Fading Thunder_A Historical Romance Page 18

  Chapter 31—Dan

  “Dan! You scared me half to death.”

  “I’m sorry. I wanted to talk to you.”

  “Couldn’t this wait until morning?” I was acutely aware I stood in a room, at night, and was dressed only in my sleeping clothes. Why hadn’t I changed before I came down? I pulled my housecoat tighter together, retying the belt.

  Dan cleared his throat, his voice husky when he spoke. “I’m heading out, going back home. I’m packed and was ready to go when I saw you.” He fell silent.

  “What did you want to talk about?” My voice had an edge to it — Dan had no right to waylay me like this.

  “This will take a few minutes. Do you want to talk here?”

  I debated a moment. Did I want to go in a room with more light or sit here in the dimness? Neither seemed a good choice. But I was curious and had my own questions for him. “In here is fine.” That way, at least, I could put a table between us.

  “I don’t want anyone to see us talking —”

  “Leave the lights off then.” I was already moving toward the table to take a seat.

  He hesitated only a moment before he sat down across from me. “It’s been a rough day. Marla and I ... well, I’ve given up hope. Our marriage is finished.”

  “I’m sorry.” And I was. But it wasn’t as if it was unexpected. Marla accepting Mr. Drake’s proposal had put a nail in that coffin.

  “There are some things I think you should know ...”

  Although I couldn’t make out his features clearly, his eyes were on me, and I licked my lips. “Go on,” I urged.

  “Marla and Sylvia were, still are, in cahoots.”

  I frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “They’re good friends, have been all of these years. And Marla has never loved me. She was only after my money. Now she’s after my uncle’s money, and there’s nothing I can do to stop her. I tried talking to Uncle Matthew, but he won’t listen.”

  My head was spinning. “Dan, I find that hard to believe. Did she tell you this?”

  “After I had another talk with Grace, found out some more information, even called Sylvia; Marla finally broke down and admitted it.”

  My mind zoomed in on part of his speech, not yet ready to process the full implications of his words. “You’ve been in touch with Sylvia?”

  “Yes, I called her yesterday.”

  “Was that the first time you’ve spoken to her since she moved to California?”

  “Yeah. Why?”

  “Sylvia sent Michael a letter. How did she know Michael was even home?”

  “I didn’t tell her. You might want to ask Marla about that.”

  “Why would Marla tell her?”

  “Did you not hear what I just said? Marla and Sylvia are good friends, have been their whole lives.”

  I shook my head. “Maybe you misunderstood her.”

  “I did not misunderstand. You can believe it or not — your choice.” He shoved his chair back, and I cringed, knowing he’d left marks across the polished wood floor.

  “Dan ... it’s not that I don’t believe you.” My rising was much quieter. I padded across the floor in my bare feet to where he stood. “I’m going to talk to her the first chance I get, but I’ve known Marla for so long, and she’s always been there.” I touched his arm lightly. “It’s so difficult to believe.”

  His shadowy figure straightened and moved away from my touch. “Don’t I know it. Goodnight.”

  “’Night, Dan.”

  I waited until I no longer heard his footsteps before I tiptoed into the hallway. Aliénor swung the kitchen door open.

  Warmth flooded my cheeks. Did Aliénor know I had been in the dining room with Dan? We had done nothing wrong, but I felt as if I had been caught in a heinous act.

  “Um ... was there any food left from supper? I’m a little hungry.” I did not have an appetite but had to make up some excuse.

  “Oui, Madame.”

  “Please, just Jay.”

  “Food en chambre?”

  “That will be fine.”

  “Un moment.”

  I nodded. I went back upstairs and climbed into bed.

  A few minutes later, she brought the tray, and I thanked her. Sweet Aliénor had prepared my usual drink as well as brought a bowl of delicious potato soup and homemade bread. I was able to eat all that was on the tray. I wondered what I should do with it now. I didn’t want to go back down in my gown, but neither did I feel like dressing. I finally opened my door and peered out, half expecting someone to be standing there to take my tray away. Instead, a table stood next to the door, and I placed it there.

