“Why would I tell I tell the sheriff anything that would help Brad? I don’t know what he has done! And what makes you think I saw Emma floundering around in the water... while we’re at it? It wasn’t me who pulled up the ladder.”
The room grew deathly quiet. Amy turned her back on everyone.
Lucas' voice grew low and deliberate: “How did you know about the ladder? I didn't mention the ladder to anyone. Let me guess. Brad removed it, and you just happened to see him and did nothing about it?”
Tommy's dark eyes glinted with hatred. “Like I said, I must have been in the cabin. You have nothing, and you know it.”
“Maybe I don’t have evidence that would hold up in court, but don't tell me they wouldn’t start looking in your direction based on what I have. I grew up with Sheriff Clayton, and we’re still friends. He would hope he would take even a hint of a suspicion from me and work with it. Ethan’s memory needs vindication, and his mother needs the truth. I’ll hold onto what I have, and give you time to tell what you know...or else.”
“Are you blackmailing me?”
“No. I’m using gentle persuasion compared to what Brad will give you.”
Amy tuned up to cry, thought better of it, turned around and gave her husband a smart crack across the face.
“Slap him again for me,” said Emma.
“If only you had stuck to your story...” Amy shouted. “If you hadn't denied owning the necklace, you wouldn’t look so bad. I don't understand how it got broken and what it was doing in the lake. You told me you left it in the gym, and someone took it, right? You should have said just that, instead of lying.”
“And what about you?” Tommy fairly screamed. “You lied to me years ago when you said there had been nothing between you and Ethan. You lied when you told me Jacob was my son.”
“ ...and you always hated Ethan for that didn't you? You hated him because you knew he was something you could never be...and because you knew I loved him. And you’ve always resented Jacob too.”
Emma had heard enough: “So much for the perfect marriage in the perfect little town. Nothing is ever what it seems, is it? And to think I once envied you. You can cut the drama, now Amy. I don’t need to hear more. I know about what you did with Ethan that summer. As for you Tommy? I also blamed Brad for something he didn't do. I accused him of lying about Ethan, when all he was trying to do was protect me. I destroyed our trust, and I don't know that we can ever rebuild it. Only one good thing came out of all this. A part of Ethan lives on in Jacob. Above all else, Amy, I think you should allow Georgia Abernathy to see her grandson. And Tommy, if it was you who killed Ethan...then I hope you rot in Hell.”
Livid with rage, Amy snatched her purse and marched toward the door. “Come on Tommy. You need to make a call. Tell the people the deal on the house is off...and Lucas...if you decide to continue to list this house, call some other agency. We're finished.”
Lucas smiled broadly, as if pleased with the outcome of the meeting. “Let me show you to the door.”
He then followed the fuming couple out and pulled up the “For Sale” sign and handed it to Tommy, who gave his parting words : “I’ve done nothing to deserve this treatment. Nothing. You understand the influence of the Walker name in this town? If you know what’s good for you, you’ll let this go. You need to take a look at Brad Caldwell, and leave me out of it. My daddy has connections in high places.”
“As for me…” Lucas responded. “I’ve got friends in low places. Good day to you both.”
After they left, Lucas gently shook Emma from a stunned stupor of emotion. “Look at me, Daughter. I'm going to ask you to do a very difficult thing. I know you feel like taking it farther, getting justice...but what we have is not enough.”
15: Please Come to Boston
Although Benjamin had called several times in the last few days, Emma had postponed making her decision about returning to Boston. There had not yet been a right time to leave Cobblers Cove, considering the recent turmoil over the cause of Ethan’s death. She had been so close to resolution, so close to seeing all the way through.
She almost willed the dream of the events at Moon Lake to return one last time, in hopes that, at long last, truth would surface—regardless of the agony it might bring. The question had not changed: who had she seen running through the woods, turning away from the sight of her there with Ethan’s lifeless body? That one question was more important than all the bits and pieces of speculation that had existed for seventeen years.
Yet the wall that her mind had erected, as valuable as it was at the time of trauma, served no good purpose any more. Remembering would make her an eyewitness to the person leaving the scene, and that was almost as solid as seeing the actual deed. Whomever it happened to be, that person left a teenage girl alone in her anguish, struggling to save a boy past saving. That same person had to know she was now struggling to recall those final details of that day in September, 1996. Everyone in town knew, and Emma sensed the pity of some and the distrust of those who thought she was responsible for Ethan taking his life. She knew with a certainty that it was not as everyone had thought. She could not let go of the mystery, yet she knew at some point, she must either go back to Boston where she made her living , or make the decision to give it up. To add to the difficulty, there was her mother there wanting and needing her back. And then there was Ben.
With perfect timing, her cell rang and announced “Call from Benjamin.” She knew what the call would be about. She had been expecting it, and she had dreaded it.
“Hello, how are you?,” she answered evenly.
“Emma...we need you back in Boston, Emma. Come right away.”
“What’s happened Benjamin? Is Mother okay?”
