Chapter 16
Jackson and Liv drove back to his apartment. He headed into his bathroom to shower and finish getting ready for work. “Are you going to be alright?” He wiped the remnants of the shaving cream from his face.
Liv chewed the inside of her lip. “Don”t worry about me. I”ll be fine. Go on, don”t be late for work.” She avoided a snappy comeback like, “What do you think I did before you were in my life?” Or, “Remember, I carry a gun for a living.”
He looked at her through the mirror. “I know, but... I just hate leaving you like this. It feels wrong.”
“I”ll be okay, really. You”ve got responsibilities, Jackson. We both do. We can”t let this consume us completely.”
Jackson nodded. “I just can”t shake this feeling I should be here, helping you, figuring this out together.”
Liv placed her hand on his arm. “You”re doing what you can. You”re working, and I”ve got some leads to follow up on. We”ll talk later and put our heads together, alright?”
“Okay. I just feel useless going to work while you”re dealing with all this.”
Liv’s lips turned up. “You”re not useless, Jackson. You need to keep the town from burning down. Now go on, get to work. I”ll be fine.”
Jackson swallowed hard and gave her a gentle kiss. “Alright. Call me if you need anything, okay?”
Liv chuckled. “Same here.” She drove to her sister Isobel’s office and headed inside.
“Liv, what’s up? You still seeing Jackson Reynolds?” Her brow crooked.
She turned defensive. “Why are you all up in my love life? Can’t a sister visit another?”
Isobel burst into laughter. “You forget what I do for a living. What do you need?”
“I need your help. There”s something about these fires. The bodies are connected to the old town council.”
Isobel nodded. “Okay, tell me what you”ve got.”
“We”ve had four fires, each linked to a former council member”s death, including Jackson’s mom’s garage. Plus, a repeat death at the old Waverly estate.”
“Are there any specific behavioral markers or motives in the arsonist”s actions?” Isobel leaned on her elbow.
“We’ve found cryptic clues about a phoenix in glass vials, and they’re targeting old council members. The first body was identified as Robert Kendrick. He handled Jackson’s adoption. But why now?” Olivia repeated the entire story that she knew.
Isobel mused, “Could be someone seeking retribution or a deep-seated vendetta against the council.”
“That”s what I thought too, but the timing seems too calculated. It”s like they”ve been waiting. But for what? And the phoenix?”
“Arsonists often have a personal connection to their targets or the area. It might be worth looking into past relationships or conflicts.” She typed into her laptop. “Have you seen the Waverly’s real estate logo?” Isobel turned the monitor.
“It’s a phoenix.” Olivia told her sister about the newspaper article describing the baby rising from the ashes.
Isobel ran her fingers through her hair. “Liv, these arsons may have a dual purpose. One, to avenge the bad deeds by the old council and punish those who committed them, but also someone who has something against Jackson.”
Liv listened intently to her sister”s theory, her brow furrowing as she processed the implications. After a moment of thoughtful consideration, she replied, “Interesting perspective, sis. It”s definitely plausible. The idea of avenging past wrongs committed by the council makes sense, especially given the history of contentious decisions they”ve made. But adding another layer involving someone with a grudge against Jackson... That”s a chilling thought.” She shuddered.
“It would mean we”re dealing with someone who”s not only seeking justice but also has a personal vendetta against specific individuals. Maybe someone who feels wronged by Jackson or has a score to settle. We”ll need to dig deeper into Jackson”s past interactions, see if there”s anyone with a strong enough motive to resort to arson. And, of course, keep investigating the council”s history for any clues that might support this theory. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, sis.”
* * *
The fire stationbuzzed with the familiar sounds of equipment and camaraderie as Jackson walked in. Turk sat in the office, looking up as Jackson entered, concern etched across his face. He had been waiting for Jackson to relieve him from his shift, but there was something more pressing on Turk”s mind.
“We need to talk,” Turk began, his voice low and serious. “I”ve been thinking about the fires, especially the one where we found the body. Our department worked every fire except that one. I can”t shake the feeling that maybe the arsonist is coming after us.” He looked at the ceiling then back at Jackson. “Actually, coming after you.”
Jackson nodded. “I”ve been thinking about that too.”
“Do you think they”re trying to send you a message?”
Jackson sighed, realizing his friend had put things together. “I should have talked to you sooner. Livvy and I were digging into my past. You know I was adopted. My mom filled in some new details.” His brows went up. “My birthmother was the young woman killed in the Waverly estate fire. Rainey Bradshaw. Her real name was Rainey Ashcroft.”
