Lullabies & Lies

by Ruby Blaylock

  Annie poured her coffee and wondered about the people staying in her house. Where had Everett gone the night before? What could have possibly kept him out in the storm, risking his life when he could have been safe at the inn with his family?

  And the thought of Philip Hutchens looking after Emma made Annie very uncomfortable. He seemed to have quite the temper—would he unleash it on an innocent child? Annie realized that she had never even considered the possibility that someone else had killed Kimberly. Her heart sank a little as she realized this—if Kim’s murder was just a random murder by a would-be thief, would her death ever be solved?

  Annie wondered if she actually wanted Kim’s killer to be one of her guests. Did she secretly hope that a murderer was staying under her roof just so the chances of the murder being solved were higher?

  You’re starting to lose it, lady, she scolded herself. Of course she didn’t want one of her guests to be a murderer, but it would certainly make things easier for the police if the killer was known and being watched by Annie, right? A knock at the door pulled Annie out of her inward reverie. Rory’s smiling face peered in through the glass in the kitchen door. He twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open.

  You’re up early, he noted.

  So are you, she countered. Did Karma keep you awake all night?

  He slept like a baby, Rory replied, grabbing a coffee mug for himself. And so did I, thank you very much. He paused and sniffed the air. Do I smell bacon?

  Annie nodded. Yep. Mama’s cooking because Emmett’s coming over. I guess we’d better eat a good breakfast before we go and tackle that fallen tree by the driveway.

  Rory sighed. Yeah, I did notice that the old pine tree wasn’t in the same place anymore. I guess we should be glad it didn’t fall on the fence on the other side of the driveway, huh? Still, probably ought to tackle it pretty soon since it’s blocking the entire driveway off. I’ll drag out the saw and get to it after breakfast. He frowned. I’m going to get pine sap all over my nice, clean chainsaw blade, he grumbled.

  Annie wrinkled her nose. We can’t have that, she said. I’ve already made plans to call someone to come and do it for us.

  Rory raised one eyebrow. That’s a bit frivolous, isn’t it? I mean, I was just joking. I can do it for free, there’s no need to pay someone.

  Annie leaned into Rory. I know you can do it, she said. But I’m being terribly selfish. I want you all to myself, preferably not covered in pine sap, she teased. She looked up at him and took in the beauty of this momentary feeling of domestic bliss. Here she was, with a man who was crazy about her, in the house of her dreams, discussing domestic issues like hiring a tree cutter. Somehow, the fact that there was still a murderer on the loose, possibly even in her house, seemed kind of minor.

  Annie forced herself out of her reverie. She pulled away from Rory and moved towards the sink.

  Hey, Rory exclaimed, faking indignation. I was enjoying that.

  Annie grinned. I was enjoying it, too, but that’s not going to get us anywhere but in trouble. Besides, Emmett will be here any minute now and I forgot to warn him about the tree being down. I was going to go take stock of any other damage in the yard, so I guess I’ll watch for him, she added.

  Rory put his own mug in the sink. I can do that, he offered. You should probably just focus on keeping the Marshalls from killing each other. Or Philip Hutchens from killing one of them. Or one of them killing him, he added. They are all seriously messed up individuals, he noted before pecking Annie on the cheek and heading back out the kitchen door.

  Annie thought about what Rory had said about the Marshalls and Philip—they were very troubled people, for sure—but something was especially troubling her about Philip. Both Marlena and Everett seemed adamant that Philip could not be trusted with Emma, but surely they had to realize that, as her father, he had every right to simply walk out with her at any time?

  She sighed as she heard Marlena’s singsong voice carrying down the stairs. Yoohoo, is anyone up yet?

  Annie poked her head out of the kitchen and greeted her guest. I am. Can I get you some coffee?

  Marlena smiled. That would be lovely! After that storm last night, I’m sure I’ll need all the help I can get keeping these tired eyes open, she added.

  She is in a very good mood, Annie noted incredulously. She eyed Marlena surreptitiously before turning away to make the coffee. The woman was impeccably dressed and her makeup was flawless. Annie wondered how on earth anyone could apply makeup so perfectly before caffeine. She could hardly hold a conversation before caffeination, let alone wield a mascara wand.

