by Clara Lewis
Jordan remained quiet.
“Come on, at some point we had to go through the same training. I’m sure you remember, Sheriff.”
The moment Olivia put emphasis on his title, Jordan flinched.
“I want you to answer me clearly Jordan," Olivia said, her tone dropping a few degrees.
“One should not assume any situation as a law enforcement officer," Jordan mumbled.
Olivia nodded and leaned forward, ignoring the flash of pain that shot up her ribs.
“Exactly. Do you see what's wrong with this whole situation?” she asked him.
Jordan had always been reluctant in his duties as the Sheriff. It made sense to consider the feelings of the residents of Dresden, but to almost be afraid of the residents? That was something else.
“I want this case reopened," Olivia stated.
“I can't do that!” Jordan exclaimed, “what will everyone else say?”
“Sure, you can, just tell everyone that evidence has been found.”
Olivia had had enough of Jordan’s attitude.
“Look Jordan, what if it was a murder? We just let whoever that is go free?”
Jordan looked down and sighed.
“I’ll see what I can do," he said.
Olivia stood up and grabbed her bag.
“See to it that the case is reopened. Otherwise, I’ll have to get others involved in this case. I may have left the FBI, but I can still make a few phone calls.”
As she was about to leave, Jordan called out.
“Is that a threat?”
Olivia turned her head and replied.
“It’s not, but I can't just let this go. You know how I am, right?”
Olivia doubted that Jordan would do much. He would be able to reopen the case, but to actively participate in the investigation? He wouldn't do that. Ever since the appearance of the mysterious man the other day, it was patently obvious that Jordan hadn’t been as carefree as he used to be.
Later that night, Olivia received an email from Jordan’s personal email address. He had forwarded the case notes and another email confirming an autopsy for the woman.
Olivia called Marion. Marion picked up immediately.
“What’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Olivia calmed her down and laughed.
“Nothing happened, to me at least. I am going to need your help in the coming days.”
“It's another case isn’t it?” Marion asked and sighed, “I thought you were done with Dresden.”
“Well, something weird happened. It was just ruled off as a suicide. Something tells me there’s something else going on.”
“Need I remind you that you haven't fully healed from your wounds? You were in a car crash, Olivia, and not long after someone tried to drown you!”
Olivia insisted that she had to see the case through. Marion, although reluctant, was willing to give her all the help she needed.
“Just stay safe. Please," Marion finally said.
Her tone stuck a chord within Olivia. The news about Poppy hadn’t affected just Olivia, but Marion as well. They had all practically grown up as sisters. Right now, Marion and Olivia only had each other.
“Of course. Look at this positively; at least we know I’m durable.”
Marion responded with silence.
“Okay, that was a bad joke. I won't be making those again. I promise," Olivia quickly added.
Marion finally laughed.
“Just tell me what you need help with, and I’ll do what I can. I said this before, but stay safe; you still have a target on your back.”
Olivia nodded.
The case notes were not much. They had listed the obvious. However, the pictures proved to be more helpful. Olivia zoomed in on each picture, determined to capture details that weren’t so obvious on first inspection.
Any longer in the water and the body would have been unrecognizable. Surely, the cold waters had helped slow the decomposition process.
Olivia listed off as many details as possible. First and foremost, again, she took note of the woman’s hands. Judging from the state they were in, it seemed the woman had fought against someone or something. There was blood caked under her fingernails. It could have easily been someone else’s.
Suddenly Olivia recalled the day at the pier. The possibility of someone intent on drowning young women was definitely real.
However, the only thing different from Olivia’s case was the fact that the woman’s fingernails had broken off. Her fingertips were scratched open. That didn't make sense.
Her clothing had stayed intact, with no tears in the fabric. Looking closely, Olivia noticed that she wore the uniform of a maid. Olivia made a mental note to visit the coroner’s office in the morning. She had to feel the fabric. Judging its quality could help her gauge where in town this woman worked. The higher the quality, the more expensive the neighborhood.
To think that even those who worked in these households would have a hierarchy system.
Eventually Olivia saw the same details over and over again. Her eyes were heavy as she looked at the time. It was two in the morning. Tired, Olivia climbed into bed and slept soundly.
When she awoke, she felt that someone had been in her room. Olivia shot up in bed and peered around her, looking for something that was out of place.
“I’m probably just seeing things," Olivia mumbled to herself.
Ever since her encounter with the man who tried to drown her, she had been jumpy. It was probably just that. However, something captured her attention.
Olivia’s bag sat in the far corner of the room with its contents strewn about the floor.
She hurried out of bed and crouched by her bag. Nothing had been stolen. That was strange but it could only mean one thing. If someone had been in the room while she slept, they were looking for something.
What were they looking for?
Olivia’s plans for the morning had changed. She headed to the front desk of the hotel and requested another room. This time she used a different name.
“Did anyone ask for me at some point last night?” she asked the receptionist.
