Chapter 17
Sinclair Waverly, an enigmatic and austere figure, commanded attention with an air of reserved authority. He possessed a commanding stature, standing tall with a posture that exuded confidence and self-assuredness despite his eighty-five years. Dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, Sinclair was the epitome of sophistication and refinement. His movements were deliberate, measured, those of someone accustomed to being in control.
Sinclair”s gaze, a penetrating shade of green, seldom revealed his mind’s inner workings. As he looked at Olivia, she did her best not to flinch at his intensity. He made everyone acutely aware of his control. The way Silas and Jule reacted made it clear both were fearful of disagreeing with him.
Michael introduced himself and Olivia. As she and her partner sat with Sinclair, she deferred the responsibility of relaying their ongoing discussion with Silas and Jule. The atmosphere in the room tensed as Michael navigated the delicate conversation.
“Mr. Waverly, we”ve been discussing the recent arson fires, the loss of Christopher and Rainey, the discovery of Rainey’s newborn, and Christopher’s vision for the town.” Michael balanced his notebook on his knee.
Olivia watched as Sinclair listened attentively, his stoic demeanor giving away little. She picked up the discussion. “Now, regarding the arsons... Is there anyone you know of who might have a motive to destroy buildings that belong to you or your family?”
Olivia”s question hung in the air. Her gaze shifted between the three Waverlys, capturing the tension of the moment. The question itself hinted at the possibility that the fires were not arbitrary acts of arson but calculated moves aimed at dismantling the dreams and plans of their only child and grandchild, Christopher.
Sinclair, known for his reserved nature, pressed his lips together before responding. “Christopher”s vision faced opposition, disagreements within the family and the community. It”s unfortunate, but success often invites envy. However, targeting properties with deliberate intent... that”s another matter entirely. We will continue our plans and Christopher’s.
“We are in the process of the Historical Building Revitalization Project. We are renovating the entire historical district for shops, restaurants, and hotel space with convention areas. It will also include middle-class housing and a supermarket.
“Christopher created the Waverly Junction Consumer Club. He understood residents needed a place to buy things at a reduced cost. He felt having one in Waverly Junction would keep out the other big-box stores. He also wanted to create the Waverly Junction History Museum to showcase the history of the town. It was supposed to be beside the library. Thankfully, we have the collection in a warehouse. The materials are safe.”
“Sir, where are those materials?” