The Secrets of Water

by Wendy Nelson-Sinclair

  “What makes you think I will tell you?”

  “Well, I am sure you don’t want your boyfriend to die.” Trelawney said reminiscent of a slime ball, low-level mobster.

  “If you’re just going to kill us, anyway, so why should we bother?”

  Trelawney cocked her head as she thought over what Lizzie said.

  “Well, since you put it that way…” She went to fire a third time but a piercing, primal scream tore the silent room apart, catching everyone by surprise. Lizzie caught a glimpse of movement over Trelawney’s shoulder. Before the older could react, a ball bat arced down and struck Dr. Trelawney’s head like Babe Ruth knocking one out of the park. Lizzie remained rooted as Dr. Trelawney collapsed to the ground, unmoving and lifeless. The bat arced down again, landing in exposed flesh of her neck, just above the shoulder. Lizzie’s eyes went wide as Melinda stood over Dr. Trelawney’s silent form, chest heaving, sweaty, and a wooden baseball bat gripped tightly in her hands.

  “Melinda!” Lizzie shouted, thankful to see Andy’s sister for the time since meeting her.

  “No one threatens his life, you bitch!” Melinda hissed at Dr. Trelawney and followed her warning with a hard, deep-thudded kick. “Are you all right?” Melinda asked Sebastian softly, casting her concerned gaze towards him. Lizzie moved to answer but Sebastian cut her words off.

  “We’re fine,” he groaned as he struggled to get up. Lizzie and Melinda both rushed towards him and, working together, each took an arm and got him to his feet.

  “What’s going on in here?” Andy suddenly rushed through the door. He rushed through the doorway like a giant, blocking out all the natural light. Lizzie couldn’t help but liken it to the Kool-Aid man bursting through a wall. “Seb!” His officer’s eyes saw his bleeding, injured friend supported by his sister and the prettiest redhead that he’d ever seen.

  “That bitch shot him!” Melinda snarled. Lizzie sensed that the young girl longed to finish the job but didn’t only because her brother was present.

  “What?” Andy said, just now seeing Trelawney’s unmoving form. “Melinda, what did you do?” His face registered the disbelief they all felt.

  “That bitch and her thug were in the pub,” Melinda panted from the exertion of what she’d just done. Her brilliant eyes and flushed cheeks were sure signs of the copious amounts of natural adrenaline that coursed through her veins. “As I served them their beer, I heard her say that she was coming here to ‘take care’ of that irritating blonde guy and his mousy girlfriend,” Melinda added as she visibly itched to kick the fallen woman once more. “I heard the first shot as I ran up the pathway. I saw her shoot him in the thigh as I came in through the door.”

  “Why would she shoot him?”

  “Because she thinks that we have something that she wants,” Lizzie said flatly. “The discovery of the lost half of the manuscript ruined her book deal. She kept pestering me to partner her with her and since I said no, she was looking for another way to find her payday. She also confessed to cutting Allan Chang’s brakes,” Lizzie added, providing an explanation of what had just occurred. “I recorded her confession on my phone.” Lizzie pulled her Samsung Galaxy from her pocket and laid it squarely in Andy’s massive palm.

  “Shit,” Andy said, exasperated as he took possession of the small device. Glancing around, he told everyone to hold on. Andy pulled his own mobile and pressed a single button.

  “I need back up at Blackwell Farm,” he spoke quickly. “Send an ambulance. We’ve got an injured man and notify the coroner.” Andy’s last words chilled Lizzie to the marrow of her bones.

  Hanging up, Andy quickly removed his tie and turned it into a makeshift tourniquet for Sebastian’s leg. After checking his shoulder wound and seeing significant signs of the blood flow slowing down, he ordered everyone out. “Seb, it’s going to be okay,” Andy said easily as he tried to comfort her life-long friend. Scooping Sebastian up, Andy carried him outside and sat him down upon a nearby stone bench.

  “Sebastian, your leg is bleeding badly,” Lizzie whimpered as she saw how quickly the blood was spreading across the fabric of Sebastian’s tan khaki pants.

  “You’re not going to die,” Melinda, who’d flanked Sebastian’s side every step of the way, pulled his head to her chest, nestling his face against the exposed skin of her boobs. “I won’t let you die!” She wailed in a frightened, yet hopeful voice that reminded Lizzie of an overly dramatic, infantile coming-of-age movie she’d seen once and hated.

