“Thank goodness they don’t,” Eugenie snipped, unable to contain herself. “The truth about Maria is—”
“That she was a far better person than Abel Smith!” Finley exclaimed. “When Abel was killed overseas, Maria could have used the same tactics on his family that he’d used on hers. She could have cheated the Smiths out of their money. Instead, she took pity on Abel’s wife and his young children. She chose to give them a fair settlement in exchange for the remaining company stock.”
“Oh…fair. Is that what you’ve been told?” Eugenie laughed.
“It’s the truth and you know it,” Finley said. “The Smiths, instead of being grateful, grew up resentful of Maria. The more Giso grew, the more they hated her for ‘cheating’ them out of their company. So a feud began. My grandfather, Lorenzo Jr., was bullied badly by Abel Smith’s son, Adam. It all came to a head when Adam started a rival company, Smith Electronics. He used all kinds of shady business tactics to climb the business ladder. Lorenzo Jr., always upright and honest, suffered because he had morals.”
“Oh, please!” Eugenie snorted. “The better man won and that was that.”
“Adam was even caught in a scandal once or twice, when he tried to cheat on taxes,” Finley said.
“Oh? And what about that time Giso was fined by the IRS for cooking their books? Lorenzo Jr., so upright and honest, was nearly thrown in jail!”
“That entire scandal was sabotage!” Finley said. “Adam Smith did it!”
“Rubbish. Lorenzo Jr. was crooked and you know it! As for your great grandmother, Maria…” Eugenie said. “Well, you’re all wrong about her. There was a reason my great grandfather, Abel, hated her. He knew she was evil, you see. He wanted to adopt his dear friend’s sons himself, but she never let him. When World War I broke out and the country was in chaos, Maria took her chance and wrestled away control of the company. She cheated the Smiths out of their share by lying to Abel’s wife about the company’s true value. She took advantage of the war for her own greed and grew the company to new heights. Lucky her.”
“Oh, that’s just jealousy talking,” Finley said. “You of all people should know that, when a woman succeeds, society is not always kind to her. And, back in those days, a woman running a company was unheard of. Of course jealous men said all kinds of things about Great Grandma Maria. But what was so evil about being a shrewd businesswoman? No. It’s Abel who was evil for trying to take her kids away from her!”
“Well, of course he wanted to take her kids away!” Eugenie exclaimed. “Do you think it was an accident that Lorenzo died so young? No. Abel had a perfectly good reason to treat Maria the way he did. You know it.”
“It’s a lie!” Finley said.
“It’s the truth. There’s a reason it was so easy for Maria to adapt to the ruthless world of business. There’s a reason that she could so easily learn all the shrewd ways of the world and end up on top. She was tough as nails, alright. But a big heart? What a laugh! It’s no coincidence that Lorenzo died young. Everyone in town knows it. Great Grandma Maria murdered him!”
*****
Chapter 8
Murder!
There was a hush at the table when Aunt Eugenie said her piece. For a moment, Nora wondered if Finley would burst out in anger, but then Viola stepped in.
“Oh, you two. Every thanksgiving is the same story. Giordano vs Smith. Give it a rest, won’t you? Everyone who was there is in their graves now and we have no way to ever know the truth. Even if we did, it wouldn’t matter at all! For the rest of us, it’s the future we must look to, not the past.”
Aunt Eugenie nodded and raised her glass, pointing it at Jacob and Grace. “My sister’s absolutely right. It’s the future that matters, not the past!” she said. There were smiles all around the table as glasses were raised. Nora noticed that Ramona just sipped her wine with a scowl instead. Ramona’s mother didn’t look too pleased, either. As for Viola, her lips were pursed again in a familiar expression that Nora had come to despise.
“I hope your life together is like this table of food,” Aunt Eugenie said to the young couple. “May your life together be smooth as these mashed potatoes, sweet as the cranberry sauce and stuffed full of good things like the turkey!”
