Chapter 12
Jackson entered the bedroom, a towel wrapped around his waist, the scent of her vanilla soap lingering in the air. As he settled down next to Liv, she couldn”t help but notice the clarity in his eyes. She swallowed hard, steeling herself for the conversation that lay ahead.
“Liv?”
Taking a deep breath, she placed two fingers against his lips then began to speak, her voice steady despite the nervous fluttering in her stomach. She relayed the information Molly had uncovered about the identities of the three deceased individuals, her words careful and measured.
“They were all members of the town council with our fathers.” She caressed his cheek. “I have so many questions—about the Waverlys, about the Ashcrofts... It might stir up old wounds, especially with the history between the families. But I don’t want to hurt you or your mom.”
She explained her desire to delve deeper into the town”s history, and possibly Jackson”s own, in search of answers.
“I know the Waverlys and the Ashcrofts were the founding families of Waverly Junction. There”s a history there, a tangled one. A financial one. The Waverlys allegedly bankrupted the Ashcrofts, and that should be part of the investigation. I believe that was what the original arson was about. Aren’t these things always about money?” His lips twitched up as she continued, “I also think we need to look into the arson that killed our fathers. I hate to think that may be part of this too.”
Jackson turned his lips to her palm. “It”s a whole chapter of my life I never looked at. These fires are forcing me to search out the answers.” He wrapped his arms around her and shuddered.
“I”m sorry. I didn”t mean to stir up something uncomfortable.” Liv reached for his hand.
“No, it”s okay. We have to ask these questions, and we need to know.” He squeezed her gently. “I guess… I have to admit, I’ve always felt this emptiness, driven by the mystery of where I come from. But I tucked it away. I didn’t want to hurt my folks. Maybe finding out more about these families will help me fill in some of those gaps. And answer what these fires and deaths are about.”
“One other thing: Molly said the testing done when you were found wasn”t like the DNA testing we have today. There”s a chance we could learn more, find out the truth about your past.”
As she spoke, Jackson lifted his head to look at her. He plundered her mouth with an explosive kiss. They were in this together.
* * *
Her comfy couchcradled them as they held mugs of steaming hot black coffee. Her other hand’s fingers interlaced with his. “The dead city council members served with our fathers and Fred Lamply. I need to identify the other five and assign protection.”
“We need to find the connection,” Jackson said.
“I don”t know yet, but it”s too much of a coincidence,” Liv continued. “In the interim, I need to speak with the Waverlys and both our mothers to get some town history that isn’t in the books.”
“Liv, how did Fred Lamply become your Uncle Fred?” Jackson asked.
She sighed heavily. “After my dad died, he was always there. Helping out… doing stuff a dad would do. Building our bikes, helping my mom assemble our Christmas presents.
“There are more pieces,” she added. “I need to track down how the burned buildings are connected. I know they are Waverly-owned, but why these specific buildings? Maybe if we understand that, we can prevent the next fire.”
Jackson nodded and exhaled. “I”ll help however I can. We can figure this out together.”
She met his gaze and exhaled. “I….” She closed her eyes. When she opened them, they were filled with tears. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“How would I get hurt?”
“I think some of this has to do with you,” she admitted.
In the quiet, Liv”s admission hung in the air. Jackson”s brow furrowed in confusion. “I can”t understand how I”d be involved in all of this,” he tried to grasp the connection.
Liv hesitated. “Like I said before, the DNA technology at the time you were born was not as advanced as it is today. They couldn”t definitively confirm your biological lineage as an Ashcroft.”
Jackson shuddered, the shock settling in slowly. “Rainey Ashcroft may not have been my mother?”
“What’s in question is whether she was an Ashcroft.” Liv nodded solemnly. “There is no proof. Now, with the new advancements in DNA testing, I believe there”s a chance the truth about your origins might be different from what was believed back then.”
Jackson stood up and paced her living room, holding his head. “Do you want me to give a blood sample for testing?”
Liv met his gaze, her expression determined. “Yes, I do. But the problem is... we need to find someone to compare it to.”
Jackson cocked his head. “There has to be another way.” He figured out what Liv couldn’t say. “We can’t dig up an Ashcroft body.”