The receptionist couldn't remember but offered to show camera footage. Sure enough, during the early hours of the morning, a tall man approached the front desk. He hid his face well, but Olivia knew immediately that this was him. This was the man who tried to kill her.
“May I have a copy of this video, please?” she asked the staff.
They were reluctant but eventually gave her a copy. Olivia sent a quick message along with a copy of the video to Marion. Marion was sure to freak out. Olivia put her phone on silent to avoid the barrage of phone calls she would get.
Thanking the receptionist, Olivia headed out and got into her car. Nothing seemed out of place and she felt relieved. At least he hadn’t figured out which car belonged to her.
By now, the coroner was used to seeing Olivia’s face. The moment she stepped into the warm building, he greeted her and directed her into the room which held the dead woman. The warmth she felt as she entered the building disappeared and Olivia wrapped her jacket tighter around her as the cool air in the mortuary surrounded her.
“You can find the report there,” said the coroner, pointing at the computer, “the username and password are somewhere on the desk. I’ve written it down somewhere.”
Olivia thanked him and got to work. The dead woman finally had a name – Aria Hall. The autopsy report and the case notes had revealed her name and age. However, that was the only information available on Aria. Once the case had been ruled as a suicide, there was no point to getting more information on the victim. Olivia gripped the mouse tighter, seething at the blatant disregard for Aria’s case.
For the first time, Olivia got a closer look at the woman’s face. She was young and couldn’t have been older than twenty-three. Her clothes had been put aside along with her belongings on a metal tray on the counter.
Olivia immediately felt the fabric of Aria'
s uniform. As expected, it was of high quality. Immediately, Olivia thought of two areas. One would be the area where the Barlowes lived, and she dreaded having to go back there. The other area would be where the newer houses were situated. Conveniently, that area was near the side of the lake where the woman was found. Olivia would look there first.
Houseworkers would often be found in the parks and shops nearby, either on their break or running errands. Olivia approached a group of women in the park.
“Hi, would it be okay if I asked some questions?” she asked.
The women were friendly and accommodated her easily. Olivia chatted with them for a bit before taking her phone out and scrolling for a picture of Aria Hall.
She showed Aria’s face, and the women nodded their heads as they recognized her.
“Do you know where she worked or who she worked for?”
One of the women pointed to an obnoxiously large house behind them.
“Aria used to work for the Lancasters until she left. She was a hard worker, that one, and those people worked her to the bone.”
Olivia stared at the Lancaster home coldly.
“Is that so?” she said, more to herself than the others.
She got up and said her thanks. They were curious about why she was asking about Aria, but Olivia simply smiled and made her way back to the car.
She would have to talk to the Lancasters, and soon.
Chapter 4
First, she had to investigate the crime scene again. Guided by the case notes, Olivia stepped around the scene. A large No Trespassing sign caught her attention.
“Interesting," she muttered.
Olivia’s eye caught someone walking behind her and she turned suddenly. She relaxed as she recognized Liam. She hadn’t realized that her hands had gone up in a defensive position until he reached out and lowered them.
“What are you doing here?” he asked her.
“I could ask the same of you," Olivia replied.
Liam looked tired. It was apparent by the bags under his eyes and his even scruffier appearance. Olivia frowned.
“How are you doing?” she asked him softly.
Liam shrugged and sighed.
“I’m okay really, but mom still isn’t feeling well. She’s refusing her medicine.”
Olivia patted his arm reassuringly.
“I’m running some errands for her today so that’s why I’m here,” he said with a change of expression. “What are you doing here?”
Olivia smiled softly at him and replied, “I wanted to look at the crime scene here.”
Liam’s eyes widened.
“Oh, of the lady who washed up on shore?”
Olivia nodded. Suddenly, her eyes brightened, and she pointed at the sign.
“What’s that for?”
“That part of the lake is known for its strong currents. Back in the day, some people had drowned because they got caught up in one. It didn’t matter if you were a good swimmer or not, the currents would still pull you away from shore. Eventually, they decided that no one should go there.”
Olivia winced. Poor Aria.
“Bet that wouldn’t stop a few teenagers," Olivia retorted.
Liam laughed.
“That is true,” he said.
“Well, I better be going,” Olivia said, “thanks for the geography lesson.”
Liam smiled as he waved to her.
The wind had been particularly strong, and Olivia shivered as she got into her car. With frozen fingers, she updated her notes with the information she received from Liam. It could prove helpful later.
The sky had darkened, and Olivia expected to see rain. She didn’t want to get caught in the downpour, so she had to do her work quickly. First she looked around to make sure that no one was following her before she got out of the car and made her way to the Lancaster house gates.
She was greeted by security who questioned her about her intentions.
“I’m investigating a case involving someone who used to work here," Olivia explained.
They appeared to be satisfied with her answer, so they let her through. The did, however, keep her ID just in case.
