The Secrets of Water

by Wendy Nelson-Sinclair

  “Nana, before you erupt, there’s something that we need to tell you,” Sebastian reached for Lizzie’s hand again and held it protectively within his own. “We weren’t the only ones there. Linda Trelawney and Monica Rylance were there, too.”

  Hazel’s eyes and nostrils flared in unison.

  “Why were they there?” she asked low as Sebastian and Lizzie’s deception was suddenly moved to the backburner.

  “They were in Edith’s writing room,” Lizzie spoke up before Sebastian could. “They were searching for something, but I don’t know. We were headed there, too. When discovered that we weren’t alone, we hid in Edith’s room and stayed there until they left.”

  “What were they saying? Were they looking for something?”

  “Monica told Trelawney about the painting,” Lizzie explained. “Apparently, they must have thought that there was a safe or something hidden within the painting, but there wasn’t. I have no doubt that Trelawney snuck in with the hopes that she’d find something to steal the spotlight away from Lizzie.”

  “That bitch is always looking to capitalize on someone else’s success,” Hazel growled before she announcing that she needed something to drink. Sebastian jumped up from his seat and busied himself with making tea while Lizzie continued to fill Hazel in on what had happened.

  “Fortunately, they left without finding anything. Sebastian and I waited until we heard the front door close before we went in. We found something.” Lizzie easily saw that Hazel’s interest was piqued. “We were examining Edith’s desk. I remarked at how much it looked like my grandmother’s. Our desk originally belonged to my mother, but Grandmother used it after my mum died.”

  “What did you find?” Hazel asked impatiently.

  “We found a confession letter hidden within a secret compartment,” Lizzie stated before she rose from her seat and left the room. Upon her return, she carried the plastic-wrapped letter and placed it directly into Hazel’s hands. “As you can see, that’s Edith’s letterhead, but that’s not her writing.”

  Hazel nodded as she read the words before her. Lizzie watched as the older woman failed to register any reaction. Hazel set the page down upon the table and rubbed the bridge of her nose with her fingers.

  “Edward Martin Murray was murdered,” she said with a touch of fatality. “I must say, this week has been filled with surprises,” she added before handing the vellum page back to Lizzie who immediately placed it back into its protective covering. “Lizzie dear, hand me the phone. I need to make a call.”

  Thirty minutes later, Martin Beemer sat across from Hazel studying the latest discovery.

  “And where did you say you found this?” Martin glanced up from the page and peered at Lizzie.

  “It was brought to my attention, let’s leave it at that for now,” Hazel urged with a raised eyebrow. Instantly, Martin dropped his question on the letter’s providence and charged headlong into its details.

  “We found it in a hidden compartment in Edith’s desk,” Lizzie admitted, seeing no reason to withhold the details. “We snuck over last night while the power was out…and we weren’t alone.”

  Martin’s eyebrows raised curiously.

  “Dr. Trelawney and one of the tour guides, Monica Rylance, were in Edith’s study when we got there. We hid ourselves to avoid being discovered.”

  “Trelawney broke into Blackwell Farm?” Martin half-snarled angrily, disguising his characteristic, unflappable calm demeanor. Lizzie nodded.

  “They were searching for something,” Sebastian said.

  “I don’t know what, but I think she was searching for something to either discredit me or something she could capitalize on,” Lizzie added. “Whatever it was, it started when Monica eavesdropped upon Sebastian and me when we were first discussing the painting.”

  “Who thought it was a clue to finding something that the Museum somehow missed,” Martin said, connecting the dots together.

  “No doubt looking to profit from your discovery!” Hazel’s angry fist slapped the tabletop. “Martin, we have to do something to stop her. If we don’t, Lizzie or Sebastian could end up like Allen Chang!” Hazel’s passion towards her former mentee’s death was still fierce and raw. Lizzie eyed her, easily understanding that Hazel wanted justice but also wanted to protect both her and Sebastian at all costs.