  “He’s not going to die, Melinda,” Andy barked with a sharp edge as he pulled her away from Sebastian. “Fussing over him won’t help. Besides, he’s going to be fine. Aren’t you, buddy?” Andy lowered his head and met Sebastian’s eye. Sebastian gave him a single nod and leaned into Lizzie.

  “If for some reason this is worse than it looks—and it certainly feels that way—I want you to know that I love you,” Sebastian awkwardly craned his neck so that he could look directly into Lizzie’s wonderful blue eyes. “I have loved you since the moment that you first opened that door. I knew that you were too young and that it was hopeless, but I have loved you through every minute that’s passed between then and now. If I die, I want you to know that.” Sebastian smiled weakly and released a shuddered breath. Lizzie held onto him carefully, aware of his wounds.

  “Oh, Sebastian,” Lizzie’s eyes flooded as she placed a gentle, yet reassuring kiss upon his lips. “Sebastian, I love you, too.”

  “And I’m so sorry for what happened the night Virginia died. A part of me died when I thought I had lost you and I wanted to punish you for it—” Sebastian admitted before a surge of pain stopped his words with a hiss.

  “It’s okay,” Lizzie kissed him again and wiped away a lone tear resting upon his cheek. “I understand and I forgive you,” she whispered as she smoothed his hair back. Behind them, Melinda screamed with heartbreak. Neither Lizzie or Sebastian saw Melinda nearly collapse from having her dreams dashed or how her brother gently pulled her into his comforting, reassuring arms, whispering that it was going to be okay.

  The ambulance arrived minutes later, followed shortly by the coroner’s wagon. As Sebastian was loaded into the back, Lizzie placed a brief call to Hazel. Upon learning of her grandson’s injuries, Hazel vowed to meet them at the hospital along with a solemn oath to see Linda Trelawney pay for her crimes. Through the dizzying blur of commotion, Lizzie overheard one of the emergency care workers confirm that Dr. Trelawney was dead. Lizzie shivered as she recalled the moment Melinda’s bat arced down, striking and subduing their assailant.

  “She’s dead. Whoever wielded that bat has one hell of a swing.” One worker laughed offhandedly as he walked past the open end of the ambulance. “I bet the dead one is who finished off the guard. Found him in the dining room with a bullet to the back of the head.”

  Both Lizzie and Sebastian winced upon learning the security guard’s fate. “Another life destroyed,” Sebastian spat bitterly, suddenly remorseful that they hadn’t arrived sooner. “Maybe we could have saved him,” he said, giving his thought a voice.

  “Or we could be dead,” Lizzie countered. “I’m just glad that Melinda was there when we needed her. And that she’s got one hell of a swing.” Lizzie leaned over and kissed Sebastian’s forehead.

  “They’re taking you to County,” Andy appeared suddenly, startling both Lizzie and Sebastian. “I sent one of the guys over to pick up Hazel. She’ll be there waiting for you when you arrive.”

  “Thanks, Andy,” Sebastian groaned as he tried—and failed—to sit up.

  “Think nothing of it,” Andy waved him off. “I’m just glad that it wasn’t worse. I’d hate to think of a world without you in it,” Sebastian’s lifelong friend admitted as Lizzie saw the fear reignite briefly in his eyes.

  “What about Melinda?” Lizzie chimed in. “What will happen to her?”

  “The chief is already claiming that it was self-defense. With you two as witnesses, the camera footage from the pub, as well as
this here.” Andy gripped Lizzie’s mobile phone. “We have enough to keep Melinda out of trouble,” he added, visibly relieved. “And, the chief is going to reopen the Allan Chang case. With Dr. Trelawney’s confession, we’ll have enough to change his cause of death from suicide to murder.”

  “Nana will be so relieved,” Sebastian said as he sunk down onto the hard surface of the gurney.

  “It’s just too bad that those who Trelawney preyed upon won’t be able to see her be held accountable.”

  “If there’s true justice in this world, she already is,” Andy had the last word before bidding both Lizzie and Sebastian goodbye.