There was laughter all around the table. Kaylee spilled some water on herself as she tried to reach over to grab a biscuit and Grace rushed her away to grab some paper towels.
For the first time since she’d entered the house, Nora felt some measure of peace descend upon it. The conversations grew slower as bellies grew fuller. With some pleasure, Nora noted that nearly all of the mashed potatoes she had brought were finished, though a small portion would be leftover. Jacob, especially, took several helpings and gave her a thumbs up. Kaylee actually put away her gameboy and began telling Harvey all about her favorite new TV show.
Surprisingly to Nora, the men actually cleared the table once dinner was done and, although everyone was stuffed, Viola insisted on bringing out the apple pie immediately and giving everyone a huge slice with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream on top.
As she sat on the sofa eating her ice-cream and pie, half-listening to Kaylee rattle on about princesses vs. fairies, Nora noticed Ramona whispering something to her mother, Sophia. Sophia’s brows drew together and she whispered something back. Ramona pointed to her phone and made a gesture to the door. Sighing, Sophia got up and headed towards Grace. Out of the corner of her eye, Nora saw Sophia draw Grace away into the kitchen, talking merrily about something or another. At the exact same time, she saw Ramona move towards Jacob, who was now sitting alone.
Harvey, who was sitting next to Nora, was engaged in a fierce debate about politics, when he felt his plate being taken away and a new one being put in his hand. Surprised, he looked up to see Nora had sneakily exchanged plates with him. She’d barely taken two bites of her pie, while Harvey’s plate was empty. With no explanation but a wink, Nora walked away.
“Please, Jacob,” Ramona was saying. She had him cornered by the doorway and Jacob was looking very uncomfortable. “For my sake?”
“Look, Ramona, I don’t think I—”
“Oh hello, dear. It looks like I’ve lost my way.” Nora gave a laugh.
“Nora.” Jacob looked downright relieved. “Can I help?”
“Oh, I’m being so greedy. I polished off the pie and I was wondering if I could get a second helping. It was just so delicious!”
“Was it? Ramona made it herself.” Jacob smiled.
“Oh, did she?” Years of being a chef had taught Nora the difference between home-made and store-bought pie. “Wonderful job, dear.”
Ramona smiled, though it looked more like she was baring her fangs.
“Well, come on. The kitchen is that way.” Jacob took Nora by the arm and led her away from Ramona, who stayed behind with a sour look on her face.
“Man, I’m glad you walked by, honestly,” Jacob said as they walked to the kitchen. “Ramona’s a really old friend but sometimes...” He sighed. “Well, never mind.”
“Is there a problem, Jacob?” Nora asked.
“Problem? No… not at all. At least, I hope not,” Jacob said. “Hey, I noticed both you and Harvey talking to Kaylee. Thanks for that. She often feels left out at these events. Too bad there’s no kids her age to play with.”
“She’s a real sweetheart,” Nora said. “Grace loves her, you know.”
“I know. That really helps,” Jacob said. “I feel responsible for Kaylee, you know. My dad died when I was only twenty and then, only a few years later, my sister died and left Kaylee behind...” He shook his head. “Well, never mind. The point is… I love how Grace is with Kaylee. They’ve bonded so well.”
“Viola’s raised Kaylee, then?”
“Yeah,” Jacob said. “So have I. In some ways, I feel more like her dad than her uncle. But Mom’s wonderful with her. I guess, in a way, having to take care of Kaylee helped her with the grief of losing my sister, Anne.”
“She must
have been devastated when Anne passed,” Nora said.
“More than you know. Mom’s got a lot of stress in her life. When Dad died, she was the one who took over the family business. Uncle Finley looks put together, but he’s never really worked a day in his life. He just gets by being charming to people. He calls it ‘sales’ but, really, he just wines and dines old clients. So the entire responsibility is on Mom’s shoulders, really.”
“And does Eugenie handle the Smith family business?” Nora asked.
Jacob shook his head. “There is no Smith family business. It folded years ago. Couldn’t keep up with changing times. Besides, Aunt Eugenie has always been a politician. She was a wonderful mayor.”
