Chapter 14
Jackson sat beside Liv, his thoughts a jumble. The revelation that he may or may not belong to either the Waverly and Ashcroft families shook him to the core. And he didn’t understand why. He had an incredible life. What was wrong with him?
Liv’s attempt at reassurance with a gentle touch didn’t quell the confusion raging within him, especially after she finally told him Robert Kendrick was the first dead.
“I don”t understand any of this,” Jackson confessed, his voice strained. “How could I be both? One? Or neither?”
She placed a calming hand on his shoulder. “We”ll figure it out, Jackson. We”ll find a way to verify it.”
Her logical approach provided him a faint glimmer of hope. Jackson glanced at her, his eyes reflecting his anxiety. “What if the arsonist knows?”
He couldn”t shake the feeling of vulnerability that ran through him. Not for himself, but for anyone in his life. “Is Robert Kendrick dead because of my adoption? Was it legal to renounce my Ashcroft legacy?”
Liv”s took his hands. “It”s a possibility, Jackson. Someone might be targeting you because of your connection to both families. Or it could have nothing to do with you.”
He pulled a hand away and ran it through his hair, frustration evident in his gestures. “I never wanted any of this. Why would someone go to such lengths?”
“We need to find out what you’d be entitled to because of it.” Liv placed a comforting hand on his knee. “We don”t know yet. But we”ll find out. We have to be one step ahead. We need to identify who”s behind this.”
Jackson nodded. “Liv, you need to find them before they do something else.”
“It’s 6:30. We need to try to catch a few hours of sleep. Then, first stop, my mother’s house,” Liv told him her plan. “I’ll stay down here. Go upstairs.”
The exhaustion hung heavy beneath his eyes. He kissed her deeply and headed upstairs.
* * *
Liv quickly dialed her phone,her voice urgent. “You need to get back to Jackson”s.”
Fifteen minutes went by, and her partner, Michael, arrived. “Where is he?” He scanned the area.
“I sent him to lie down,” Liv replied, her fingers twisting in her hair. “Mike, you need to help me piece this mess together. Jackson might be part Waverly and part Ashcroft.”
Michael let out a low whistle, absorbing the revelation. “How do you figure?”
Liv recounted the story, displaying the book she was shown. “Robert Kendrick handled Jackson’s adoption. If the arsons are linked to Jackson, why did they start now? How did they uncover Jackson’s potential heritage? And what”s the connection between these fires?”
“I heard from your sister,” Michael began, leaning in close to her. “The arsonist seems to be targeting members of the town council from 1979. Each glass vial they”ve left contains a cryptic clue about a phoenix, female ashes and a female tooth.” He slid a set of files across the table.
“How did Molly identify tonight’s body so quickly?” Liv asked, hastily flipping through one of the files.
“The family reported him missing when he didn”t return for dinner. Your broadcast to all local agencies put them on alert, and they notified Molly. She had a sample ready for comparison,” Michael explained.
“Are there any more survivors from that time?” Liv dove into another folder.
“Fred Lamply and Phoebe Jefferson, the secretary. Her family filed a missing person’s report. They advised me she left town a week ago and stopped answering phone calls three days back. I put out a BOLO. We”re looking,” Michael informed her.
“Where do we start?” Liv sighed.
“We need to prove one way or the other if this is linked to Jackson. But for now, you need some rest. I”ve got two officers from Waverly Junction and two county officers stationed to watch the house,” Michael stated firmly, concern etched on his face.
Liv knew he was right. There was much to unravel, and she needed a clear head. With a nod, she agreed, trusting in the watchful eyes outside.
Michael got up to leave Jackson”s mother”s home. Liv approached him with a gentle demeanor, knowing the importance of the conversation she needed to have.
“Michael,” Liv began softly, “I want you to know how much you mean to me. You”ve been more than just a colleague or a friend—you”ve been a partner, a confidant, and the brother I never had. Your support and guidance have shaped me in ways I can”t even begin to express.”
After pausing for a moment to gather her thoughts, Liv continued, her gaze unwavering yet filled with empathy. “But I need to be honest with you. As much as I value our relationship, I”ve realized my feelings for Jackson have deepened into something more. He”s become an important part of my life, and I feel compelled to explore where this connection may lead.”
Her words were careful, considerate of Michael”s feelings, yet firm in their honesty. “I never wanted to give you the wrong impression or hurt you. You deserve to know where my heart lies, and I hope you can understand and respect my decision.”
Michael listened intently as Liv spoke, his expression a mix of surprise, understanding, and perhaps a hint of sadness.
Silence lingered between them for a moment as he tilted his head. “Liv,” he began, his voice steady, “I appreciate your honesty. Your friendship means the world to me, and I value the bond we share.”