  “And we will, Hazel. You have my word on that. I’m going to go speak to Monica about the little break-in last night and inform her that she no longer has a job. Fortunately, the front door security cameras function on a separate battery system and I can livestream the footage straight to my work phone. The museum them upgraded last year but had to wait on the rest of the house. I got the alert while I was sleeping and just happened to look at it on my way over. I can also assure you that once I’m done with her, I’ll deal with Trelawney.”

  “I want that woman to pay for what she’s done!” Hazel’s raised voice teetered on a scream. “These schemes of hers have gone unchecked for far too long. You and I both know it. Something better be done because if you don’t, I will!”

  “I wouldn’t dare go against you, Hazel.” Martin placed a calming hand upon Hazel’s tense shoulder. Lizzie wondered at the man’s ability to cool Hazel from boiling to a slow, steady simmer.

  He’s the Hazel Whisperer, Lizzie thought as she forced herself not to smile.

  “I promise you that we will do whatever possible to put an end to this. You just have to give me time to investigate and meter the punishment out,” he asked and after a short silence, Hazel nodded in agreement. “In the meantime, I want to discuss something. Look at this here,” Martin held the page up so everyone could see. “I’ve seen this handwriting before.” Beemer’s sausage-like fingers traced along the written words.

  “It matches several receipts for home furnishings,” Lizzie interjected. “The bills were all signed Adelide Grey. I added them to catalogue when I was here before,” she added. Martin nodded with acknowledgement.

  “That’s where I saw them before. I came across them when I went looking for a specific piece of correspondence,” he said. “And now we have proof that Adelide Grey conspired with Randall Wagner to have Edward Martin Murray killed and plotted to have Edith institutionalized,” he said, awed by yet another history-changing discovery. “Miss Bennett, you have definitely been a delightful presence around these parts,” Martin complimented, meaning every word. “Perhaps you and I should discuss a permanent position here at the Museum sometime in the next few days.”

  Lizzie’s eyes flared with surprise. Did Martin Beemer just offer her a job? she thought as her heartbeat quickened in her ears.

  “I would love that,” she gushed, honored at the offer. “I would love to speak with you whenever you have a moment.”

  “What about that letter?” Hazel interrupted their exchange to bring focus back to the letter. “This changes history yet again. What is our next step?” she asked, although everyone seated around her suspected she already had a plan in mind.

  “I want you two to put this back where you found it. Take Hazel’s key and let yourselves in. I’ll have security notified that you’re there running an errand for me. Later today, I’ll send someone to accompany you and you will ‘discover’ the letter. From there, we can have it studied, authenticated, and contact the Murray Estate to inform them of what we’ve found. Until then, I want you to stay away from Blackwell Farm, just in case Trelawney has other spies that haven’t been discovered. There’s no telling what could happen.” Martin’s calm, pale face hinted at the stress he suddenly found himself under.

  The quartet continued to discuss possible plans of attack until Beemer announced he was leaving to go and tackle Monica Rylance. Minutes later, Lizzie and Sebastian stood outside Hazel’s front door watching as Martin Beemer maneuvered his BMW down Hazel’s narrow driveway.

  “I feel like I’ve stepped into a whirlwind,” Lizzie said with a long sigh. Pulling her closer, Sebastian wrapped his arms about her waist and p
laced a gentle kiss upon her lips.

  “It’s definitely been an adventure,” he tenderly brushed his knuckles across her cheek. “Does it sound awful that I’m grateful that Nana broke her leg?” he asked with a chuckle.

  “Sebastian,” Lizzie slapped at him playfully. “Why would you say such a horrible thing!”

  “Because it brought us together.” Sebastian kissed her again. Lizzie’s pulsed quickened under his touch and suddenly, the only she wanted was to be was back in her room lying beside him.

  “Nana is going to take a nap while we go put the letter back.” Sebastian suddenly broke their connection, knowing that if he didn’t, the rest of the day would be spent in Lizzie’s room. The mischievous twinkle in his eyes confirmed that his thoughts echoed what she was thinking.

  “Good idea,” Lizzie replied. “Then, we can come back here,” she added, hinting at what was to come. With a smile and a third kiss, Lizzie headed inside with an assurance that she’d be right back.

