastrous breakfast and in Marlena’s room, and she quickly came to the conclusion that, despite all their money and power, the Marshalls were definitely no happier than she was. In fact, Annie wondered if money hadn’t somehow made their problems worse.

  When she considered the anger Everett felt towards his father for lying about Horley House in the name of ‘business,’ she realized that money did strange things to people. Greed was bad enough, but mix in jealousy, anger, and lies and you got one heady mix of family dysfunction. She wondered if they could ever work out their problems.

  And what about Philip? Why would he lie about being Emma’s father? Annie supposed that he’d been with the child presumably since her birth. Surely he must have some attachment to her that was almost as strong as a blood bond?

  She considered the two men, Everett and Philip. They were night and day. Everett seemed to be a kind and reasonable person. Philip came across as bossy and demanding, though Annie realized that she could have simply been witnessing the behavior of a grieving man. Grief did funny things to people. It wasn’t unlikely that Philip’s demeanor had been affected by Kim’s death.

  Annie doubted that Marlena or Maxwell either one could have actually gotten their hands dirty and killed Kim themselves, but could she be sure that they hadn’t hired someone to do the deed? She thought about how excited Marlena had been about the possibility of Emma being her granddaughter. Of course, she’d openly admitted to disliking Kimberly. Could she have had her killed to clear the way for her new grandchild?

  It also occurred to Annie that Kim could have simply been lying about her baby’s father. After all, Annie knew nothing about the woman. Maybe she’d really just been a gold-digger who’d seen an opportunity to weasel her way into a rich family. A job was only temporary, but convince a man that he was your baby daddy, and you’d be set for life.

  Annie planned to speak to Emmett about a paternity test for Everett and Philip. Something in her gut told Annie that one of the men was the father, but only science could say which one for sure.

  Laughter filtered into the kitchen ahead of her mother and Emmett. Oh, Annie, we’ve just seen the cutest thing you’ll ever want to see, Bessie told her. This baby is already trying to pull herself up. I sat her on a blanket on the floor and I’ll be darned if she didn’t grab hold of my leg and try to pull herself right up, Bessie declared. To be so little…

  Annie looked confused. What’s so funny about that?

  Emmett answered for Bessie. Try was the operative word. Fell on that padded bottom of hers a few times, then just gave up and began blowing spit bubbles at the pair of us.

  Annie smiled. Where is she now?

  Oh, I put her down for a nap, Bessie replied. Emmett and I need to have a little chat and since Rory’s sister was kind enough to loan us some of those baby listeners, Bessie waved a small device in the air, I thought we could leave her alone while we do so.

  Baby monitors, Mama. They’re baby monitors. And I’d be happy to listen out for her. I was just going to go take care of some things in my office, Annie lied.

  Oh, well, if you don’t mind. Can you make sure it’s working properly? I don’t hear anything? Bessie passed the walkie talkie-like device to her daughter.

  Annie turned the dial and heard a steady hum. She changed the channel and got a hiss of static. She quickly changed it back to the original setting. As long as the other one has batteries in it and is on the same channel they should be working.

  As if on cue, Emma gurgled. The sound was faint, but unmistakable. See? She’s talking in her sleep, Annie teased. You go on and have your little chat. I’ll keep an ear out for Emma while I’m working.

  Annie watched as her mother and Emmett made their way towards the veranda. They would likely go down to the little wooden deck overlooking the pond. It was a quiet spot that was perfect for important conversations.

  Deciding that she might as well turn a lie into the truth, Annie headed for her little office tucked away behind the foyer. She knew that she had some emails to reply to and a few bills to pay. Surely her guests could spare her for half an hour, she thought. Annie hadn’t quite passed the staircase when a voice called out to her.

  Mrs. Richards! Annie! Everett was hurrying down the stairs, taking them two at a time. I’m glad I caught you. I wanted to apologize for this morning. I had no idea my parents were going to gang up on Philip like that.

  Annie patted him on the arm. Oh, no, it’s okay. Really, all families have their dramas, don’t they? She couldn’t help but wonder why some had so much more drama than others, but she kept this thought to herself. Your mother says that she and your father are probably leaving today. Are you planning to stay tonight?

  Everett didn’t reply immediately. He looked like a lost child, unsure of what to say. I don’t know, he admitted. I know I need to get back home eventually, but there’ve been some developments, he said cryptically. I’m waiting to hear back from the police about a few things, then I’ll know more. He rubbed the back of his head absentmindedly. I know you probably have other bookings, but if you have a room, I’d like to rent it for the foreseeable future.

  Annie nodded. I think we can accommodate you, but don’t you think you ought to talk to your parents? They’ve obviously made up from whatever problem they had when they first arrived, she began. Don’t you think it would be best to let the past stay in the past where your father’s business is concerned?

  Everett sighed. My father was wrong to lie to me, but he was even more wrong to involve Kim.

  Annie took a deep breath, then she let it out slowly. You were more than just friends with Kimberly, weren’t you? Don’t you think that relationship could be affecting your judgment?