Liv didn”t falter. “We have to piece together the puzzle, Jackson. There might be records, connections, or clues that could lead us to the truth. I don’t want to start digging up bodies either.” She closed and opened her eyes. “We”ll figure this out together.”
“Where do you want to start?” he asked.
“I think we should try the town records and then talk to our mothers.”
Jackson sat down beside her again and pulled her against him. “Together.”
* * *
Olivia and Jacksonventured into the evidence cellar of the Waverly Junction police department to seek clues from forty years prior—the night of the Waverly estate fire. In the dimly lit space, they wordlessly combed through the shelves, their focus intense.
Jackson climbed a ladder to explore the top shelf. Amidst the dusty relics, he spotted a discolored banker’s box wedged in the back labeled “Rainey Ashcroft-Christopher Waverly-Baby.” His voice echoed through the cellar as he alerted Liv to his discovery, igniting a spark of hope.
When Jackson pried open the box, he found it empty. Someone had taken whatever evidence it contained. Together, they sat on the floor with the empty box between them. Remnants of paper bags and an evidence log remained in the bottom of the box.
“We don’t know how long it’s been missing,” she pointed out.
Jackson growled, “Someone was one step ahead of us, and it wasn’t that long ago.” He opened his phone and hit the flashlight to show her a dust track. “Someone moved this box recently.”
Liv stood and picked up the box. “Let’s head to the archives. Maybe we will find something there.”
As they walked past the front desk, Michael was heading inside. “Hey, Liv, Jackson,” his voice lowered, “what are you two up to?”
“Just sorting through evidence for the investigation,” Liv said.
Michael waved three file folders. “I just picked up the ME’s reports. I am heading to the three scenes to see if I can find bullet fragments or blood deposits.”
“We’re heading over to the newspaper office to see if we can find something in their archives to get a history lesson. I’ll catch up with you later.” Liv and Jackson headed out.
They dove into the records of the Junction Gazette in the basement of the town library. Light bulbs hung on cords illuminating dust particles floating in the air. They were determined to unearth the truth about the town”s origins and see if they could find records of bloodlines. The soft whirring of the microfiche machine filled the air as they meticulously searched through decades-old newspapers, flipping through faded pages.
“Look at this.” Liv pointed as the gears clicked and stopped on a headline that read, “Origins of Waverly Junction: The Ashcroft and Waverly Saga Revealed.” She shivered. “I never knew any of this.”
Jackson took out his phone and shot a picture of the article. “Neither did I.”
The article recounted a shared history between the Ashcroft and Waverly families. “What caused them to fight? We need to figure out the match that lit the fire.” Jackson continued to read.
Liv pulled her hair up into a messy bun. “At the heart of the conflict was a fight over land, power, and influence. The Ashcrofts and Waverlys, once co-founders of the town, disagreed over control and ownership of key parts of the town, each vying for power and authority. It’s like the Hatfields and the McCoys,” Liv tried to joke.
Jackson pressed his lips together. “Not funny. What made each piece of the town so special?” His spine stiffened with each word he read.
“Tensions escalated when a prized piece of land, pivotal for the town”s growth, became the center of the feud. The Ashcrofts claimed historical ownership, while the Waverlys contested it, fueling an intense legal battle that spiraled into personal animosities,” the article continued.
“It doesn’t say which piece was prized,” Jackson said. “Keep going. Maybe there is another article.”
Liv skimmed further:
Betrayals, manipulations, and a series of back-and-forth legal maneuvers made the rift between the two families worse. The feud turned acrimonious, dividing the once-united town into factions loyal to either the Ashcrofts or the Waverlys. The culmination of the conflict led to a divisive referendum, where the majority voted to name the town Waverly Junction. Ashcroft Crossing lost, and the power shifted, ending the Ashcrofts’ influence.
Liv continued her search. “God, Jackson.” She showed him another article.
Waverly Junction, February 23, 1980 - In a devastating turn of events, the historic Waverly mansion was engulfed in flames last night, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. Christopher Waverly, a prominent member of the community, along with Rainey Ashcroft perished in the blaze. An unnamed newborn boy survived.