  Probably I should have dressed and gone down to be sure Zeke had made it home. But he had been doing okay with me not here. Surely he was back by now. Exhaustion kept worry at bay, at least for the night. I climbed back into bed, switched off the light, and slept deeply.

  I awoke, after what seemed only minutes, to the sound of excited voices. It was dark in the room, and a heaviness lay in the very air around me. Despite the darkness, the day had dawned. A dense cloud cover obscured the light. I dragged myself out of bed and dressed as quickly as I could. I opened the curtains to see lightning flashing in the distance.

  I left my room, listening to the voices below but not able to distinguish a word. I cautiously made my way a few steps down the stairs and stopped when I had a clear view of the hallway below. It was filled with police officers. My heart thudded in my chest, and I hurried the rest of the way down.

  Marla met me at the foot of the stairs and gave me a reassuring smile. “There was a break-in last night. Don’t worry — no one was hurt.”

  “Last night? What time?”

  Her eyebrows rose. “I don’t think they’d be able to know what time unless a clock was smashed or something.” She smiled, tilting her head. “Even then, how would they know the thief didn’t change the time before smashing the clock? I always thought that was silly in the mystery novels I’ve read.”

  “Someone might have heard something?”

  “The police are questioning the staff now.”

  “Oh.” My stomach was doing flip-flops.

  “What’s wrong? Feeling queasy?”

  “A bit.” I took a deep breath, trying to still my fears. “Have you seen Zeke?”

  “Yes. He’s in the kitchen, eating breakfast. The police won’t let us in the dining room. It looks as if the thief went in there. A chair was pulled out, and there are scuff marks across the floor. Why is anyone’s guess.”

  “Oh,” I said again. I debated whether to ask to speak to the police and tell them it had been Dan and me in the dining room. It would be embarrassing to admit, but it was the right thing to do. On the other hand, eventually the police would question me, and I could tell them then. I smoothed down the sides of my dress trying to decide.

  “Are you sure you’re okay? Why don’t you go to the kitchen and get Aliénor to fix you a drink? She has breakfast on the counter if you feel like eating.”

  “All right. Have you already eaten?”

  “Yes. I’ve been up for hours, and I need to stay here in case the police want anything.”

  I nodded my head and went to the kitchen.

  “Bonjour, Madame.” Aliénor’s hair was in its usual bun, a little tidier than usual, probably to impress the policemen roaming around. “Would Madame like the lemon drink?” she asked before I had a chance to.

  “Yes, please.” I joined Zeke at the tall table.

  “You saw the commotion?” he asked.

  “Yep. Do you know what happened?”

  “I only heard Mr. Drake’s desk in the library was broken into. They said it didn’t look like anything was taken.”

  “It seems like a lot of policemen for a break-in.”

  Aliénor shook her head at me. “For a man so rich, only one would never do, cela n’est pas vrai?” Her head tilted, and her eyes twinkled.

  I frowned, sensing her words meant somethin
g I could not comprehend. “I suppose.” I turned to Zeke. “What time is your appointment?”

  “Ten o’clock.”

  I would have plenty of time to speak to the police. No matter how embarrassing, I needed to get it over with. Aliénor handed me my drink, and I thanked her and told her I would be back later for breakfast.

  I found Marla sitting on the settee near the front entrance.

  “Marla, I need to speak to whoever is in charge of the investigation.”

  “Do you know something?”

  “Not about the break-in, but I need to tell him something.” I didn’t want to say more, not yet.

  She gave me a quizzical look. “Actually, the county sheriff is in charge of the investigation. Sheriff Fields.”

  Chapter 32—Investigation

  Marla rose with her usual grace, and I followed her to the piano room, the one where Michael and I had sat years ago. A table had been pulled to the center of the room, and the sheriff was behind it, scratching notes.

  Marla knocked, although the pocket door was pulled open. “Sheriff Fields?”

