Sins of the Mother

by Megan Mollson

  “Why did she break it off?” Zasha asked, her eyes wide.

  “No one knows,” Yelena said with a delicate shrug. “Although everyone has their own theory. It doesn’t matter. On the day Mary got married, Daniel left town. We didn’t see him until a few weeks ago and look what happened. First, Estelle died, and then Mary and Clara.”

  “Do you really think that Daniel would be capable of murdering the woman he used to love?” Ivy asked carefully.

  “I think Daniel is capable of many things,” Yelena said darkly. “Mary confided in me once. She told me she was scared of Daniel but wouldn’t tell me why. I think that might be the true reason behind the breakup. I don’t know what he did, but I’m sure it wasn’t good.”

  “Fair enough,” Ivy said, nodding slowly. “But wouldn’t it be extreme to kill Mary and her children?”

  “Not really,” Zasha said suddenly. “Both Evelyn and Clara looked exactly like Mrs. Turner. The similarities were uncanny. Whoever killed Mary must not have wanted two reminders of her walking around.”

  Mary Turner had easily been the most beautiful woman Zasha had ever seen. She was slim, with a halo of golden blonde hair, and bright blue eyes that reminded one of the ocean on a sunny day. Her porcelain skin was clear, and her features were perfectly placed. When she was a young child, Zasha always thought that Mary looked like an angel. Her daughters had inherited her beauty, and ever since they were born, people would stop them on the street to comment on their looks. Despite the two-year age gap, Evelyn and Clara had looked exactly alike, and people often mistook them for twins. In fact, they were as close as twins. Zasha knew that her friend would have a terribly difficult time trying to adjust to a world without Clara.

  “What a despicable thing to do,” Ivy said in disgust. “Tell me, did you see Daniel go anywhere near Mary during the time he was here?”

  “Well…” Yelena said hesitantly. “I think so. I can’t be sure. You see, Mary and I weren’t so close in the end. During the war, we both had our own worries. I know that she would never have wanted to see Daniel, but that he probably would’ve wanted to see her. I think I saw them one day after church. Daniel was shouting at someone. I couldn’t see a face, but I saw her hair. It might’ve been Mary, but it could also have been one of the daughters. Now that they’ve gotten so tall, they look alike from behind.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Zasha had been to a few funerals before. They were usually reserved for older residents who had passed away peacefully. Once there was a funeral for a farmhand who had an unfortunate accident and passed away. However, she had never been to a funeral for someone she had been close to. Let alone to a funeral of two people whom she had loved as dearly as she loved her own family. When they lowered Clara into her grave, Zasha held Tatyana as close as she could. Tatyana held onto Zasha’s waist, and they both cried as they said goodbye to their friend. All Zasha could think was that they might be back soon if Evelyn didn’t make it.

  Ivy respectfully gave the mourners the space they needed, and discreetly stood at the back of the crowd.

  Almost everyone in town had shown up, and they were all wearing grim expressions. Nothing like this had ever happened before, and no one was sure how to react. The Reverend gave a lovely ceremony, but he was careful to stray away from the fact that the murder was still unsolved. There was no real comfort in the proceedings, just a grim determination to get it over with. Everyone knew that nothing would be settled until the murderer was found.

  When the women were buried, everyone gathered at the farmhouse. James sat with a stony expression in the living room while people awkwardly picked at their food. Dorothy, who had arranged everything, tried her best to play the gracious host, but she was beginning to look strained.

  “Zasha,” Dorothy said in relief, grabbing the girl’s hands in her own and grasping them tightly. Zasha felt like melting into Dorothy’s arms for a comforting hug but restrained herself. “I’m so glad you’re here. How are you coping, honey?”

  “One day at a time, Dorothy,” Zasha said with a tense smile. “Please, let me introduce you to my friend, Ivy. She’s here to help with the investigation.”

  Dorothy looked at Ivy curiously and gave her a welcoming smile. That was what everyone loved about Dorothy. She was a warm person who welcomed everyone with open arms. No matter who you were, you always felt like family when Dorothy was around.