  ************

  The ride to the county hospital was bumpy, but quick. The recent rainfall had washed away the filling from several potholes, accentuating the ruts, dips, and massive holes in the pavement, making for a rough and jarring journey. Just as promised, Hazel was waiting when they pulled into the ambulance bay, accompanied by a young, red-headed officer who was a near copy of Alfred. E. Neuman from MAD magazine. As soon as the doors opened, Hazel was there. Lizzie exited first and walked into Hazel’s open, comforting arms. They stood arm-in-arm as Sebastian was unloaded and wheeled inside.

  As they entered the county hospital, Lizzie spotted Jacobs at the opposite end, looking the worse for wear and waiting to be released. Telling Hazel that she’d join them shortly, Lizzie went to speak to her boss.

  “Marc?” Lizzie called out, spotting Jacobs sitting in a row of bright orange chairs that matched the color of road cones.

  “Lizzie,” Jacobs attempted to rise from his seat but quickly abandoned the attempt with a grimace and a pained groan.

  “You’re okay!” Lizzie ran towards him but upon seeing the dark bruises marring his face, didn’t attempt to hug him.

  “How did you know I was here? Did someone from the Museum call and tell you what happened?”

  “No,” Lizzie sighed with relief, seeing an uncharacteristic feistiness emanate from him. “Dr. Trelawney followed Sebastian and me to Blackwood Farm. She shot Sebastian twice, in the shoulder and the thigh. He’s being admitted as we speak.”

  “That fucking bitch!” Jacobs swore in a shocking, uncharacteristic manner. “She’s the reason why I’m here! She paid some kid to kill me. He snuck up to me in the parking lot and tried to stab me. Fortunately, I was able to get the upper hand and beat his ass. I’m a black belt. Did you know that? I find that it helps me relax. Clearly, she didn’t remember how many times I was late I used to be from all the karate lessons I took when I was trying to find a way to meet my wife. I kept up with it, too and I’m glad that I did. Little did I know that I would need it to save my life one day.”

  “How did you know it was Trelawney that sent him to kill you?”

  “The kid blabbed everything after I broke his wrist and his arm and pinned him to the ground. Can you believe that she’d do something like that?”

  “I can, especially after today. She was greedy and jealous. She also admitted to having Allan Chang’s brakes cut,” Lizzie added as Jacobs gasped with surprise. Before her eyes, her mild-mannered, consummate referee-of-a-boss transformed into a rage machine ready to rip the walls down to the foundation.

  “Where is she now?” Jacobs roared as his body pulsed with unspoken anger. “Where is that bitch? I’m going to make sure that she goes to jail for what she’s done!” Jacobs howled, startling the nurse working behind the counter.

  “Dead. A girl named Melinda, Sebastian’s friend’s sister, overheard Trelawney at her family’s pub. When she realized who Trelawney was threatening, Melinda followed her to Blackwell Farm, armed with a ball bat.”

  “Too bad it wasn’t a bazooka,” Jacobs hissed further. “But even that’s too good for her,” he spat. “That woman was a menace to society. Do you know that she tried to blackmail me? Yesterday, she came up to me at the Museum and threatened to tell my wife that I was having an affair. That she’d stay quiet if I gave her half credit for the missing half of the manuscript along with a share of monies it brought in.” Lizzie’s eyebrows raised with shock from his announcement. “I’m not having an affair, by the way,” Jacobs admitted, accurately reading the thoughts currently running through Lizzie’s mind. “I love my wife more than life itself. I’m sure you understand, with Sebastian being so crazy about you and all…” he paused to take a breath. “And I wasn’t about to give her any money or recognition. All credit goes to you and to the museum. I still don’t understand why she was so gung-ho about having her name attached.”

  “Just before she shot Sebastian, she admitted that her publisher withdrew her book. With everything that’s come to light, the publisher told her that any profitability was null. She wanted us dead because we cost her money.”

  “What a greedy bitch.” Jacobs shook his head, visibly disgusted. “You know, I suspected that she was behind Chang’s death, but I had no proof. And when I brought it up, she threatened to fire me. I chose to drop it because my job teetered in the balance if I didn’t kiss her ass.”

  “I’m sure you’re not the only person she threatened or intimidated. We don’t have to worry about that anymore. She’s dead and the police have her full confession.”

  “How did you get her to do it?” Jacobs asked quizzically. “And if she’d dead, how do the police know she confessed?”

