by M. L. Ray
“What?”
“Knox is meeting me here for lunch.” She considered for a moment. “Oh, I’ll be back by then, don’t worry. If for some reason he does get here before me…”
“I’ll feed him cookies and give him coffee.”
Anouk grinned. “Thanks, Rube.”
Anouk headed out of the city, over the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge and Lake Washington, to Medina. She’d been to the city a few times to visit Tom’s home, but every time she was blown away by the wealth on display. Medina was the home of many of Seattle’s most prominent citizens: Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, to name two.
Tom’s place was only a little smaller than the mansions of those titans. Anouk drove up the long driveway, surprised that the gates at the entrance were open. She parked the car in front of the house and went to ring the bell. No answer.
After a few moments, she decided to walk around to the back of the house. The gardens here were large, and she figured maybe Tom, a keen gardener, may not have heard her press the bell at the entrance.
But the gardens were empty, and all-in-all, there was a stillness about the place which gave her an uneasy feeling. She walked back around the house from the other side, and as she passed by a small, half-sunken window, she heard it. A hum, a buzzing. She glanced down and saw a miasma of flies covering the glass. The small window was open slightly.
Anouk’s heart began to thump uneasily. She got closer, batting away flies as she did, but the window was too covered with the creatures to see inside. “Tom?” She called his name, ignoring the nervous quiver in her voice. She swallowed hard and got closer to the window. “Tom?”
No answer. Anouk went back around to the front of house…
…and found the front door open. Her adrenaline spiked. She was sure, absolutely sure, that it had been closed and locked only a few moments earlier. “Tom?” This time, there was no hesitation in her voice. She pushed on the door and went inside.
The smell hit her straight away and she gagged. Anouk covered her nose and mouth, and went towards what she thought must be the basement door. The smell was almost unbearable, even though she was trying to breathe through her mouth, and in her heart, she knew what was causing it.
Please be a dead animal, please, please, please… She stood at the door of the basement for a moment then opened it a crack. The buzzing of the flies grew louder and she slammed the door, ran outside and threw up. Through her tears, she called 9-1-1.
***
Knox raised a hand as he saw Levi waiting for him outside the restaurant. “Hey, man.”
“Hey.”
Knox looked around. “Where’s Dad?”
Levi’s face gave nothing away. “He wasn’t able to come. He sends his apologies, but something, um, came up.”
Knox sighed. “Shall we go in?”
When they were seated, Knox fixed his brother with a steady look. “Levi… I’ve been patient and kept out of things, but enough is enough. What’s going on? Is Dad sick?”
To Knox’s irritation, the waitress interrupted them to take their drinks order. When she walked away, he made a motion at Levi to answer him.
Levi sighed. “Knox… no, Dad’s not sick. It’s like he says. He got old. He’s nearly eighty, for god’s sake. What did you expect to see when you saw him again? It’s been years.”
“And whose fault was that?”
Levi glared at his brother. “You’re so alike, both of you. Both pig-headed, both too self-involved. Neither of you see anyone other than yourselves.”
Knox was stung by his words and was silenced for a moment. He couldn’t exactly argue with Levi. He was like that—or rather, had been. Not anymore.
“I realize that I was partially to blame for the estrangement,” he began carefully, refusing to get angry now, “but I’m back and I want to be part of this family. God, Levi, I’m trying.”
Levi nodded, looking away from his brother. “I know.”
“Then, what? What is going on, because something is up and I want to know.”
Levi rubbed his forehead in frustration. “Knox… it isn’t my place to…”
“Is Dad dying? Is that it?”
“Knox…”
Knox’s cell phone rang and he gave a growl of annoyance. Looking down at the screen, he saw it was Nook calling and his face cleared. “Excuse me, Levi.”
“Of course.”
Knox got up, answering her call. “Hey. Baby.”
“Tom’s dead.” Anouk’s voice was flat.