  “Well now, I’ve heard plenty about you,” Dorothy said with a kind smile. “Tell me, how are you finding things in New Hope?”

  “I wish I had come under better circumstances,” Ivy admitted, shaking her head slightly. “It’s a beautiful town.”

  “Yes, it is,” Dorothy said, smiling proudly. “Come on, let’s get to the kitchen and get you something to eat. I want to know more about you.”

  Before Ivy could protest, Dorothy dragged her off, chatting all the way. Zasha smiled softly to herself. It was the only way Dorothy knew how to deal with problems. She’d find a stranger and make them feel at home. It was a surprise that she’d never had a family of her own, but no one felt sorry for her. It was clear that she was happy running her little café and taking care of the residents of New Hope.

  “What a day,” a familiar voice said behind her.

  Zasha felt herself smiling when she turned to see Tom standing behind her. She had seen him at the service, but they had both been too busy to spend much time together. She immediately gave him a hug.

  “I hated every second of it,” Zasha mumbled into his shirt as his strong arms wrapped around her shoulders. “I can’t believe they’re gone.”

  “I know,” he murmured, laying his cheek on the top of her head. “It’s terrible. How many times did we all sit in that kitchen while Mrs. Turner fed us? And now Evelyn… I just wish everything would go back to normal.”

  Zasha nodded and closed her eyes. She remembered sitting around the kitchen table with Evelyn, Clara, Jeremy, and Tom. They had just come back from the creek and their hair was wet. Mrs. Turner had been ready with some lemonade and biscuits, and life seemed so simple. Now, none of them would ever be able to sit in that kitchen and laugh comfortably again.

  “I guess we’re going to have to find a way to move on,” Zasha said, hating the words. “Evie’s going to need us when she wakes up.”

  “That’s for sure,” Tom said with a sigh. “Oh, and I heard about what happened with Ivy and Jeremy yesterday. Is he doing okay?”

  “I don’t think so,” Zasha admitted, moving away from Tom. She caught his expression of disappointment, but she found that she was beginning to feel claustrophobic. “I hate that she said those things, but it’s just her way.”

  “She didn’t know what she was talking about,” Tom said, glowering at a spot above Zasha’s head. “I wish we had someone more experienced investigating this case, not some flighty loudmouth.”

  “Tom,” Zasha said with a frown. “She’s doing the best she can. I don’t think there’s many people who would handle this better. Besides, she’s trying her best to get to know the town and the people so that she can do her job properly. She’s taking it personally. Would you prefer it if some brash detective showed up and stomped all over the place? They’d probably find a drifter to pin it on.”

  “You’re sweet,” Tom said affectionately, touching her cheek softly. Zasha couldn’t help but think about the last time someone had touched her face and blushed. She saw redness tinge Tom’s cheeks, and immediately felt guilty for thinking about someone else. “I appreciate that you look on the positive side of things, but I don’t agree. She’s messing around and poking her nose where it doesn’t belong.”

  “What else is she supposed to do?” Zasha asked with a frown. “It’s her job. Do you really think a detective wouldn’t have done the same thing?”

  “A detective would’ve been more professional about it. Why didn’t they send a detective from a big city instead of this broad?”

  “The police are already stretched thin en
ough as it is,” Zasha said, disliking the direction their conversation was taking. “They don’t have the necessary skills to investigate this murder. The best they could do was station two uniformed officers outside of Evie’s room while Mr. Turner attended the funeral.”

  “Maybe I should talk to my father,” Tom said thoughtfully. “I’m sure we could hire a better private investigator.”

  Zasha pursed her lips and looked away in annoyance. As much as she liked Tom, she hated it when he brought up his parents. It wasn’t a secret that he’d had an easy life, but she hated that he seemed to think that he would always be able to call up his parents when he had a problem. It had occurred to her countless times that he wasn’t independent. She hadn’t thought that it bothered her, but apparently it did.

  “Leave it alone, Tom,” Zasha said, sounding a little harsher than she meant to. When he looked at her in bewilderment, she softened her tone. “I just mean that we should leave well enough alone. Ivy is doing a good job. There’s no need to find someone else and start from square one.”