  “Yes?” A crease appeared across his forehead and disappeared as quickly as it had come. He indicated no other irritation at our interruption.

  I stepped forward, cradling my cup in both hands. “Sir, I have some information to share that might help your investigation.”

  His eyes brightened, and he stood. “And you are?”

  “Jay Hutchinson. I’m a friend of Mrs. Dan Drake and spent the night.”

  He shuffled through some papers. “Yes, here’s your name. You’re number six — I’m on suspect number four.” His eyes twinkled, and he laughed. “I’m joking about suspects. We are questioning everyone who was in the house last night. No suspects yet.” He indicated a straight-back chair in front of the table.

  I didn’t sit but looked over my shoulder. Marla had left. “Do you mind if I shut the door?”

  He raised his eyebrows. “Go right ahead.”

  I pulled the heavy oak door closed and took the seat in front of the table. “Sir, I arrived late last night —”

  He held up a hand and smoothed back his full head of hair. “Excuse me. Allow me to ask some questions first.” His face was narrow and clean-shaven, vaguely familiar. Probably I had seen him around town. I had lived in Plainsville for several years while attending school.

  “Yes, sir. I’m sorry.”

  “Your full name?”

  “Sarah Jane Hutchinson.”

  “Mrs. Hutchinson, what time did you arrive yesterday?”

  “I’m not sure — I didn’t look at my watch, but it was around eight or so.”

  “What is your reason for being here?”

  “My brother, Zeke Hunter, recently had an appendectomy and his heart stopped beating during surgery. The doctors wanted to monitor his heart. I came to speak with his doctors.”

  “Why is your brother at the Drake residence? Is he a relative? A friend?”

  “I met Mr. Matthew Drake at the end of May. I haven’t known him long, but his nephew, Dan Drake, is a good friend, as is Dan’s wife.”

  “I see. So your brother has been here alone?”

  “Marla ... Mrs. Drake has been seeing about him. I live in Covington County.”

  “Why did your brother have surgery here instead of closer to home?”

  I sighed, tiring of his questions. I looked down at the cup I still held in my hand. I drained the rest of my drink, wondering briefly if it was disrespectful, before I looked him directly in the eyes. “My husband was in the military, and my brother is our dependent. I brought him to Fort Benning for surgery.”

  Sheriff Fields made a few marks on the paper in front of him before putting his pen down. “Now, what is this information that will aid my investigation?”

  “When I arrived yesterday, I was exhausted and went up to my room. I woke up some time later and remembered I hadn’t called my husband, so I came downstairs —”

  “And you saw someone?” He leaned toward me, expectantly.

  I frowned at his interruption. “No. Well, yes.” I took a deep breath and blew it out. “I went into the dining room to use the phone in there. When I came from behind the screen where the phone is kept, Dan was there.” I could see he was about to interrupt again, so I rushed, my words becoming jumbled. “And we sat down at the table and talked for a few minutes and then he got up and maybe he scraped the floor, it sounded that way, and then he left.” I took a breath.

  The sheriff’s face clouded over. “So, it was you and Mr. Dan Drake in the dining room last night?”

  “Yes. We were just talking. Only for a few minutes.”

  “What were you discussing?”

  “Oh, just normal things.”

  He ran a finger down the sheet of paper in front of him. “There’s no mention of Dan Drake being in the house last night.”

  “No, sir. He was leaving.”

  “What time was this?”

  “Umm ... after ten?”

  “Are you asking me or telling me?”

  I looked into my cup, wondering if I should mention Aliénor, tell him she might know what time it was when I came from the dining room. But if he talked to her, she’d know I was with Dan. Did it matter? I slowly shook my head. “I don’t know. I didn’t look at my watch.”

  I noticed Sheriff Field’s eyes were the exact color as Dan’s, hazel with a darker circle of green. They narrowed, and he leaned across the table toward me. “Did you know he was here? Was this an assignation?”