Knox rocked back on his heels. “What?”
“He’s dead. So is Ramon. They’re both… dead.”
The shock was overwhelming, and all he could think about was the shock in her voice. “Where are you?”
“At their house in Medina. The police won’t let me leave yet.”
“Baby, give me the address. I’m on my way.”
Levi insisted on coming with him, gently steering Knox into the passenger seat of his car. “You look pale as a ghost,” he said, then shook his head. “Sorry, bad choice of words.”
Knox stared out of the window the whole ride to Medina, and was grateful that Levi didn’t press him on any details—not that he knew any.
At Tom’s house, he saw Anouk talking to the same detective who’d investigated her drugging. Holt, that was his name. Anouk saw Knox and Levi, and said something to the detective, who waved them under the police tape.
Anouk went straight into Knox’s arms and he could feel her trembling. He pressed his lips against her forehead and looked over her head at the detective. “What happened?”
“Miss Devi called us, concerned for Mr. Granger’s welfare. We found the bodies in the basement of the property. From preliminary observations, it looks like murder-suicide.”
Anouk was shaking her head. “No. I don’t believe that. I do not.”
Knox tightened his arms around her. “I’m so sorry, honey.”
“They were in love,” Anouk said, tears streaming down her face, “they had just come back from vacation…”
Detective Holt shook his head gently. “No, Anouk… they’ve been dead for a while. Possibly even weeks.”
Anouk’s legs gave way, and Knox caught her as she fell. “No, no, no…”
The detective called out to one of the paramedics who’d arrived, but hadn’t been needed, and they came over to help Anouk. After a few minutes she waved a hand. “I’m okay. I just… god, all that time we thought he was away, having a wonderful time. I can’t bear the thought that he…” She began to cry quietly.
Knox had his arm around her, and Levi crouched beside her, taking her hand. “Why don’t we take you home,” he said gently, looking at Knox, who nodded gratefully at his brother.
Knox looked at the detective. “Is that okay? Can Nook go home?”
“Of course. We will need to talk to you again, Anouk.”
“I’m always available. God, I have to tell the others.” She looked at Knox. “Will you take me to the gallery?”
“You don’t want to wait?
“No… and listen, we’ll have to close for a few days, obviously. Your exhibit…”
“Don’t worry about that,” Knox reassured her, “that doesn’t matter right now.”
Anouk felt numb now, the shock leaving her body stiff and painful. Telling Dahlia, Ruby and the others was excruciating, their horror and disbelief almost making her break down again, but it was her responsibility. “Go home and take the week off. You’ll be paid, obviously, so don’t worry about that, but the gallery will be closed for the rest of this week, and probably next week too. Actually, I have no idea how long. I have no idea how to deal with this, guys, but I think, for now, that’s the best thing.”
Dahlia, her face tear stained, hugged Anouk tightly. “I can’t believe it,” she whispered in her ear, and Anouk nodded.
“Me either.”
Ruby lingered after the others had gone. “Are you sur
e you don’t need me to stay?” She looked as shell-shocked as they all felt, but Anouk shook her head. She hugged her.
“No, go home, Rube. I’ll call you later, okay?”
Knox thanked Levi for coming with him, as his brother got in the car to leave. “And hey, I’m sorry, okay? About earlier. I just… I want to be in this family.”
Levi patted his arm. “I know.” He looked back into the gallery. “Take care of your girl.”
“I will.”
Knox and Anouk went home to tell Iris what had happened. She was appalled, and they spent the evening talking, trying to work out what the hell had happened.
“I don’t believe that murder-suicide crap,” Anouk said for the millionth time, but her voice cracked and her shoulders slumped. “Why? Just, why?”
Knox held her while she sobbed quietly, until, exhausted, she fell asleep. Iris, too, looked shattered, as she said goodnight to them. Knox carried Nook to bed and laid down beside her. Jesus, what a fucking mess. His own sadness at the elegant Englishman’s death, the shock of the way he died. Knox shook his head. He wrapped his arms tightly around Anouk and pressed his face into her hair. “I love you,” he murmured, wishing that he had the courage to say it to her when she was awake.