  “I was just making a suggestion,” Tom said, looking away with a wounded expression.

  An awkward silence descended over them and Zasha wracked her brain to try and find a way to make things better.

  “Look, let’s just forget it,” Tom said with a heavy sigh. “Can we talk about something else? My mother wanted…”

  Whatever he was about to say was lost as they spotted Sebastian walking up to them with a serious expression. Tom gave her a questioning glance, but she avoided his gaze and turned to Sebastian.

  “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?” Sebastian asked with a frown. When he noticed Zasha’s tense demeanor, the corners of his mouth quirked up slightly. She glared at him and rolled her eyes.

  “No,” Tom said, running his hand through his light hair in frustration. “What do you need?”

  Tom and Sebastian were polar opposites. With his sandy blonde hair and bright blue eyes, Tom was the picture of the wholesome All-American boy. Sebastian exuded danger and trouble with his smoldering good looks and broad figure.

  “We’ve got a problem,” he said, gesturing to the gate where a brand-new coupe was parked.

  Zasha felt her breath catch in her throat when she saw Daniel get out of the car and walk toward the house.

  “Has he gone mad?” Zasha asked breathlessly.

  “Apparently,” Sebastian said with a grimace. “We need to stop him. I didn’t know who else to call. Jeremy would go crazy, and I don’t even want to know what Mr. Turner would do.”

  “You’re right,” Tom said with a sigh. “Let’s go talk him out of this.”

  “Are words necessary?” Sebastian asked, cracking his knuckles mischievously.

  “Don’t you dare,” Zasha warned, wagging her face in his face. He smirked and winked at her before straightening his jacket and walking out to meet Daniel.

  Tom looked between Zasha and Sebastian thoughtfully before quickly hurrying after Sebastian. Zasha sighed and headed into the house. She spotted Ivy standing in the corner of the kitchen, watching as Dorothy made some coffee. Zasha met Ivy’s gaze and gestured urgently. Thankfully, Ivy got the message and followed Zasha outside.

  “What’s happening?” Ivy asked seriously.

  “We’ve got an unusual visitor,” Zasha said, gesturing at where Tom and Sebastian were talking to Daniel.

  “What’s he doing here?” Ivy asked with a frown.

  “Nothing good,” Zasha said anxiously. “I don’t know what he’s thinking.”

  “I think it’s about time we had a little chat with Daniel,” Ivy said darkly, crossing her arms over her chest.

  “Can we get him away from here first?” Zasha asked, wringing her hands nervously. “The last thing Mr. Turner or Jeremy needs is more drama.”

  “Yes, that’s a good idea,” Ivy said, looking over her shoulder. “Let’s go intervene. I don’t think your boys are doing too well.”

  Daniel was gesturing wildly while Tom motioned placatingly. Sebastian looked like he was beginning to get annoyed and he looked about ready to start a fight.

  Zasha hurried forward, hoping that they would be able to get through the interaction without making a scene. As they got closer, they heard what Daniel was saying.

  “I have a right to be here,” he growled. It was clear from the way he was swaying that he had been drinking.

  “Now isn’t the time to do this,” Tom said firmly. “Please have some respect for the family. They don’t deserve this.”

  “I’m a resident of New Hope,” Daniel said, his voice rising. “I want to say goodbye to one of my oldest friends. It’s only fair.”

  “Buddy, we don’t care about fair,” Sebastian snorted. “Get out of here before you regret it.”

  Daniel was quite a bit older than Sebastian, but when they squared up, it was clear that it would be an even fight. Zasha’s heart raced at the thought. Daniel didn’t seem like the type of person who would fight fair, and the last thing she wanted was to see another friend in the hospital.

  “What did you say to me, boy?” Daniel snarled, taking a step toward Sebastian.

  “Now, now, boys,” Ivy said, sauntering up to them. She placed one hand on Daniel’s chest and another on Sebastian’s. “How about we settle this over a drink? Come on, I’ll buy.”

  Daniel looked at her in bewilderment and looked at Sebastian for an explanation, but Sebastian just shrugged.

  “What are you doing here?” Tom asked Zasha in concern.