  I drew myself up, giving him my most haughty look. “No, sir, it was not. I came down to phone my husband.”

  “And why did Mr. Drake speak to you?”

  “As I’ve told you, we’re old friends. We grew up together.”

  He pressed his lips together and frowned before he picked up his pencil and tapped it against the table. “And you saw no one else? Heard nothing?”

  “No, sir. When I went upstairs, all was quiet.” I wanted to ask him if he would keep what I had told him private, but it would only fuel his suspicions. “May I go now?”

  “Yes, but I may want to question you again.”

  “Yes, sir.” I got up and left, hoping I would never see him again.

  I finished breakfast, went in search of Zeke, and we headed to his appointment. As usual, we waited two hours before being called. It turned out the doctors had nothing much to tell.

  On a couple of his visits, Zeke’s heart had skipped beats. The doctors suspected a heart murmur but were not sure how serious it was. They were still not ready to release him, wanting to continue the appointments for a couple more weeks.

  I left fuming. I had abandoned Michael and James Colton to be told nothing except that I still couldn’t take Zeke home. It was so frustrating.

  We arrived back at Mr. Drake’s and went in. The sheriff and his men had packed up and left while we were gone. We found Marla in the radio room, and I took a seat on the couch. She asked about Zeke, and I told her my frustrations.

  “Did the police find anything?” I asked Marla. Zeke went over to the table, looked at the jigsaw puzzle in process, and quickly fit in several pieces.

  Marla shook her head. “Not a thing. Some papers were missing from the desk, and some books were pulled from the shelves, as if the thief was looking for something. Nothing of value was taken.”

  “At least that’s good news. Maybe they’ll catch whoever broke in eventually. Where are Mr. Drake and Grace?”

  “Mr. Drake had an appointment with a security firm. He’s getting new locks for all the doors. Grace is around somewhere — I think on the lawn.”

  Zeke gave me a hopeful look, and I nodded. He left. This would be a good opportunity to talk to Marla. “I have a couple of questions for you.”

  She folded her hands in her lap, as if preparing. “Yes?”

  I didn’t beat around the bush. “I’ve had a talk with Dan. He says that you only married him for his money, that you never loved him.�
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  She tilted her head, watching me from under her lashes, her expression grim. “You and Dan have been getting cozy.”

  I ignored her insinuation. “He further says that you and Sylvia have been friends for years.” I couldn’t help it. Tears pricked my eyes.

  She clasped her hands together. “We have.”

  I thought I had prepared myself, but the tears streaked down my cheeks.

  Chapter 33—Marla

  Marla’s façade crumpled. “Jay! Don’t cry. I can take your anger, your contempt, your hatred, but not your tears.” Her own lips trembled.

  “So it’s true,” I whispered, barely able to get the words past the lump in my throat.

  Marla fumbled for her handkerchief and blew her nose. “I’m sorry. I truly am.”

  “The first time I saw you, you were watching me, that first day at school when I went to the office with Aunt Liza.”

  “True.” Her voice had regained its composure. “Sylvia and I worked out a deal. We kept an eye out for new students — never knowing how they might be useful. Sylvia dismissed you immediately, but I saw potential ... and it paid off. Dan came driving up in that gorgeous car.”

  I wrinkled my forehead. “You weren’t there after school, were you? It was Sylvia and her friends who asked for a ride.”

  “I encouraged Sylvia to ask. Dan looked like a guy to go after someone of her type. But I was wrong. He only had eyes for you. I knew it would take a little extra effort to win him over.”

  I searched her eyes. “All of it, all of these years, have been a sham? You were after Dan all along?”

  “Not a complete sham. It turns out that I enjoyed your company.” She traced a design on the couch. “Your family’s pretty nice, too.”

  “Thank you,” I said automatically. “So, you liked Dan’s car, and you went after him?”

  “Well, give Sylvia and me a little more credit than that. I looked into his family’s background, found out how much land his father owned. And what a plus that he was an only child and would inherit all of it.”

  “Why are you telling me this now?”