Nora paused, then gently asked Jacob. “So Viola raised Kaylee and she’s been handling the business simultaneously, too?”
Jacob nodded. “Uncle Finley’s no help, and neither is Lucas. Actually, it’s Ramona’s mom, Aunt Sophia, who’s really helped Mom. She’s been her right-hand-woman forever at Giso. She’s indispensable.”
“That’s wonderful,” Nora said.
“Yeah...” Jacob looked troubled. “The thing is…Mom is stressed. I never really wanted to join the family business. It’s not my cup of tea. But now I’m wondering if I should just quit my job and help her out.”
“Have you talked to Grace about it?” Nora asked.
Jacob shifted. “She isn’t too keen.”
“Why not?”
“She thinks…well…she thinks I wont’ be happy.” Jacob sighed. “Neither do I, for that matter. But Aunt Sophia and Ramona are both pushing me to consider it.”
I’ll bet they are, Nora thought. “Is that what Ramona was talking to you about just now?” she asked.
Jacob nodded. “She’s been guilt-tripping me a lot more lately.” He laughed. “I don’t mean to dump my problems on you. I didn’t mean to say any of this.”
“I’m glad you did,” Nora said. “I told you, we’re family now. I’m always available to lend an ear.”
“I’m just worried for my mom,” Jacob said. “She hasn’t been herself since three years ago when Annie died.”
“How did it happen, if you don’t mind me asking?” Nora asked.
“Car crash.” Jacob shook his head. “Annie was…she wasn’t ready to be a mom, I think. Even when she was around, it was my mom who took care of Kaylee while Annie partied away.”
“And Kaylee’s dad?”
“Annie said he was a soldier. He never bothered to contact her and he presumably died overseas during his deployment.” Jacob’s face was pained. “Look, I don’t want to talk about that. What I wanted to ask was if you think I should do it? Join the family business? Mom’s offered to let us stay in this house rent-free if I do. I’d be closer to Kaylee, too...”
“I think you’ve already made up your mind,” Nora said. “So it’s not my advice you want, is it?”
Jacob looked embarrassed.
“You want me to convince Grace,” Nora said.
“I mean, if we move here, Grace can see you guys more often, too,” Jacob said. “We’re only an hour away. It’s a win-win situation really.”
“Then why doesn’t Grace want to do it?”
Jacob shifted. “She just…well…I guess she’s just not comfortable with the whole family thing yet.”
“Jacob...” Nora said. “Word of advice, since you’re planning on getting married.”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t let more than two people into your marriage,” Nora said. “If you are making a decision, make it with Grace, together, as a team. Don’t get swayed by other people. Not even if it’s family — and that means me and Harvey, too.”
It clearly wasn’t what Jacob wanted to hear. He looked downcast.
“Alright,” Jacob said. “I’ll think about it. Thanks, Nora. And thank you again for everything you’ve done today.”
“Oh, Jacob, there you are. Thought I’d lost you.” Grace bumped into them and kissed Jacob on the cheek. “Come on, we’re all going to play some cards in the library. Mom, you wanna join?”
Nora looked at her watch. It was half past ten already. Yawning, she said, “I think I’m falling asleep now, actually. Maybe we should head back...”
“Rubbish! You’re staying the night,” Jacob insisted. “We’ve got a room ready for you and everything. You and Harvey have both had so much wine. There’s no way you can go home.”
After a few protests from the two of them, Nora finally agreed. She’d anticipated this anyway and had brought a change of clothes for both she and Harvey.
*****
Jacob gave her a short tour of the house, which had three floors. The first had the living room, the kitchen and a library. The second floor had Viola, Kaylee and Jacob’s bedrooms along with three additional guest rooms for Finley, Eugenie and Grace. The third floor had three more guest rooms. The spiral staircase linked all the floors together, like a snake winding around the branch of a tree. “The staircase was designed by a famous architect, actually. Olmsted, I think,” Jacob said, as he gave them the tour. “You won’t see one like this in modern houses.” Nora leaned over the side and gave a little shiver at the sheer drop. You could see all the way down to the living room from here.