  Everett looked away. He shuffled his feet, trying to decide how he wanted to respond. Finally, he spoke. Yes. We were…close. It was just a handful of times…Kim didn’t want to get into a serious relationship. I pushed her. I told her it was just fun, but for me it was a lot more than that. I was madly in love with her, but she didn’t love me back.

  Annie wanted to tell him that couldn’t possibly be true. If Kim hadn’t cared at all for him, why would she have tried so hard to talk to him about her baby? If she hadn’t cared at all, she would have never agreed to meet with him. If she hadn’t cared about him, Kim might still be alive.

  Do you think—is there a chance that Emma could be your—

  He put up a hand to stop her. I don’t know, but I will find out. Right now I just need time. Until I find out for sure whether or not I’m Emma’s father, I need to make sure she’s safe.

  And you don’t think she’s safe with Philip?

  He frowned. Look at the way he acts. The way he speaks to everyone, like he’s something special and the rest of the world is just there for his amusement. He’s more than just cocky. It’s like he’s a narcissist or something.

  It’s an awful lot for you to have to go through alone. Why don’t you at least speak to your parents about it. I’m sure they’d be thrilled if they thought that they were going to become grandparents, she added, hoping that she didn’t sound too pushy. The guilt of k
eeping a secret from someone—even one of her guests whom she barely knew—made Annie’s stomach twist into knots.

  I don’t know about that, he replied. My mother is such a snob. I think a grandchild out of wedlock might just cause her to have an apoplectic fit, he laughed.

  Annie smiled warmly. Oh, I don’t know. I’ve seen your mother with Emma. She seems quite smitten with her. In fact, I wonder if she doesn’t suspect that you were more than just friends with Kim.

  Everett’s eyebrows knit together in an expression of worry. Has she said anything to you?

  Only that she wishes she had a baby in her life, Annie lied. I think she’s lonely. Your father seems to be very busy with his work and you have your own life. Why do you think she spends so much time giving Gareth inane jobs to do? She’s bored. Annie sighed. When your children grow up and your husband doesn’t have time for you, you resort to stupid things to fill your life, I guess. I think if your mother had something that she could be passionate about, like a hobby or a grandchild, she wouldn’t be such a…

  A witch? Everett asked.

  I was going to say Negative Nelly, but that works too, Annie laughed.

  Everett smiled, the first real smile Annie had seen on his face since he arrived at Rosewood Place. I can’t imagine me as a dad, he admitted. Maybe I shouldn’t get my hopes up.

  Annie hesitated. Was there someone else in Kimberly’s life when she got pregnant?

  Not that I know of, but then again, I thought I knew her so well. I never thought she’d lie to me about something like a baby. I never imagined that she’d run off and get engaged to a guy who hated my family, either.

  Philip hates your family? I’m sure that’s an exaggeration. He seemed to tolerate them pretty well at breakfast, at least until all the questions about AJ Preminger.

  Annie noticed that Everett looked away when she mentioned the private investigator’s name. What did I say?

  Nothing, he mumbled. It’s just, well, AJ deserved better than that. I’ve known him for a while now. We were actually on pretty friendly terms, though I’m sure that’s what made him good at his job. I can’t believe he’s gone. I was supposed to meet with him last night.

  You were? Annie stared at Everett for a long moment, then she finally spoke again. Why? You knew how bad the weather was meant to be. What could have been so important that you would have risked your life for it by meeting with a private investigator?

  Everett blushed, then he straightened himself up and set his jaw in a firm line. That’s none of your business, actually.

  Annie made a noise that sounded like air being let out of a bad. Pssshhh, listen to you. None of my business? I think you made it my business when you and your family set up camp here and neglected to inform me that you all had some sort of grudge against Philip Hutchens. Now she blushed. I’m sorry, Everett. I tend to get very involved with my guests. I treat them like family and sometimes I can cross a line, but I honestly only want what’s best for you and your family. Most importantly, I want what’s best for Emma.

  Everett nodded. AJ was working for me when he died. He said he had something very important that I should see, but he never sent files electronically. He said a digital trail was far worse than a paper one. I was supposed to meet him at the little motel I stayed in that night I went to the police station, but when I got there, he was gone.

  Annie nodded sympathetically. What kind of work was he doing for you?

  Everett sighed. He was trying to dig up dirt on Philip. I needed to just be sure that he wasn’t some sort of abusive psychopath before he took Kim’s baby away.

  But if he is her father, he would have the right to take her, Annie reminded him.

  You have to understand that I loved Kim. I took too long to admit it to myself and to her, but when I realized what I stood to lose, I had to make sure I covered every angle. I had to know if Philip had good intentions. I needed ammunition against him to try and convince Kim to leave him and stay with me. He lowered his head. I’m not proud of trying to break up their relationship or trying to keep a child from her father, but I couldn’t stand the thought of losing Kim one more time.

  And yet, she’s still gone, isn’t she? Philip Hutchens appeared at the top of the stairs, his voice preceding his footsteps by just a fraction of a second.

  Were you up there spying on us? Everett demanded.

  You mean like your private investigator spied on me? Did he honestly think I didn’t notice him driving past my house, talking to people I know? He was a lousy private eye, if you ask me.