  “I recorded her on my phone while she held us at gunpoint. I slipped my hand into my pocket, making it seem like my hands were cold.”

  “Smart,” Jacobs smiled. “I’m glad that you’re all right, Lizzie. You are one of the best historians I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. It would have been such a shame if she’d hurt you,” Jacobs said in another uncharacteristic moment of tenderness. “Please tell Sebastian that I hope he heals quickly.”

  “Do you need a ride home?” Lizzie asked, suddenly realizing that he was in no condition to drive.

  “No, my wife is on the way. Oh, wait! There she is now! Helen!” Jacobs shouted and waved towards the door. A statuesque brunette burst through the automatic doors, looking frantic and ready to burst at the seams with worry. Even from a distance, Lizzie could see the smeared eyeliner and tracks of mascara running down the woman’s beautiful face.

  “That’s your wife?” Lizzie said, momentarily forgetting that Jacobs had married the lethal combination of beauty, brains, and grit.

  “I hit the jackpot. I don’t know how I got so lucky, but she loves me, and I worship the ground she walks upon.” He smiled before slowly rising to go console his sobbing wife.

  Lizzie watched them meet and silently wished them well. Turning around, she headed back to the room where they’d taken Sebastian. As she walked, she couldn’t help but feel satisfied that all the drama over the past few days was finally at an end. At that moment, all she wanted was to see Sebastian released from the hospital and go home to the warmth and safety of Hazel’s house.

  FIFTEEN

  Two days later, after a quick surgery to repair the damage to his shoulder, Sebastian was released. Andy borrowed a hunter-green Range Rover from a neighbor to transport them back to Hazel’s house. Once they arrived, Hazel invited him in for tea, which Andy promptly declined.

  “Bryan, our neighbor, needs the car back. His oldest son just returned from university and is taking Melinda out tonight.”

  “So, does this mean that I’m off the hook?” Sebastian chuckled as he leaned into Lizzie to steady himself.

  “Looks that way, mate. You’ve been replaced. The kid looks just like you did at that age and Melinda’s crazy about him. Best of all, he’s just as mad about her.”

  “That’s wonderful to hear,” Lizzie said. “I’m glad they’re together. Everyone deserves to find happiness.”

  Andy gave Lizzie his thanks and quickly left. As the Range Rover pulled away, its tires kicking up gravel, Hazel, Sebastian, and Lizzie went inside. Once they settled in the kitchen, Hazel forced Sebastian to sit while she and Lizzie prepared tea. As the three sipped on the well-
steeped black oolong, they discussed Trelawney’s descent into madness.

  “I knew she killed Allan,” Hazel spat with a strong hint of bitterness. “I just knew it! And now, his parents will know the truth. They can take comfort that their son wasn’t emotionally unstable or suicidal. Allan was a brilliant researcher with a lot of promise. He had a solid head on his shoulders. He wasn’t the type to do something rash. It’s tragic that greed robbed the art world of such a bright prospect. I owe you my undying gratitude for bringing the truth to light, sweet girl,” Hazel said and reached out for her hand. Lizzie allowed it to remain in the soft, tender embrace of Hazel’s.

  “You’re most welcome. I’m glad that I could help,” Lizzie offered and stole a glance at Sebastian. “I’m just glad that Melinda’s protective instincts towards him brought her to Blackwell Farm. I don’t know what would have happened if she hadn’t arrived when she did.”

  “Everything would have been fine. The police were already on their way,” Hazel admitted. “I sensed that something was wrong and called Andy. Martin Beemer called, too. Monica Rylance blabbed that Trelawney was on her way out to Blackwell Farm to resume her search.”

  “That explains why Andy got there so quickly,” Sebastian said as he took a long sip of his tea.

  “I’m just glad that boy answered his phone,” Hazel replied, holding her teacup firmly between her hands. “And I’m glad that you weren’t hurt any more than you are.” Her breath rushed out like a quick gust of wind. “If she’d killed you…” Hazel’s voice trailed off as she fought against an intense wave of emotion.

  “I survived,” Sebastian touched her to reassure her that he would be fine. “I couldn’t die, especially now that Lizzie and I are together.” He looked towards Lizzie who grinned back at him, overjoyed and happier than she’d ever been before. Hazel watched them, the corner of her mouth turned up, content that things had ended up how she and Virginia had always hoped.