Above the ceiling of the third floor was an attic accessible only by a door with a built-in ladder — this is where Lucas was holed up. Lucas came down the ladder just as Jacob had finished his tour.
“So, you finally emerge from hibernation,” Jacob laughed. “How are you feeling, brother?”
“Hungry.” Lucas sighed. “Think there’s any way I can sneak down to the kitchen without anyone noticing?”
“Nope.” Jacob grinned. “You know there’s only one way up or down: the staircase.”
“Yeah.” Lucas rolled his eyes. “I’m going down to make myself a sandwich. Hopefully Uncle Finley won’t harass me.”
“He’ll be in the library, so he probably won’t see you,” Jacob said. “I’ll be right down once I’m done showing Nora and Harvey their room.”
Lucas nodded and headed downstairs, still looking grumpy.
“Well, here’s your room.” Jacob opened the door to a cozy room with dark-green furnishings. “Hope you sleep well after all that food! I find I always get nightmares if I’ve eaten too much.”
“Same here.” Nora laughed. “I’ll just have to ignore them tonight.”
But it wasn’t a nightmare that woke Nora up later that night. It was a horrendous scream that seemed to pierce down to her very soul that had Nora sitting straight up in bed, her eyes wide.
*****
Chapter 9
The Body At The Bottom Of The Stairs
Nora shot awake, blinking and wondering if she’d had a nightmare. For a brief moment, the house was quiet. Then, seemingly all at once, lights began clicking on and confused voices came from each room. Beside Nora, Harvey was instantly awake and out of bed. He grabbed a lamp from the bedside and held it aloft like a club.
“Stay here,” he told Nora. “I’ll go see what’s happening.”
“Just someone having a nightmare, I hope.” Nora’s voice quavered a little. She’d never heard a scream quite like that before. Even now, it felt like her heart was quaking with its echoes. Part of her wanted to pull the bed-covers close and stay in her cozy bed. But when Harvey began opening to the door, Nora got up and followed him.
When they stepped out into the hall, a confused looking Kaylee stepped out of her room, too, rubbing a fist over one eye. “Uncle Jacob? What’s happening?” she asked, looking around at all of the adults.
Jacob was climbing the stairs two at a time, his face drained of color. With shaking hands, he pushed Kaylee back into her room. “Sweetie, just stay in there, okay? Go back to sleep. Everything’s ok.”
“What a horrible scream,” Aunt Eugenie said after Kaylee disappeared into her room. “Woke me right up. Dave’s still fast asleep, of course. You know him. What’s going on, Jacob?”
�
�Aunt Eugenie, you better come with me,” Jacob said. His hands were shaking. “There’s…there’s…” He bit his lip. “I don’t know what’s going on.”
Nora and Harvey stepped forward. Hardly daring to, Nora looked down the stairs. On the ground floor, she could just see a tattooed hand, fingers splayed out. Blood slowly leaked from under it. Shivering, she stepped back.
“There’s a body at the bottom of the stairs,” Jacob explained. “I was down in the kitchen for a drink of water when I heard the scream and…I don’t know who he is!”
Nora looked around. Eugenie and Viola were hugging each other with scared looks on their faces. They really looked like sisters now, both pale with big blue eyes and hair standing up in odd clumps. Grace was standing in the doorway of her room, eyes drooping with sleep and confusion. But where were Finley and Lucas?
“What do you mean you don’t know who he is?” Harvey asked.
“I’ve never seen the man before,” Jacob said. “I think he’s a thief, maybe? He’s got tattoos all over his face and hands.”
“Come on,” Harvey said. “We have to go see to him. And call an ambulance.”
Jacob shook his head. “It’s the morgue we’ll need. He was already dead when I found him.”
Eugenie let out a gasp. “You’re sure?”
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