The house looked much bigger once she had gotten close to it. It stretched out to occupy the lot next to her and Olivia wondered who would ever need that space. It was almost as if they wanted to prove to the residents that they deserved to live in Dresden.
Olivia walked to the front doors and rang the doorbell. She heard it echo throughout the house.
Immediately, the door opened and revealed a maid. The door was barely open, but the moment the maid saw Olivia’s face, she quickly slammed the door shut.
Surprised, Olivia stood by the front doors for a few more seconds.
“Okay then,” Olivia muttered to herself as she walked back to the gates, “I’ll just wait.”
Chapter 5
Olivia found herself dozing off quite a few times. Eventually she checked the time. It was too late for anyone to be working. It was either that or she had missed the maid coming out of the house.
Frustrated, Olivia started her car and prepared to go back to her room. Suddenly, she heard the creak of the gates opening. Olivia squinted at the rearview mirror and saw someone step out into the cold streets.
Sure that it was one of the maids, Olivia pulled up to the sidewalk and offered a ride. The woman recognized her and quickly refused.
“It’s late and cold. The bus isn’t coming for half an hour. I’ve got coffee.”
The woman looked around and eventually got into the passenger seat. Olivia leaned over and turned the heater on.
Olivia made a quick detour and brought them to a nearby café. As they waited for their drinks, she began to question the young woman.
Pulling up a picture of Aria, Olivia asked, “Do you know this woman?”
The maid nodded.
“She used to work with us, but she left suddenly.”
Then her eyes grew suspicious.
“Did she do something? I swear I’m not involved in anything illegal.”
Olivia raised her hands and shook her head.
“No, no it’s not like that. I’m just trying to find out what happened to her.”
“I just want to ask if she started acting differently the last time you saw her. Had she become withdrawn or something like that?”
The maid shook her head and softly laughed.
“No, she was always so bright and positive,” she said as she leaned closer. “Even if our bosses can be unreasonable, she never complained once.”
The maid had said the last part of her sentence in a whisper. A cold feeling settled in Olivia’s stomach. Evidence that the death of Aria being a murder was piling up.
“Did she have any enemies, then?”
“Not that I know of. She was pretty private about her personal life, which is strange because she left all her things behind when she disappeared. Unlike me, she was a live-in maid.”
“Are her things still in the house?” Olivia asked, intrigued.
The maid shook her head as she looked down at her drink.
“They—,” she began, but she immediately closed her mouth.
She refused to say anything more, despite Olivia encouraging her to.
“I-I can’t say anymore,” the maid finally said. “Our contract says we can’t reveal the affairs of our employers.”
Olivia nodded in understanding but noted how the maid’s hands trembled.
Who was she afraid of?
Her situation was difficult, but Olivia couldn’t help but be disappointed. It must have shown on her face because the maid suddenly reached out and pulled Olivia closer.
After looking around, she whispered, “Search the internet.”
Chapter 6
The maid refused to say anything more. Her clue was vague, but it was a clue, nonetheless. After sending the maid home, Olivia sat in front of her laptop, ready to get to work. However, the internet was a vast place.
“W
ell, we all have to start somewhere,” she said to herself.
Olivia cracked her knuckles and began to type. What she found on the Lancasters was what she expected. At the sight of their house, it was obvious that they were new money. A quick internet search only proved it.
Preston Lancaster was the CEO of a small mining company which appeared to have grown overnight. As Olivia read through the articles containing the man’s name, his story was very much what anyone would call a rag-to-riches story.
Olivia was quite impressed. She would have congratulated the man on his success story if she never saw his face. As she scrolled down the article, she had a good look at the man’s features.
There was no doubt about it. He was the man that Jordan was talking to on the day Aria’s body had been found.
It all boiled down to speculation. After all, Olivia had no solid proof that the man was involved with the dead maid at all. He was a family man; at least that’s what the articles said.
Olivia noted down this information anyway.
But what about the rest of his family?
Dresden residents were pretty judgmental, and they didn’t take too kindly to strangers, or in this case, those who thought they were on the same level. People who wanted to get on their good side would have to strive for perfection. One misstep and the entire town could shun you.
The perfectionist mindset could seep into the family and in turn extend to those working in the household. That would certainly explain the long hours those poor maids had to work.
Olivia delved deeper into the identity of the Lancaster family. Aside from Preston, he had his wife, Felicity, and a thirteen-year-old son called Braydyn. They were just a family of three living in that gigantic house.
A simple search on the internet would give information on a person’s professional life. However, Olivia wanted a glimpse of their personal lives. She was done with scouring the internet for information. It was time to look for their social media profiles.
She didn’t expect the Lancaster couple to have social media other than the one for their business. Braydyn on the other hand…
An online forum link caught her eye as she scrolled through the results of her search. It had an interesting title. Olivia hurriedly clicked on it only to find that the site required her to have an account.