He paused, his gaze meeting hers with warmth that belied the bittersweet moment. “While it”s hard to hear, I understand. I want nothing but happiness for you.”
“Thank you, Michael.” She hugged him and saw him to the door.
Assuring the house was locked tight, Liv climbed the stairs, her steps careful as she explored the unknown territory of Jackson”s childhood home. The first door creaked open, revealing an office adorned with memories—photographs, awards, and keepsakes that spoke of his father’s and Jackson’s lives. She felt like an intruder and quickly moved on.
Navigating the corridor, she took advantage of a conveniently placed restroom. After a brief pause, she moved onward. At the end of the hall, she discovered Jackson”s mother in a peaceful sleep.
A soft chuckle escaped Liv”s lips, her amusement tempered by determination. “Should”ve asked for directions,” she mused silently to herself.
Stepping into the adjacent room, her gaze fell upon Jackson, who was curled up in a tense, tight ball. Liv kicked off her shoes, settling in beside him. As she nestled closer, he instinctively wrapped his arms around her, taking comfort in her presence.
Her hand brushed through his tousled hair, a tender gesture meant to soothe him. “I”m here, Jackson,” she murmured softly, her voice a gentle promise amid the uncertainties. “I won”t let you get hurt.”
Liv snuggled closer to Jackson and slept.
* * *
Jackson slippedfrom Liv’s arms and made his way to the office. He pulled out a legal pad and began to put together his thoughts. Was there a surviving branch of the Ashcroft family? If so, both families could have motives for the arson attacks.
But there were also other possibilities. An unknown individual or group could have a grudge. It might not be related to the old feud. Could it be a firestarter? Some arsonists loved the flames. Could it be someone with interests in the valuable land?
“Good morning?” Liv stood in the doorway.
“Hey.” He looked at his watch. It was 11:30.
She wiped the sleep from her eyes. “You okay?”
“I’ve been better. Livvy, we need to sort through this.” He shared the possibilities he was thinking about. “All I know is this has to be solved.” He looked at her, sitting up tall in the chair.
Liv walked over and sat in his lap, pulling his head to her chest. “We’ll get through this together.”
His thoughts raced as he fought to find the words. “I can”t ask you to do this, Livvy. I feel like everything I”ve known about myself has been turned upside down. I don”t know who I am anymore. A Waverly, an Ashcroft, a Reynolds... I can”t shake this feeling that I”m somehow the cause of everything that”s happening in our town.”
“Jackson, look at me. Your genes can show you are an Ashcroft, Waverly—one, both, or neither—but you are a Reynolds, son of Martha and David. Hold on to that,” Liv said. “We”ll figure it out. You”re not alone in this.”
“You’re right. You’re right.” His smile faded. “But we have to stop this craziness.”
* * *
The smellof breakfast rose in the air as Jackson’s mother called to them from the kitchen, “Good morning, you two. Breakfast is ready.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Jackson and Liv joined her.
Martha placed a hand on Jackson’s shoulder. “I owe you an apology, son. I”m sorry for keeping things from you. No matter what, you”re a Reynolds. Your father and I loved you just as much as any biological child.”
Jackson’s voice cracked. “I know, Mom, and I’m sorry if my hunt to know more has hurt you. I think if I understand where I come from, the whole truth, it may unravel the arsons.”
She closed and opened her eyes. “I know. We should have told you earlier. It”s just... complicated. We didn”t want to burden you with all that.” When she reached out, he took her hands and squeezed them tightly.
“Jackson, you”re my son, no matter what your DNA says. You”re a Reynolds, and that”s what matters. But I”ll support you in finding the truth, whatever it may be. I”ll help however I can, but remember, no matter what you find, you”re loved, and you belong here.” Martha blew out a wistful breath.
“You’re right. Livvy reminded me of that too. I was a fool to forget it.” He got up and hugged her tightly.
He pulled his mother down into a chair beside him and took her hand. “I”ve been wondering about Dad”s time on the town council. He never really talked much about it, but I’m curious about what really went down,” he managed to get the words out.
Martha sighed. “Oh, Jackson... Your father... he was a good man. He did his best to shield us from the ugly side of politics.”
Jackson looked alarmed. “What do you mean, Mom? Was something going on?”
“Well, your father started to suspect that certain members of the council were holding separate meetings, excluding him and Chuck Everhart. He thought they were trying to control things behind closed doors. He wasn’t wrong. Your dad and Chuck were two votes out of eleven. A couple of other members voted with them on occasion. David thought it was to look good.” Martha swallowed hard.
“That”s messed up. Why would they do that?” He looked at Liv.