“Oh yes. It's nothing like that. I’ve snagged a showing for your paintings. You’re on the calendar for next week, at Metro Art Gallery. We need you to help us organize and advertise the event. Can you hop on a plane? We really need you here.”
“How could you do that without me okaying it?”
“You didn’t tell me not to when we discussed it. Wouldn’t you like to gain recognition, maybe sell some of your work? I should think you might need some extra cash by now. Grace thought you would be thrilled. She said it was something you had always wanted”
“It is, but the timing is off.”
“The schedule is tight for this gallery, Emma. It’s the most prestigious in the city. I had to move heaven and earth to get you in. I thought you’d be elated! What I offer you is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“Yes, I appreciate it but ...”
“Has the provincial Cobblers Cove gotten into your bloodstream...or is it a certain cowboy who dazzles you with his masculine charms?”
“Ben...stop it. I’m not answering that! I can come to Boston, but I can’t stay. I am thankful, but you should have discussed it further with me.”
“I had to be proactive, Emma! I didn't want to get your hopes up, until I knew I could swing it. I was certain you wanted this. So...I decided I would surprise you.”
Emma knew there was more to it than that. She suspected Ben had a master plan in mind, and the art show was just the first step. Still, it was something she had always wanted. What could it hurt? If she made enough from the sale of her work, she could do as she pleased.
“Okay. I'll fly up and stay for the event, since it’s already set up. Are there any more surprises?”
“There's nothing that won’t keep until you get here. Book the next flight out, will you?”
“Alright. I’ll call when I have details.”
Lucas looked up from his newspaper with a scowl on his face. “Now what?”
“Dad... I have something to tell you.”
The newspaper fell to the floor. “Oh no...you and Ben are getting married.”
“No, not at this time, if ever...but I have to go to Boston to show my paintings.”
“Are you coming back?
“Yes...I am. You know
, this has become home again for me. This is where I want to make my life, but I have loose ends in Boston, and frankly I could use the money to help set me up here.”
“You don’t need money. I have all the money you need!”
“Dad...please.”
“I forgot. You’re the independent type.”
“Remember the St. Claire ancestors, Dad? Don’t blame me.”
“Well, okay, but you need to see Brad before you leave, so he won’t bug me about what's going on. Of course, he may ask you not to go. He may tell you he doesn’t believe you’ll ever come back home. I can see how it may turn into a battle. Seems like that’s most of what happens between the two of you. Maybe he can take you to the airport, and that will give you time to talk. Riding in the close proximity of the cab of a pickup works wonders. I’ll call and ask him to take you. Truth is, I have a little trip of my own anyway.”
“Where…and who’s going with you...Ruby?”
“Never you mind.”
“Let me schedule the flight, and you can call him,” sighed Emma. “ I’m worried about what Brad may have to go through while I’m gone...questioning and all. This is not a good time for me to leave. Somewhere deep inside, I still feel like he may need a good friend.”
“You can’t help him yet, Emmie. ”
“I could have...if I could have gotten past that block. I could have given the name. I could have cleared the air as an eye witness to someone leaving the scene.”
“Let it go for now,” said Lucas.
Emma called and made her reservations for the next flight out for the following day. It was short notice, but there had been a cancellation. She went up to organize and pack while Lucas made the call to Brad:
“Brad...Lucas here. I have a favor to ask of you. Can you take Emma to the airport tomorrow? She has a one o’clock flight to Boston. No...no, she’s coming back...nothing permanent...or so she tells me. I can’t go because of another commitment, but I’ll break it if this is inconvenient for you. Great.I thought you would feel that way. I think she has some things she wants to talk to you about.”
When Emma came back down, she was relieved to hear Brad would be taking her to Houston. She explained to Lucas she had some fence mending with Brad:
“You know, Dad, I need to tell him I’m sorry for all the years I blamed him for mine and Ethan’s break up...and in a way, I blamed both of us for his death. I don’t want to put this off. I'll be away for at least a week, and if I don't apologize, it will be on my mind the entire time I'm gone.”
“I understand. He’s agreed to take you to the airport, and I know you don’t mind. I figure a two hour trip is enough to rehash everything. I trust him with your life and your safety. If I had any doubts about the man, I sure as hell wouldn't ask him to take you anywhere. And come to think of it, right now might be the best time for you to be out of town...for your sake. The question is, do you trust Brad? Do you really know he had nothing to do with everything that’s happened, past and present? ”
“Don’t worry, Dad. I trust your judgment above anyone’s, and my gut instinct tells me he’s a man of principle. Sometimes, intuition is all a woman has to go on. Maybe that’s what I should have used the first time around.”
The next morning, Lucas and Emma pulled up to the Caldwell ranch—a well maintained three hundred acres of pastureland. Brad was on his horse herding his cows into the back pasture. He had an intent, preoccupied look on his face, like his mind was somewhere else; Emma wondered what he was thinking about. Was he thinking fondly of her, or maybe some other woman who was more submissive and receptive than she? A man couldn’t look the way Brad Caldwell looked without having a woman somewhere in the picture. Or was his mind on the problems with Tommy Walker and the new suspicion that surrounded him? She decided to let it go for another day.