  Giving Lizzie a moment to fetch her purse, Sebastian walked to Hazel’s car, climbed in and turned it on. He let it warm up while he waited. The moment alone allowed him to process all that had happened over the past week. Within a matter of days, Lizzie had gone from hating his guts, barely able to stand his presence, to allowing him back into the circle of trust. It all ultimately led to spending a passionate night last night wrapped in her arms.

  A tingle of excitement coursed across his skin and throughout his muscles as he lovingly recalled the soft planes of her body, the tenderness of her mouth, and the way she offered herself completely to him. Sebastian had everything he’d ever wanted but one tiny detail stuck out like a bent nail. Martin Beemer had more or less offered Lizzie a permanent position at the Museum. If that offer came to fruition and she accepted it, he’d risk losing her again. He knew without a doubt that she’d accept and that with Virginia gone, she had nothing left to anchor her to Massachusetts, except for him. What was he going to do if she left?

  The answer came as soon as the question faded. He’d quit the university and move to England with her. Maybe Nana would let them live with her until they found a place of their own. Now that they’d confessed their true feelings, there was no way that he was about to jeopardize the paradise he’d found. If Lizzie came to work here, he’d follow willingly.

  “You all right?” Lizzie asked suddenly as the passenger door opened and she hopped in.

  “Just thinking of you,” Sebastian said, shooting her a look of complete adoration. Lizzie gifted him with a smile that took his breath away. In all the world, he’d never seen anything more beautiful that she was. Lizzie made him complete and feeling like that he could accomplish anything with her standing by his side.

  ************

  Lizzie watched the sunset as they drove back to Blackwell Farm. Gold, yellow, and white streaks of early morning lined the winter sky as they pulled into the car park and made their way towards the house.

  “There’s no guard on duty,” Lizzie said, noticing the unoccupied guard shack as they walked down the path. “The ticket booth is empty, too.”

  “The museum hasn’t opened yet,” Sebastian offered a brief explanation. “And the staff has yet to arrive. I’m sure the guard is most likely making one last round before the open for business.”

  “I’m sure you’re right,” Lizzie said as they made their way inside.

  Lizzie followed closely behind as they approached the front door. Fishing the keys out of his pocket, Sebastian moved to unlock the entrance but froze in mid-movement. A muted grunt and the thud of something heavy falling disturbed the quiet air.

  “What was that?” Lizzie whispered, pointing to the slightly ajar door. Both lingered at the doorstep until Sebastian stepped raised a finger to his lips and pushed the door open.

  “I think it was the security guard. He probably bumped into something,” Sebastian spoke low and motioned for her to stay close to him. Stepping inside, Sebastian visually swept the area and found nothing out of the ordinary.

  “I’m sure it was the security guard,” he repeated as Lizzie’s witnessed his tense shoulders relax. “Why don’t you go upstairs and put that back while I stay here and keep a look out?” he suggested. Lizzie turned her head suddenly, as if listening to something he couldn’t hear. Meeting his eyes, she gave him a brief nod before she ascended the stairs and disappeared from sight.

  ************

  It took but a minute for Lizzie to reopen the hidden drawer and return Adelide Grey’s letter to its former sanctuary. A brief, contented rush of air shot from her nostrils as she glanced across the room. A blank wall stood in place of where the Nereids had been hung. She had no doubt that it was now protected under the unflinching watch of the museum’s curators and staff.

  Turning from the desk and the empty wall, Lizzie left Edith’s writing room with a pang of regret. Stopping just inside the door, she cast a backwards glance, acknowledging Edith’s hidden life and a promise to see her receive the dignity and respect that she was due. Edith, long known as a melancholic spinster who’d committed suicide, would finally have her truth known to the world. Gone was the shy, timid woman who’d been denied love and friendship. In her place was a lover, a patron of the arts and sciences, and a woman whose passion was reflected within her art. The world would know Edith Blackwell as she truly was.

  “Be at peace, Edith. I can only hope—"

  “You bitch!’ Sebastian shouted suddenly, his furious voice pinging off the walls. Lizzie’s head snapped towards the sound of his voice. Alarmed, she broke into a run, desperately flying towards him. As she reached the staircase, her veins turned to ice. Sebastian wasn’t alone. Dr. Trelawney stood before him, a gun lethally pointed at his head.