“Power, Jackson. It”s always about power and control. Your father believed in transparency and fairness, but not everyone shared his principles. Olivia, your father believed that too.”
“Did they ever confront them about it?” Olivia asked.
“I think when he was first elected. But as time went on, it grew harder. The council members knew how to play the game, and they weren”t afraid to play dirty.”
“Dirty?” Jackson asked.
“Bribery—and violence,” Martha whispered. “Members of the town council offered bribes to town officials and police to turn a blind eye to their illegal activities. Paying off inspectors to overlook safety violations in businesses owned by council members or their associates. Vote manipulation during elections to ensure their continued control over the town. Voter intimidation, ballot tampering, and even falsifying election results to secure their positions of power.
“Extortion to intimidate those who opposed their agenda. They would threaten business owners with closure or residents with eviction if they spoke out against council decisions. In some cases, the council resorted to violence to maintain their grip on power. Council members received kickbacks and payoffs from contractors and developers in exchange for lucrative contracts and favorable zoning decisions.” She looked distraught.
He tilted his head and looked at the ceiling. “And did you know about any of this as it was happening?” Jackson’s voice rose. Olivia slipped her hand in his.
“Your father tried to protect us from it all. He didn”t want me to worry. But I could see it in his eyes, Jackson. The stress, the frustration... It weighed heavily on him.
“You were just over twenty when he died. You were young, and he wanted you to enjoy your life. Get through school. Have fun. You were away at college. I think he would have shared things with you if he hadn’t died.”
Jackson shook his head. “I understand. But I can”t help wondering...what if things had been different? What if Dad had been able to expose them for who they really were?”
“We”ll never know. But what”s important now is that we honor your father”s and Chuck Everhart’s memory by standing up for what”s right. Just like they would have wanted. I think whoever set fire to the garage and the library meant to stop you and Olivia from pursuing the truth.”
“Was that why Dad and Livvy’s dad didn”t run for reelection? Because of what was going on with the council?
Martha looked thoughtful. “Well, that was part of it, but your fathers wanted to be more present in your lives, especially as you were growing up. They didn”t want to miss out on those precious moments.”
Jackson nodded.
Liv interjected, “Martha, do you remember anything unusual happening around twenty years ago? Before the fire that took both our fathers?”
In the dimly lit kitchen of Jackson”s childhood home, tension hung thick in the air. Outside, the soft patter of rain against the windowpane mirrored the heaviness on their hearts.
Jackson”s mother, her expression grave, broke the uneasy silence. “I think your father and Chuck found definitive evidence.”
Jackson exchanged a worried glance with Olivia. “What do you mean, Mom?”
His mother took a deep breath, steeling herself for what she was about to reveal. “The group that”s always been reelected—your dad and Chuck found proof of a murder they orchestrated. But they needed to follow the money trail to seal the deal. They planned on going to the State Highway Patrol.”
Jackson”s eyes widened. “But that”s?—”
Before he could finish his sentence, his mother continued, her tone grim. “Your father, he”d decided to run for reelection,” she revealed, her voice trembling slightly with emotion. “Chuck was helping him run, but, officially, your dad was on the ballot. Running gave your father access to the books and, more importantly, the offices.”
Her voice was grave. “Together, Chuck and your father had been back-tracing expenditures, trying to uncover the truth.”
Olivia teared up. “That would be a huge threat. Jackson, can you get the report on that fire?”
“I have it in my office at the station.” Jackson’s despair matched Olivia’s, but he was determined to get to the bottom of this. “Mom, do you think it was enough to bury them?”
Martha looked as if she were slapped. “You think Dad and Chuck were murdered?”
“It’s time we uncover the truth, Mom. For Dad”s sake, and for Liv”s dad too,” Jackson spat.
Martha placed a hand over Jackson”s. “Be careful, both of you. Some truths are better left buried.”
Olivia nodded. “We”ll tread carefully, Martha. But I think it”s time we find out what really happened all those years ago. And if it has anything to do what’s happening now.”
The pair headed upstairs to gather their stuff. Jackson”s frustration simmered beneath the surface as his mother’s evasiveness grated on his nerves. He halted in his tracks, his anger bubbling up, ready to boil over. Every answer from her was like pulling teeth, leaving him feeling more frustrated and powerless with each passing moment.
Liv stopped walking and turned to face him. As she reached up, cupping his stubbled face in her hands, Jackson”s anger faltered, giving way to a rush of conflicting emotions. He saw the strength in her eyes.
For a moment, they stood there in silence, then, with a gentle touch, Liv”s fingers traced the line of his jaw, her touch both tender and reassuring. “She”s afraid,” she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. “And, more importantly, she”s afraid for you.”