  “No, I’m not here to drink,” Daniel decided, he grabbed hold of Ivy’s hand, but before he could do anything, Ivy pulled her other fist back and punched Daniel square in the face.

  Chapter Fourteen

  There was a moment of shock as everyone stared at Daniel and Ivy. Zasha’s breath caught in her throat and she covered her mouth with her hand.

  “Don’t touch me,” Ivy hissed at Daniel who was nursing a bloody nose. He let go of her hand as though it burned him, and he took a step back. Sebastian chuckled at the action and looked at Ivy in awe.

  “Now, why don’t we try and have a civilized conversation, or are you determined to act like an oaf?” Ivy asked, shaking her hand with a grimace.

  Zasha had heard that punching someone hurt a lot, but she had never experienced it for herself. Seeing the effects firsthand made her convinced that if the punch was justified then the pain was worth it. She instinctively clenched her fist when Daniel stood up straighter and glared at Ivy.

  Tom moved Zasha behind him and stood protectively in front of her, as if he expected a fight to break out. Zasha watched as Ivy stood tall and unafraid. She suddenly wondered what it was like to be Ivy.

  The woman did what she wanted and didn’t answer to anyone. She was confident in her abilities and didn’t allow anyone to question her. Zasha felt as though a whole new world had been opened to her, and the thought of standing behind Tom and cowering while Ivy dealt with the situation didn’t sit right with her. She took a step out from behind Tom, but he looked at her in surprise and stood in front of her again. She stifled a wave of irritation and was about to say something when a sudden movement caught her attention.

  Daniel lifted his hand to Ivy, aiming his flat palm at her head. Ivy ducked and grabbed his elbow as it came down, and spun him around, pinning his arm against his back. He winced and let out a grunt.

  “There’s nothing you can do now,” Sebastian said in amusement. “You might as well hear what the lady has to say.”

  “This isn’t appropriate,” Tom said in annoyance. “Ivy, let him go. We can talk about this like civilized people. You’re making a scene.”

  “I gave him that option and he declined,” Ivy said, squeezing Daniel’s arm tighter, causing him to grimace and protest. “He’s the one who’s causing a scene, don’t blame me for reacting.”

  “She’s got a point, Tom,” Sebastian said, walking around to see Daniel’s face. He tapped Daniel’s cheek, causing the man to
snarl. “He started the fight, it’s not her fault that she saw it through. Should we toss him in the car and get him away from here.”

  “What you’re talking about doing is kidnapping, and it’s highly illegal,” Zasha said, stepping out from behind Tom and walking up to them.

  “Don’t,” Tom said, grabbing her arm and pulling her back.

  “She’s not in danger,” Sebastian said, rolling his eyes. “What are you going to do? Wrap her in cloth whenever she tries to do something you’re not comfortable with?”

  He aimed the last sentence at Zasha and she looked away uncomfortably.

  “Daniel,” Zasha said gently, “I think we should leave now. We can talk about this when there aren’t so many eyes. The last thing you need right now is another scandal.”

  “Let me go,” Daniel barked, trying to turn his head to look at Ivy.

  “Fine,” Ivy said. She let go of his arm and pushed him away firmly.

  He struggled to get his footing and turned to Ivy with a livid expression. She raised her eyebrows at him, but he seemed to have learned his lesson and took a step backward.

  “I don’t have anything to say to you lot,” Daniel sneered, pulling his nose up in disgust and shaking his head. “Let me go.”

  “You’re welcome to leave,” Tom said, gesturing back at the car, “but we won’t let you into the house.”

  “What are you going to do to stop me?” Daniel asked.

  “All we have to do is stand behind her,” Sebastian said with a chuckle, gesturing at Ivy who was still watching Daniel cautiously.

  “We’re going to have to talk eventually,” Ivy pointed out. “Why don’t we just get it over with now?”

  “I don’t have anything to say to you,” Daniel repeated, still swaying slightly on his feet. “I want to go inside and get what’s rightfully mine.”

  “Nothing in that house belongs to you,” Sebastian said, glowering at Daniel. “Don’t you dare go in there and make trouble.”