  FOURTEEN

  “Where is it?” Dr. Trelawney stood in the dead center of the hall as Lizzie remained frozen at the top of the stairs, heart hammering against her ribs.

  “I have no idea!” Sebastian barked back, his hands raised as the barrel of Trelawney’s gun remained trained upon him.

  “I am not going to ask you again, you, sonofabitch! What did you two find? I know it’s here. I’ve got it on good authority that you and that little whore of yours have hidden it somewhere.”

  “Then your sources are wrong,” Sebastian barked in return. “We have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  “I don’t believe you,”

  “Believe what you want. That won’t make it any less true!” Sebastian dared as Trelawney fired a warning shot above his head. Lizzie squeaked reflexively as the shot landed in the wooden step, barely missing her foot.

  “Oh, there she is,” Trelawney said, purring like a tiger about to pounce. “Get your ass down here!” She waved the gun towards the bottom stair. At first, Lizzie remained, stubbornly refusing to bend to the order. “I said, get down here!” Trelawney warned for the last time. The gun in Trelawney’s hand wobbled with an angry tremor. The shot tore through the hushed air, lodging itself in the meat of Sebastian’s right shoulder. Lizzie screamed as Sebastian dropped to his knees.

  “Sebastian!” Lizzie cried as she flew down the remaining stairs. The click of the gun’s hammer forced her to stop just a mere foot from where Sebastian had fallen.

  “Take one more step towards him and I will shoot you too,” Trelawney growled and targeted Lizzie with her weapon. Lizzie froze in mid-step, eyes trained on Dr. Trelawney. She stole a glance at Sebastian. He knelt on the floor, clutching at his shoulder, red-faced with anger, and swearing.

  “Why?” Lizzie asked as she discreetly slipped her hand inside her front coat pocket before withdrawing it again. “Why are you doing this?”

  “You dare ask me why?” Trelawney sneered, her cold eyes blind to Lizzie’s sudden movement and her hand now steady once more and ready to pull the trigger again.

  “Yes! Why? Why are you doing this? What do you have to gain by killing people?”

  “Money,” Trelawney answered simply with an ice that c
hilled Lizzie to the bone. “My career is over, and thanks to you and Mr. Charm, my book is dead in the water. My publisher called this morning and said that they’re pulling it. That they got a lead from the Museum that ‘would change history’. You may not know it, but I am accustomed to a certain lifestyle. I also like prestige and they are both rather expensive and you two have robbed me of my income. However, you and your boyfriend haven’t been completely useless. You led me to my latest discovery, after all. Once it comes out that I found whatever it is that you’ve hidden, none of that will matter. I will be back on top where I belong, and neither of you will be around to ruin it.” Lizzie held her breath as the gun continued to eye her.

  “Jacobs won’t let you get away with this.” Lizzie countered knowingly. “Neither will Hazel.”

  “Hazel is an overly excited fool. No one takes her seriously anymore!” Trelawney cackled. “And Jacobs won’t be a problem. If my man has done his job right, Jacobs’ is lying dead in the Museum parking lot right now. I hired a goon to kill him and make it look like a robbery.”

  “And what about before? Did you kill Allan Chang?” Lizzie suddenly had an idea. Moving slowly, she slipped her hand into her pocket and kept it there momentarily.

  “Technically, no. Now, if you asked, ‘did I have his brakes cut’, then the answer would be yes. He didn’t want to share the credit with me, so he had to go.”

  “You’re a murderer!” Lizzie spat as a rush of anger flushed her cheeks. “You belong in jail!”

  “You can think what you want but soon, you and your boyfriend will be floating in that pond outback, dead. It’s kind of poetic, isn’t it? Edith and her boyfriend, you and him. Two sets of lovers, both separated by death.” Trelawney cackled with a short, maniacal laugh before redirecting the gun’s point back to Sebastian. With a blink, she fired a second shot, striking him in the thigh. “Now, I will give you one final warning. What are you hiding? Don’t think that you can stall by not answering. I won’t keep me from shooting if you try to be clever.”