What business of mine is it anyway?
Lucas honked his horn, and Brad turned to wave. He closed the gate behind him, and the cows began to feed. Soon he came riding up to the drive and dismounted to walk to the truck. Emma noticed that steady wide stride that had become so familiar .He looked all man, and his good looks were not lost on her.
Lucas transferred Emma’s baggage to the bed of Brad’s truck and then embraced her before going on his way.
“I'll take care of your car and Mutt Junior until you come home. You will come home, won’t you? I’ll miss you, Emmie. ”
“I’ll be back...and Dad. I’ll tell Mother hello for you. Anything you want me to tell Ben?”
“Yeah, but it’s probably not too good an idea for you to repeat it.”
He and Brad chuckled at the same time.
After Lucas left, the silence between Brad and Emma grew awkward. He motioned her toward his house, and when she entered, she immediately felt warm and welcome and more relaxed. She was pleasantly surprised by the changes Brad and his mother had made over the years.
The interior was painted with warm cream and tan colors and and colorful, room size rugs softened the look of polished hardwood floors. Emma remembered the kids’ birthday parties and Sunday dinners there in that familiar house, and she suddenly felt comfortable enough to talk:
“Brad, I need to say something now...with no further delay. I want to say I’m sorry for not believing you all these years...for doubting your loyalty and honesty. You were right about Ethan, and I was a fool. It's just that I was so young and obsessive about that boy. I couldn't allow myself to believe you might be right.”
“I didn't want to be right. Looking back, I sometimes think I should have let you find out about him and Amy on your own. I was trying to prepare you for the gossip that you’d hear when you came home from vacation. Just try to remember that he really did love you and no one else.”
“Then you forgive me?”
“There's nothing to forgive. You were standing by your man...uh...boy that is. I wish I’d dated a girl who could be that loyal.”
Emma breathed a sigh of relief. “It’s good to have you as a friend again.”
“I’ve always been your friend. You just didn’t always know it. Now pour yourself some of that fresh squeezed lemonade there in the fridge, and try to be a good girl. I need to hit the shower in a minute.”
“How down-home provincial. Lemonade?”
“Guess I’m just a lemonade kinda guy. Don’t tell me...with Ben you get martinis.”
Emma poured herself a glass. “You made this yourself?”
Well...sure. Do you see a maid or a girlfriend hanging around? Even Mom doesn’t hang around much. She visits at the retirement village most of the time, so she can play cards and gossip with the ladies and talk about the good old days. She gets lonely now that Dad’s gone…and with me busy running the ranch. Yeah... I’m usually alone here.”
That answers my question, Emma thought.
“You survive very well alone don't you?”
“I don't know how well...but I get by. I get lonely... when I have time to think about it at all. Sometimes you miss out on the right person, and you just seem to stay off track for the rest of your life. You just stop looking after a while.”
“It seems like I’ve missed the most important events in your life...after age seventeen.”
“You didn't miss that much. You were there for the best part of my life. Growing up with you was not all bad you know?”
Emma nodded and smiled.“Same here.” She took another sip of the lemonade and asked the question she had been in the back of her mind: “Brad, how long have you been divorced?”
“Oh...I don't know..maybe ten years.”
“Can I ask you what went wrong?”
“The answer to that is complicated. How does that old song go...'she’s actin’ single and I’m drinkin’ doubles'?”
“I can’t picture you drinking, much less doubles.”
“Well it sounded manly.”
“Oh, you're manly, alright. I’m surprised some woman hasn’t snatched you up. Have you looked in the mirror recently
?”
“I try not to until I clean up, shave and comb my hair. Now let me get ready. We have a little trip ahead of us.”
Within a half hour they were on their way to Houston, and the drive through the eastern part of the state was relaxing, with light traffic and long stretches of road with nothing but thick woodlands and small villages with quaint town squares. They were both relaxed and began to talk openly:
“Do you think Tommy’s accusations will cause you problems?” Emma asked.
“None that I can’t handle. I’m not too worried…but I know I shouldn't have hit him. Trust me...he had it coming from years back. He could file assault charges, you know? Still, what kind of man would I be if I just let it go? Reasoning just doesn't work with him. Tommy understands nothing but force. Remember in high school when he played football? Coach had to get on his case all the time for unnecessary roughness. The guy was a tank. He’s a rich man who's lived the good life too long and has gotten soft….but during the glory days of the Invincibles, he was the one who really fit the name. He was brutishly strong...like a bull. If he did do what I suspect, Ethan wouldn't have stood a chance...especially if he sneaked up from behind. You know Ethan had a swimmer's build...different musculature. Tommy had a good forty pounds on him too.”
“I believe you're right. Do you think that’s what happened between him and Ethan. Dad thinks so.”
“I wouldn't be surprised...whether in a moment of rage or premeditated, I don’t know. One thing’s for sure. I have no intention of letting anyone seriously accuse me...but I can't stop the gossip. You know how it is in Cobblers Cove as well as I do.”
Brad loaded a Milsap album, and sang along under his breath , catching a phrase here and there:
September Song Page 11