Chapter Sixteen
Anouk considered that now, perhaps, she knew the inside of the King County police station better than she knew the gallery or her own apartment. In the week since Tom’s body was found, Detective Holt had asked her to come in no less than four times, and she patiently answered every question she could. But now, shattered, she was beginning to get a little irritated.
Holt brought her some coffee, then sat down opposite her again. “One last time, Nook.”
She took a sip of the hot, strong coffee, wincing at the taste before setting the cup down, and looking at Holt steadily. “Really?”
“Indulged me.”
“Because this is the millionth time.”
He held up his hands. “I know. I’m just covering every base, making sure no one can say you had anything to do with this.”
“Why would they?” She let the annoyance show now. “Why the hell would I want to kill Tom? And Ramon? And look at me. I’m five foot, five. Tom was at least six two, and Ramon was built like a linebacker.”
Holt looked at her, his eyes soft with sympathy. “I do know all this, Nook.” They’d spent so much time together this week, that he using her nickname wasn’t out of place.
“Then why, James?”
Holt sighed. “Nook, they found Tom Granger’s will. It had been recently updated. Very recently. He’d made some startling bequests.”
“Such as?”
He paused for a second and Anouk wondered if he was doing it for effect. “Nook… he left everything, the gallery, his house, all of his money and investments, everything… to you. Millions.”
Nook blinked, not comprehending what he was telling her. “That isn’t possible.”
“The will was witnessed by Ramon and another person, who we’re trying to contact, and was lodged with Tom’s lawyer.”
Nook shook her head. “It isn’t possible. A year ago, he’d never heard of me. He didn’t have kids, but he had siblings, nieces, nephews. Cousins. For fuck’s sake, he had Ramon.”
“It is what it is, Nook. As of now, you are the owner of the Granger Gallery, of the house in Medina. Of enough money that you never have to work again.”
“I don’t want any of it,” she spat out, beyond distressed now. “I want Tom back.”
“Hey, hey, hey, calm down.” He held her hands until she steadied herself, but the tears fell from her eyes unhindered.
“I didn’t do this,” she said, almost begging, “I wouldn’t.”
“I know,” he said with enough force that she finally got he was on her side, “breathe, Nook.”
For a few minutes, she took deep breaths while they sat in silence. “Okay?”
She nodded. “James… what are your theories on this?”
“I have a few. One, Tom really did kill Ramon and then himself, and leave everything to you. That’s what it looks like on the surface. Two. You killed them both and forced Tom to give you everything.”
Anouk opened her mouth to protest, and he held his hands up. “Don’t worry, that’s not a theory I am even considering, okay?
She nodded. “Good. You haven’t finished, though, have you?”
James Holt shook his head. “No. Anouk… what if… what if someone was trying to prove to you that they could give you everything you’ve ever dreamed of?”
Anouk frowned. “What?”
James pushed a folder toward her. “This was sent over from London. Take a look.”
Anouk opened the folder, then gasped in distress and pushed the folder away from her. “What the fuck, James? What the fuck?”
James Holt put his hand on the photographs. “These are the bodies of Shawn Simon’s children. Nook… they were pulled out of the Thames a week ago. The Met still hasn’t found the body of their mother.”
Anouk stared at him in horror, as the full implication of what he was saying hit her.
***
“How’s your beautiful girl?” Gregory was leaning on a stick as he greeted his son, beckoning him into his study.
Knox followed him inside. “Not good. She’s broken by all of this.”
“Terrible business. You know, if you want to take her away, you can use the place in Mustique.”
Knox smiled at his father. “I wish a vacation would help. Nook’s insisting on staying in Seattle. She keeps saying it’s all her fault, which is ridiculous.”