Turk”s eyes widened, a mix of surprise and concern flickering across his face. “You were the baby found.” He exhaled. “If there”s a chance you’re connected to these fires, we need to be careful. Hell, you need to be careful. We need to devise a plan to keep you safe.”
Jackson nodded in agreement. “That”s why Livvy and I are determined to get to the bottom of this. But I need your help. I can”t let fear paralyze me.”
Turk leaned forward, his concern shifting into determination. “Absolutely, brother. Let”s go over the local targets, see if there”s any pattern we”re missing. And about your birth parents, maybe we should head into Waverly County, talk to an attorney. Figure out if there”s any legal way for you to find out more about your roots without putting yourself at risk.”
Jackson appreciated Turk”s support. They recognized the importance of addressing both the immediate threat and the personal questions that loomed over him.
* * *
Olivia”s arrivalat her office in Waverly County marked a crucial moment in the unfolding mystery. As she entered, she found Michael diligently setting up large whiteboards that displayed key information about the arson investigations. Each board painted a vivid picture of the cases, with details about the various fires, their locations, and any patterns that emerged.
The Council of Nine Board featured pictures and information about the nine council members, plus held photos of David Reynolds and her dad on the side. The Victims Board listed the names of the deceased and included notes found in the vials. All referred to a phoenix. The Family Trees Board showcased the family histories of the Waverlys and the Ashcrofts, emphasizing the twists and turns of their feud.
Olivia whispered to herself, “Jackson.”
Michael turned to Olivia, concern etched on his face. “Liv, are you okay? What”s wrong?”
She tried to compose herself. “It”s just... seeing Jackson”s photo up there. It”s unsettling. I know he’s part of the investigation, but seeing him on a police board...”
Michael crossed his arms, his brow arched. “We don”t know the full story yet. I don’t think he’s the arsonist, but Jackson might have insights that could help us unravel this mystery.”
The whiteboards, filled with information, now stood as a testament to the intricate puzzle they were determined to solve. Liv stared at the Waverly family tree, and her mind set on a destination—the new Waverly estate. With resolve in her eyes, she and Michael traveled the winding roads until they reached the grandeur of the current Waverly residence.
Introducing herself to the butler, Olivia requested permission to speak with Christopher”s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Silas Waverly, and to Mr. Sinclair Waverly. The butler, with an air of formality, led them to the living room, where they were left to wait. The room was opulent, but Olivia”s attention was immediately drawn to a large painting hanging above the fireplace. She inquired and was told the painting depicted Christopher Waverly. The resemblance to Jackson was uncanny. A lump grew in her throat.
Taking a deep breath, Olivia steeled herself for the conversation that lay ahead. When Silas and Jule Waverly entered the room, their eyes held curiosity.
After initial pleasantries, Olivia introduced Michael and delicately broached the subject. “I’m sure you’re aware we recently found a body on the remains of your previous estate. We’re here to understand what happened the night of the fire that claimed your son’s life,” she said, her gaze focused on the older couple.
As Silas Waverly spoke, his eyes reflecting the pain of the past, Liv listened attentively. His narrative painted a vivid picture of the night that forever altered the direction of the Waverly family. However, Olivia couldn”t help but notice the selective nature of his recollection.
Silas delved into the chaos of that tragic night, describing the desperate attempts to save the estate and the devastating loss of Christopher. Yet, conspicuously absent was any mention of Jackson”s birth mother, Rainey, or the discovery of the deathly ill infant. Liv”s detective instincts stirred a subtle suspicion. Why did Silas choose to omit those details? Was it a protective measure or a deliberate act of concealment?
As the conversation unfolded, Liv delicately interjected, “Mr. Waverly, I appreciate you sharing these memories with me. It must be incredibly difficult. Can you also help me understand what happened to Rainey Bradshaw that night? And the infant found in the midst of the chaos?”
Silas”s eyes flickered momentarily, a subtle shift in his expression, as if grappling with whether to reveal more. “It”s a painful chapter, Detective,” he finally replied. “Christopher’s fiancée... she... she didn”t survive the fire. And, yes, we—well, the firefighters—found her infant. It was a heartbreaking discovery amidst the chaos.”
“But the child survived.” Jule Waverly sighed grimly.
Olivia sensed there were more details concealed beneath the surface, and as she continued to unravel what happened that night, she was determined to uncover the full truth, no matter how painful it might be. “Were you aware that Rainey Bradshaw was actually Rainey Ashcroft, and therefore, that infant was also an Ashcroft?”
As Olivia gently shifted the conversation toward Rainey Ashcroft, the air in the room became palpably tense. The Waverlys exchanged glances, and Olivia sensed a guarded reluctance in their responses.