  Is Emma up yet? Marlena asked, calling after Annie as she walked away.

  She’s with my mother, Annie replied cautiously. I’ll bring this out to the sitting room for you, if that’s okay.

  Marlena trilled that it would be fine. Alarm bells were going off in Annie’s head now. She hadn’t known Marlena long, but in the time she had known her, she had never been as friendly or as happy as she seemed now. Something felt off about the whole thing. The theme music from The Twilight Zone wandered into Annie’s mind,

  and she pushed away the thought quickly.

  Don’t be so quick to judge her, she scolded herself. Be glad she’s in a good mood. Another voice inside her head reminded her that there was a killer on the loose and two dead bodies to show for it. It was the same voice who reminded her that more than one person currently staying under her roof seemed obsessed with baby Emma, one of whom was currently humming to herself happily in Annie’s downstairs sitting room.

  Annie hurried with the coffee, topping her own up before heading to the sitting room. When she arrived, she was surprised to see Maxwell on the couch next to his wife.

  Oh, Mr. Marshall, Annie began, I didn’t realize you were awake. I can go and get you a cup of coffee, too, if you like.

  He smiled at Annie, his countenance much more relaxed and happy than when he’d first arrived. Annie wouldn’t say he looked elated, but he certainly seemed content. She was puzzled at the change up until the moment he took his wife’s hand in his own. Annie’s cheeks flushed slightly when she realized that she was staring at a couple who had just made up after what seemed to be a rather long time of being at odds with each other. Maxwell’s flirty kiss on Marlena’s cheek confirmed Annie’s suspicion.

  No need to worry about me, he replied finally. I’ll just wait for breakfast.

  Annie nodded. It won’t be long. She passed Marlena’s mug of coffee to her. Breakfast will be served in the dining room in about ten minutes. I should go and see if Mama needs any help.

  Marlena swallowed a mouthful of coffee hurriedly. Oh, let me know if she needs any help with the baby. I am just smitten with that child, she added bashfully.

  Maxwell patted her leg affectionately. I know you are, he replied, sharing a knowing glance with his wife that sent stone cold shivers down Annie’s spine.

  Annie hurried through to the kitchen, where she opened the door leading out to Rory’s cottage. Rory, she called, whispering loudly. Are you out here?

  When she got no response, she stepped onto the back step and called more loudly. A whispered response in her ear made her nearly fall down the two concrete steps. Rory’s arm snaked around her waist and pulled her close. Sorry, he said, fighting a laugh. I was just around the corner and thought I’d prank you. I won’t do that again, he added. I’m pretty sure you could still kill me, even with a broken leg, he added solemnly.

  Rory, I’ll kill you later. Right now, something weird is going on.

  Rory’s eyebrows arched dramatically. You mean you were experiencing something normal a little while ago? I think this place has been pretty weird since the Moody Marshalls all arrived, he replied. But go on, what happened?

  Annie frowned. Well, nothing. Nothing yet, anyway. But Maxwell and Marlena are sitting in my sitting room, acting all lovey dovey and gushing about how much they just adore little Emma. It’s kind of giving me the creeps.

&
nbsp; She expected Rory to roll his eyes or tell her she was being silly, but to her surprise, he did neither of these things. Instead, his face became grim.

  Annie, I didn’t want to say anything because I don’t know what their intentions are, but I saw something in one of the cars that the Marshalls arrived in. It’s the one Gareth was driving when they arrived, the one he goes out in to run all those errands for Marlena. He glanced around, as though he was worried they might appear at any moment. I saw a bunch of what looked like baby stuff in the trunk when Gareth opened it up yesterday.

  Annie’s mouth made a tight ‘o’. Are you sure?

  Yeah, pretty sure. I just got a quick glimpse, but it looked like baby clothes and bottles in a bag from a store with a baby on it’s logo, he added. So I’m pretty sure it wasn’t full of booze and ball gowns.

  Annie shook her head. I knew it. I knew something fishy is up with that family. I wonder if Everett knows what they’re planning. I wonder how he’d feel if he knew his parents were nothing but a couple of would-be baby snatchers?