The fire, which broke out shortly after midnight, quickly spread throughout the Victorian-style residence, trapping its occupants inside. Despite the valiant efforts of local firefighters, the intensity of the inferno proved insurmountable. However, amidst the chaos and devastation, two brave firefighters from Waverly Junction Fire Department, David Reynolds and Chuck Everhart, managed to rescue the newborn boy from the burning wreckage.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, with initial suspicions pointing toward arson. Of particular interest to investigators is a recent altercation between Christopher Waverly and the town council regarding proposed land development projects in the area. Sources suggest that tensions were running high, and some speculate the fire may have been a deliberate act of retaliation.
The loss of Christopher Waverly and Rainey Ashcroft has sent shockwaves throughout the tight-knit community of Waverly Junction. Waverly, who was engaged to Ashcroft, was a well-known figure, deeply involved in various community initiatives and philanthropic endeavors. Their untimely deaths have left a void that will be felt by all who knew them.
Meanwhile, the newborn boy, miraculously rescued from the flames, is currently receiving medical attention at the local hospital. The heroic actions of firefighters David Reynolds and Chuck Everhart have been praised by residents, who are grateful for their selfless bravery in the face of danger.
As the investigation into the fire continues, residents of Waverly Junction are left grappling with grief and uncertainty, mourning the loss of two cherished members of their community while grappling with the unanswered questions surrounding this tragic event.
Jackson read and reread the article.
“Are you alright?” She wrapped an arm around his waist.
He exhaled. “Yeah. I never thought to do this.” He snapped a picture of the article.
Liv rolled to the next one. “This was published three months after the fire.”
In the confines of Waverly Junction, the enigmatic figure of Rainey Ashcroft stirred intrigue and speculation amongst the townsfolk, leaving behind a legacy veiled in mystery. Known to many as Rainey Bradshaw, she quietly served as a maid within the esteemed walls of the Waverly estate, her presence casting a captivating spell over those who crossed her path.
Whispers of Rainey”s past swirled through the community. Some speculated she harbored a vendetta against the Waverly family, while others surmised her true intent lay in unraveling the secrets of her lineage. Yet, amidst the conjecture, the truth remained elusive.
Tragedy struck abruptly, as Rainey”s life was cut short, leaving behind unanswered questions. Despite our efforts, this local newspaper failed to unearth any living descendants of the Ashcroft lineage.
Adding a layer of happiness to her tale, it was revealed that Rainey”s surviving child, a son clutched in her arms, survived the devastating fire. With no Ashcrofts and the Waverly family denying any claim to him, he was placed for adoption.
In our community, where secrets are abundant, Rainey”s story stands as one more mystery.
Jackson exhaled heavily. “Have we gotten anywhere?” he muttered as he shot another picture.
“We need to look at the town council,” Liv sighed.
“See if you can look up the fight,” Jackson said.
Liv searched. “Here. This was written before the fire.”
In a stunning turn of events, a routine open meeting of the Waverly Junction Town Council descended into chaos as a reported fistfight erupted between prominent figures, Council Member Robert Kendrick and Christopher Waverly, heir apparent to the Waverly fortune. The altercation unfolded amidst discussions regarding Waverly’s request for permits to develop land owned by the Waverly family in the names of both the Waverly and Ashcroft families, which cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a historic moment of reconciliation.
“Christopher wanted to end the feud,” Jackson said. “Why didn’t the council want that?”
Tensions reached a boiling point as tempers flared during the meeting, culminating in a physical altercation between Kendrick and Waverly. Kendrick and the voting majority did not want to see the land developed.
“What would be lost if the land was developed in both their names?” Liv wondered aloud. “More money to the Waverlys. What was the council getting?”
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with chairs overturned and voices raised in anger as the two men exchanged blows. It was only through the intervention of David Reynolds, another council member, who stepped in to break up the fight, that further escalation was prevented.
The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation from residents and officials alike. Many expressed dismay at the lack of decorum displayed by members of the town council. Requests for comment from other council members regarding the altercation have been met with silence.
Questions linger about the future of the proposed development project and the ability of the town council to effectively govern. The development project would have benefitted Waverly Junction and dissolved the Ashcroft-Waverly feud. Sources speculate that it would also eliminate power held by certain town council members.
“The development ended with the fire and Christopher Waverly’s death.” Jackson shook his head.
