Chapter 48
I CAN’T BELIEVE ANY OF THIS, BUT MY GAZE KEEPS RETURNING TO Mary’s face, as if I could find the answers in her eyes. I don’t know how to feel. My emotions are bouncing all over. Mary calmly gets to her feet and walks to the pantry.
“The dogs want their breakfast. Then I need to head out to the barn to feed the rest of the animals.” She stops, stands still, and runs her hand through her hair. “Sorry. Taking care of my animals is what has kept me sane.”
“You never went to the police?”
She shakes her head. “I was twenty-one and scared out of my mind. My brother always terrified me, and when our parents died, it was worse. He was king of the castle. Everything was in his name. I felt helpless.”
“What plan did you all come up with?”
She scoops kibble into two dog dishes. “I told Alex I wouldn’t tell the police—ever.
But that I couldn’t stay there with him and just pretend that Carol had left.
I needed to get out of Cheshire Lake. He suggested I move far away and change my name, sever all ties with the family.
I agreed. Then they came up with a plan to tell everyone that I had died. ”
“How did they get away with that? Wasn’t there an inquiry of some sort?”
“He was going to tell everyone that I died out on a trail I used to hike. And he had me cremated. There would be no service because he was too distraught.”
“And the police never looked into it?”
She shrugs, closes the pantry door. “If they did, I’m sure Alex used his influence and maybe money to quiet any concerns, forge any necessary documents. In any case, I’ve lived up here ever since. Built a life here and have heard nothing from Alex or any of the people back home.”
“Does he know where you are?” I ask again.
“I don’t know. He’s never contacted me, and I certainly haven’t reached out to him.”
“And Ruth knew?”
“Of course she knew.”
“I know she’s close to Alex, but I can’t believe she’d help him cover up a murder.”
Mary turns toward me, leans her hand on the back of her chair. “She’d do anything to protect him. Emma, Ruth is Alex’s mother.”