“Rainey Ashcroft was working as a household maid, is that correct?” Michael inquired, trying to find a path to the truth.
Silas nodded, his expression tightening slightly. “Yes, she worked for us under a different last name.”
Liv pressed further, “What were your personal feelings toward Miss Ashcroft?”
Jule, Silas”s wife, fidgeted uncomfortably. “She was a competent maid, did her job well enough,” she replied, her tone measured. “Christopher told us he loved her.”
Liv picked up on the hesitancy and continued, “Do you have any idea who the father of her infant was?”
Silas spoke up, “We weren”t privy to Rainey”s personal affairs. The details of her relationships were her own.”
As Olivia sensed the evasive responses, she asked a more pointed question, “Could Christopher have been the father? Or was it someone else within the household?”
Silas”s eyes flickered, and Jule seemed to grow noticeably nervous. “No, Detective, Christopher wasn”t the father,” he stated firmly.
Jule, avoiding direct eye contact, added, “And, as for anyone else in the household, we weren”t aware of any such connections.”
Liv shared a knowing look with Michael. She recognized the dance of secrets and unspoken truths within the pair. The dynamics of relationships, both within the household and with Rainey, added layers to the puzzle.
Michael took copious notes before he navigated the next part of the conversation. He shifted toward the sites of the recent fires. The Waverlys” expressions changed, an angry mix of emotions surfacing.
“Do you own the Terrene Theater and Fiddler’s Restaurant?” Michael inquired, his gaze searching theirs for any clues.
Silas Waverly nodded, a solemn acknowledgment of their ties to these establishments. “Yes, both properties are under our ownership.”
Olivia dug deeper. “You own many properties in Waverly Junction. Do these have any special significance?” She had requisitioned the Waverly financial paperwork as well as the insurance paperwork. She also asked if any of the injured or the families of the dead were suing.
Jule Waverly took a deep breath before responding, “The fires, especially the one at the Terrein, were a blow to us. It”s not just about the physical damage; these places held memories and dreams. The emotional toll was very significant. The financial loss is the least of it.”
Silas added, “The theater and the restaurant were part of our vision for the town. The fire disrupted not just our personal lives but also the vision our son had for the community.”
Olivia chewed her cheek—neither mentioned the injured and homeless. Her next question pushed deeper into Christopher”s vision for Waverly Junction and its connection to Rainey Ashcroft. “Tell me about the land on the west side.” The mention of undeveloped land in the western part of town hinted at a larger narrative, and she sought to unravel the history that tied Christopher Waverly’s dreams to the town”s landscape.
“These places... were they solely Christopher”s vision, or was Rainey Ashcroft also involved in the planning or execution?” Michael asked.
Silas took a moment to consider the question. “Christopher had a passion for the arts, and the Terrene Theater was a manifestation of that passion. Rainey, as a household maid, was primarily involved in domestic affairs. While they may have shared conversations about the future of the town, Christopher was the one directly involved in these projects.”
Jule added, “Christopher had grand ideas for Waverly Junction. Fiddler’s Restaurant was meant to be a gathering place, a hub for the community. The theater and the restaurant were his way of contributing to the cultural and social fabric of the town.”
Olivia brought them back around again to her previous question. “Is there a reason why the land to the west hasn”t been developed? Did it hold significance in Christopher”s vision or future plans?”
Silas nodded. “Yes, that land was reserved for future development, a part of Christopher”s broader vision for the town. However, after Christopher’s death, we put the plans on hold.”
“Besides the Terrene Theater and Fiddler’s Restaurant, are there any other holdings in Waverly Junction that were part of Christopher”s vision?” Olivia asked, wanting to explore the extent of the projects and properties connected to Christopher”s dreams.
Jule pressed her lips together. “We own a lot of downtown properties. He wanted to create a Waverly Cultural Center in the space where Ashcroft Mall is. Christopher proposed a space that would house art galleries, workshops, and technology exhibits, providing a platform for local artists and innovators. In his memory, we created the Innovation Hub. It’s dedicated to fostering technological advancements and innovation within Waverly Junction, serving as a space for tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs.”
“Are there any other spaces being used for purposes other than what Christopher intended, like the mall?” Olivia asked.
“No,” Silas answered.
“And now? Even with the loss of the theater and restaurant, are those plans on hold?” Michael asked.
The Waverlys stayed quiet. The door opened, and in walked Sinclair Waverly. Both detectives stood to welcome him.
“Good afternoon, Detectives. What brings you here?” Sinclair asked.