  She crossed her arms and shook her head again. And it’s not like they can’t afford to just go and adopt a baby, she added. It looks like they’ve got more money than than they know what to do with, she added.

  Rory put his hands up in a calm down gesture. Hold on, Annie. I’m just telling you what I saw. We can’t just assume that they’re planning something dastardly, he advised her. I think the best thing we can do is to mention it to Emmett when he gets here and let him question their motives.

  Annie knew Rory was right, but she still wanted to march inside her house and confront the Marshalls. Despite

  Rory’s levelheaded rationalizations, Annie couldn’t help but feel that she was sharing her home with more than just a grieving couple who’d lost their former employee. Annie felt positive that she was staying under the same roof as people who could quite easily consider kidnapping a helpless child. The voice in her head reminded her that one of them could even be a murderer.

  Annie watched as Emmett’s police cruiser appeared at the end of her driveway. She felt a sense of relief that he was there, not only because he’d promised to discuss the second murder with her, but because she knew that Emmett would help her confirm her suspicions about the Marshalls. One way or the other, Annie would find out who killed Kimberly and she would also make darned sure that Emma went home with the right person.

  23

  An Uncomfortable Gathering

  Annie managed to contain her curiosity about the new murder long enough to offer Emmett a cup of coffee and some breakfast. His demeanor, which had been slightly dour when he first arrived, quickly changed to almost cheerful when he saw Bessie and the spread that she’d prepared.

  Bacon, scrambled eggs, fried sausage, homemade sausage gravy, buttermilk biscuits, and an armada of jams, jellies, and juices lined the large dining room table. All of the Marshalls and Philip Hutchens had accepted Bessie’s invitation to ‘tuck in’, and for the moment, there was an uneasy peacefulness at Rosewood Place. Or there would have been, Annie thought, if she felt like she could trust a single one of her guests.

  Philip sat beside Emma’s high chair, putting himself between the child and Marlena, who cooed playfully to Emma throughout breakfast and elicited squeals of delight from the infant. This seemed to annoy Philip, who shifted not-too-subtly in his seat so he could block Emma’s view of the woman.

  Marshall sat beside Marlena. He spent the entire meal commenting on how delicious the food was and complimenting Marlena on how beautiful she looked that morning. Annie wasn’t sure what was more sickening, the hearty compliments that he paid her mother on her cooking, or the sugary comments he kept making about his wife’s appearance.

  Everett sat across from his parents, beside Rory, who’d been forced by Bessie to ‘grab a plate and eat something.’ Bessie sat between Emma and Emmett, not quite at the head of the table, since that’s where Emma’s high chair fit best, but close enough to see everyone’s progress on their meal so she could heap second servings onto them if necessary.

  Devon’s going to be sad he missed this meal, Rory commented. He loves the way you cook your bacon.

  Bessie smiled and placed a second biscuit onto Emmett’s plate. Oh, no, I made sure I fed him before he left for school, she replied. And he got a BLT for lunch, so I think he’ll be just fine. He was extra happy that Laura Parsons was giving him a ride to school, Bessie added coyly. That fallen tree was a blessing for someone, she giggled.

  The food is just delicious, Maxwell said for what had to be the seventh time since he’d pulled up a chair. We have a girl who cooks for us, but your cooking beats hers by a country mile.

  Bessie smiled demurely. Well, I’ve always prided myself on my cooking. Maybe someday you and your wife can stop by and try one of my homemade apple pies, she added.

  Emmett put his fork down on his plate, the noise garnering him the attention of almost everyone in the room. Oh, Bessie, I couldn’t eat another bite. That was, as usual, divine. He turned his attention to the Marshalls. I assume y’all will be heading home soon. The coroner is ready to release Miss Ashcroft’s body to the funeral home. It’s a terrible situation. You all have my condolences.

  Philip turned his head to meet Emmett’s gaze. I assume Mrs. Richards has given you Emma’s birth certificate, he said to the policeman. I also assume I can take my daughter home now.