  Annie put herself between the two men, who’d both pulled themselves up to their full height and appeared to be preparing for a physical confrontation. Mr. Hutchens, is there something I can help you with?

  Philip glared over Annie’s shoulder at Everett. Yes. You can tell me that I’m cleared to take my daughter home with me.

  Annie clenched her jaw. Emmett’s still waiting for approval from social services. I’m afraid I can’t speed things up for you, either. In fact, I have to go and call someone to remove a fallen tree from my property and I’m sure you’ll all be wanting lunch later, so if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some things to take care of.

  She turned to Everett. Just let me know if you need any clean linens or anything else in your room. I’ll have Devon bring some up when he gets home from school.

  Everett glared at Philip. Thank you, Annie. I appreciate all you and your family have done for me and mine this week. It’s been a difficult time for sure. He stepped around Annie and headed up the stairs, pausing only long enough to mutter something under his breath as he passed Philip. Whatever it was, Philip didn’t respond, but

  instead turned his gaze to Annie.

  As Everett disappeared up the stairs, Philip approached Annie, his fists balled against his hips. Annie could tell he was beyond furious. Whatever Everett had said to him had flipped a switch inside the man. Annie watched him struggle to keep his anger under control. With a deep breath, he finally spoke to her.

  I have had beyond enough with that family, he hissed. They have always acted like they are better than me. I know they must have really flipped their lids when Kim agreed to marry me, he said almost triumphantly. Anyway, while I’m waiting for your chief to clear me, I thought I might trouble you for something to drink. I’ve been on the phone all morning taking care of travel arrangements, he confided.

  Oh, are you going somewhere? Annie didn’t really want to prolong the conversation, but she was genuinely curious. His fiancee had just been murdered, surely a vacation would be truly tacky, even for a man as brassy as Philip?

  I’ve been offered a job in Europe, he explained. I’ll be taking Emma to live in Italy. I think she’ll be very happy there, he added.

  Oh, wow, Annie exclaimed. Italy is very beautiful. What part of Italy will you be going to?

  Philip smiled uncomfortably. I can’t remember the name of the town. I guess it’s just slipped my mind with all the stress.

  Annie nodded sympathetically. When my husband died, I forgot the code to our alarm system. I just completely blanked it out. I had to explain to the security people that I’d just been to his funeral and was just trying to get inside my home to change out of my mourning clothes. It was pretty embarrassing, she added.

  Grief affects us all in different ways, he noted.

  Isn’t it a bit soon to be travelling, especially with a baby? I don’t mean to pry, but babies just require so much stuff. And a flight to Italy with a young child isn’t easy at the best of times. Are you sure you shouldn’t wait a few weeks so you can settle things properly? Annie tried not to sound too judgmental, but she couldn’t help but think the man was a complete idiot for planning such a move.

  Oh, but I guess you must have already bought your tickets, she said suddenly. Kim told Everett that you were all moving abroad. Isn’t that why she went to see him in the first place?

  Philip’s lips made a hard line. I wouldn’t know. She waited until I was out
of town to plan that trip. He glanced at his watch. I have to make another phone call. Can I just get a bottle of water or a can of soda to take upstairs?

  Annie nodded quickly. Oh, yes, sorry about that! I swear, I’m becoming my mother, just standing here yammering away. She plastered her best fake smile on and excused herself to the kitchen long enough to grab a can of soda from the fridge. Will this do? she asked, holding up the beverage.

  It’s fine, he murmured, accepting the can from her outstretched hand. Thanks.

  Annie nodded. You’re welcome. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you, she added, but he was already headed back up the stairs.

  26

  Hunches and Suspects

  Annie had a feeling that was more than a hunch but slightly less than a certainty. She knew that she was very close to sniffing out exactly who was lying to her. She had spent a great deal of time considering every guest in her house, from the lowly personal assistant to the not-so-grieving fiance, and her suspicions were pointing in two very distinct directions.

  A grieving man who’d lost the love of his life seemed far too convenient an alibi. Everett had admitted that he’d loved Kimberly, but he’d also been furious at her for agreeing to marry another man. He’d conveniently failed to disclose his relationship with AJ Preminger to Emmett, though he had admitted it to Annie.

  He’d also been very secretive about his comings and goings while he’d been at Rosewood Place. He’d gone to the motel the first time, Annie suspected, to confront the man he felt had stolen Kimberly from him. He’d gone there the second time to meet with a man who was later found murdered nearby.

  Philip was vile, there was no doubt. He was also, Annie suspected, lying through his teeth about his travel arrangements to Italy. The vibe he was sending out was definitely one of deception, but Annie got the distinct impression that his entire life was like that.

  He claimed to be quite the successful architect, good enough to nab a job in a faraway European town, but everything Annie had seen up close said otherwise. She’d noticed the small things that were so telling, like the fact that his car was much less expensive than Kimberly’s had been. His shoes were inexpensive, too, and so was his watch. She wasn’t an expert on men’s watches, but she could have sworn she’d seen that very watch in a chain store back in the summer when she’d been shopping for a birthday present for her mother.