As they continued their research into stories of the town council, Jackson caught a whiff of garlic. “Liv, do you smell anything?”
Before she could react, a crackling sound reverberated through the basement, followed by a sudden explosion of flames from a number of light bulbs.
“Fire!” Jackson shouted, his heart pounding as smoke quickly filled the room. “Liv, get down.”
More bulbs popped. Flames crawled along the ceiling, devouring the infrastructure and sending ceiling tiles crashing down around them with a pop of each light bulb. The paper records ignited, and the flames spread at a furious pace.
Liv coughed. “Jackson, run.”
He grabbed Liv”s hand, pulling her away from the growing inferno as they dashed up the wooden steps. Smoke and flame followed behind them. As they reached the main library, panic set in as the large main room filled with smoke.
“The fire alarm and sprinklers aren’t functioning.” Jackson didn”t hesitate. “Livvy, call for help. I’ll clear the building.”
* * *
Liv ran for the door,dialing 911 as she went. Outside, she popped her trunk, jumped into her turnout gear and grabbed her Scott Pak. Returning inside, she found Jackson, his chest heaving for air as he helped evacuate some patrons who were frozen with fear.
Liv grabbed them and ushered them out. Assured no one was left inside, she shared her air with Jackson until they were clear of the building. The arrival of Turk and Station 3 was a welcome relief, but the fire had already gained terrible momentum.
Joining the on-duty firefighters, Jackson regained his breath and grabbed a hose to help fight the flames. But despite their best efforts, the fire raged, the books inside providing fuel.
As Turk called for the overhaul, embers fluttered up toward the sky. Amidst the charred structure’s remains, the outline of another body appeared. The town had lost their library and another life.
Liv’s jaw clenched with resolve, her mind racing through the events that had unfolded. She wondered if the fire had been set to destroy the structure and plant another body, or was it set to kill Jackson and her?
In the aftermath of the library fire, Michael and Olivia stood side by side, their eyes fixed on Molly as she carefully removed the lifeless body from the charred ruins. Liv, sensing the need for a closer examination, dropped to her hands and knees, carefully navigating through the debris. It was then that she discovered another vial, its glass etched with the intricate design of a phoenix.
Michael began a thorough inspection of the scene. As he sifted through the ashes, he uncovered the remnants of an incendiary device. Among the wreckage lay fragments of a small container, tangled wires, and the shattered remains of a cell phone. He frowned. “Liv, this was a deliberate and calculated attack.”
Concern etched on his face, Michael pulled Olivia tightly to him to share his findings. In hushed tones, he said, “It seemed timed to go off when the arsonist planned. You could have been killed.” He brushed some ash from her hair.
Michael”s gaze flickered between her and Jackson. “Liv, with what we know, I think Jackson was the intended target. I think you may want to stay clear of him.”
Liv”s eyes narrowed as she stared at Michael, her anger simmering just beneath the surface. “Are you serious? You think I should stay away from Jackson just because he might have been the target of some unknown threat?”
She shook her head, her frustration mounting. “I don”t need anyone telling me who I can and cannot associate with. Jackson is my friend, and I trust him. If there”s any danger, I”ll face it head-on, not cower away like some frightened child.”
Michael sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Liv, I understand you”re upset, but I”m only trying to protect you. We don”t know what we”re dealing with here, and I can”t bear the thought of anything happening to you.”
“Protect me?” Liv scoffed. “By telling me to abandon my friends? That”s not protection, Michael; that”s paranoia. I won”t let fear dictate my actions, and I won”t let anyone dictate who I can be friends with.”
Jackson rapidly approached her, her raised voice drawing his attention. His tone was calm but firm as he asked, “Livvy, what’s wrong?”
“Michael thinks you were the target and I should stay clear of you…that you might be a danger to me,” Liv explained.
Jackson looked at Michael and then back to Liv. “Whatever you decide, I”ll respect your choice,” he said, glaring at Michael.
Liv”s anger softened slightly. Taking a deep breath, she turned back to Michael. “Fine, I”ll be cautious. But don”t expect me to cut ties with Jackson just because of some vague threat. He”s my friend, and I stand by him.”
Michael’s expression was grave. “Fair enough, Liv. Just promise me you”ll be careful.”