  Emmett leaned back in his chair. His tall, muscular frame was still fairly intimidating despite his being in his seventies. He twisted his mustache for a long minute before answering Philip.

  I have to officially clear it through social services, but as long as they don’t have a problem with it, I don’t. We wouldn’t want this sweet little girl away from what’s familiar any longer than we have to.

  Philip clenched his jaw. Annie thought he would argue with Emmett, press the issue further, but he didn’t. Instead, he sipped his coffee and hid his discontent behind the mug.

  Marlena, however, had something to say. I’m sorry, but I can’t just sit here and keep my mouth shut, she began. Can’t you see that this is all wrong?

  Annie glanced around the room. Marlena’s question seemed like the understatement of the year—everything about this situation felt extremely wrong, but Annie couldn’t pinpoint what exactly was most wrong. Marlena didn’t wait for anyone to answer her, she kept talking.

  Do we have any proof, any real proof, that this man is Emma’s father? Marlena stared at Philip, challenging him to argue with her. Anyone can fake a birth certificate.

  Honey, Maxwell began, "let’s not start this. I’m sure that Philip has the correct documentation to show he’s

  Emma’s father. It’s not as though he’s lying about building codes and permits, is it. Do you know how much money that project lost me? he asked, referencing some shared work memory Annie assumed was best left in the past. You never were one for honesty, were you, Hutchens?"

  Everett pushed his own plate away from himself. I’m not so sure you should be talking about honesty, Dad. When were you going to tell me that you were the reason Horley House wasn’t made into a listed historical property? Was that the only secret you shared with Kim? he added, stirring the viper’s nest to see what kind of reaction he got from his mother.

  To her credit, Marlena didn’t bite. Everett, that is an awful thing to say. I think it’s safe to say that I never cared for Kim or the attention you two men showed her, but even I know that your father’s personal assistant would be required to sign a nondisclosure form on many things. I’m sure she knew far more about your father’s business than you or I can even imagine.

  Philip opened his mouth to say something but Emmett spoke first. Mr. Marshall, did you know a fellow called AJ Preminger?

  Maxwell blinked twice, then nodded. Why, yes, I know Mr. Preminger.

  Annie’s pulse quickened at the mention of the private investigator. She hadn’t mentioned the man to Emmett, but now here he was, bringing the man�
��s name up at her breakfast table.

  Who’s that, dear? Marlena asked.

  He’s a private investigator of sorts, Maxwell replied. I used him to provide background checks on some of the contractors I used and other employees, he added.

  You also used Mr. Preminger to conduct Kimberly Ashcroft’s background check, is that correct? Emmett waited patiently for Maxwell’s response.

  Maxwell nodded, but he didn’t speak. Is there any reason why you would need to engage Mr. Preminger’s services in relation to Miss Ashcroft after her death?

  Annie overcame the urge to let out a gasp, but she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t surprised by Emmett’s question. Why would Maxwell need to know more about Kim’s past after she was dead?

  Maxwell remained silent for a long moment. When he spoke, it was to his wife. I thought that if I could be sure, if I could be absolutely sure that there was no one else who had a right to her child, well, I thought that maybe we could step up, he began. We could adopt Emma.

  Philip stood now. Are you insane? That is my child, not yours. Kim’s dead and she would never want you people anywhere near this baby, he added.

  That’s not true, Marlena hissed. You have to know it’s not true. She stared at Philip, then turned back to her husband. I think I’ve had enough breakfast, Maxwell. If you don’t mind, I’d like to go lie down. I can feel a terrible headache coming on.

  Maxwell patted her reassuringly. Shall I send Gareth out for some headache tablets? he asked.

  Marlena smiled, eating up his attention like a child eating candy. That would be lovely, she sighed.

  As she passed her host, Marlena turned to Annie. This was a wonderful breakfast, Annie. I’d like to speak with you before we leave, whenever that is, she added cryptically. Before Annie could ask her what she wanted to talk about, Marlena disappeared out the door, leaving behind the sweet scent of her magnolia perfume.

  Philip was still standing. He seemed unable to decide whether he wanted to leave or stay, at least until Emmett spoke again.