“That sweet girl.” Gregory sat down, wincing with pain, and Knox sighed.
“Dad, I don’t want to steam roll you, but please, I know something’s up. I’ve been back for weeks now, and I have eyes in my head. I can see you’re sick.”
“I’m just getting old, Knox.”
“Come on!” Knox had had enough now. “Why aren’t you being honest with me?”
“Because it’s not Dad who’s sick, Knox.”
Knox turned at the sound of his younger sister’s voice and stared at her blankly. “What?”
Flynn, suddenly seeming a lot older, smiled at him. “It’s me, Knox. I’m sick.”
He stared at her, shaking his head. “No.”
“I’m afraid so. Cancer. Ovarian.” Her voice quivered. “Doesn’t look good, bro.”
Knox stared at her as his world came crashing down.
***
Both Knox and Anouk barely spoke all evening. Anouk wanted to be at Iris’s place, so Knox decided he would stay with her there. He needed to hold her, even if they didn’t talk to each other. Iris fussed around to begin with, casting worried glances at both of them, but as the night got late, she excused herself and went to bed.
Anouk’s head was in the crook of Knox’s shoulder, their fingers entwined with the others. He kissed her temple. “I won’t ask if you’re okay.”
She looked up at him. “Are you?”
“No. Not even one little bit.”
Anouk touched his face. “I’m so sorry, Knox.”
He gazed down at her lovely face, sadness etched on it. “I need some air. Want to go for a drive?”
He drove them out to the coast and they walked in the bright moonlight along the beach, until they found a large piece of sun-bleached driftwood to sit on. It was December, but neither noticed the bitter cold. It was a full-moon. Knox wrapped his arms around her. “I don’t know what to do,” he confessed, “I just want to reach in and take the tumor out of her. I know that sounds ridiculous, but she’s my kid sister, you know?”
“I get it.” Anouk said softly. She was staring out at the dark water. “Knox… I have something to tell you.”
Knox looked down at her. She was very pale and wan, and for a horrifying moment, Knox thought she was going to tell him she was sick too.
Anouk sensed hi
s scrutiny and looked up. “I’m okay,” she told him softly, “just… hear me out.”
“Okay.”
Anouk took a long deep breath in, letting it out shakily. “I was married. Well, not legally, but I didn’t know that then. I was married to a man named Shawn Simon. We met when I was in college, and after graduation, we married and moved to London. For five years, I thought I had the best life. Then, almost a year ago, I discovered Shawn had another wife, another family. Two kids. Two cute-as-hell kids who looked just like him.”
Knox listened, shaking his head. “Son-of-a-bitch.”
“I left, obviously. Came here. I didn’t give him the chance to explain because there’s nothing to explain. He was a bigamist, a liar. I found out some other stuff which made me file a restraining order against him. For a few months, he stayed away, and I felt like I was actually rebuilding my life.”
She looked up at him. “With you. You are the best thing in the world that has ever happened to me, Knox Zapata.”
He bent his head and kissed her. Tell her you love her… But he stayed silent and Anouk began to talk again and the moment was lost. “Then the break-in, the drugging. I got paranoid. I thought I was paranoid. But then I saw him. He was there, at the gallery, and he approached me.”
Knox’s arms tightened around her. “Did he threaten you or hurt you?”
“No. He just told me he wanted me back. And what’s weird is, after I told him no, that was the last time I heard from him. I saw him once more, the day we stayed at your place for the first time. Then… nothing.”
“So, he might be gone?”
“Knox… Tom left me everything. The gallery, the Medina house, everything.” Anouk looked up at him as he took in the abrupt change in subject.
Knox frowned. “What?”
“Everything. The police say he made a new will very recently and left everything to me. Knox… Holt –and I—think it was made under duress. What I should also probably tell you is that Shawn’s two children were smothered and their bodies were dragged from the River Thames. His other wife is still missing.”
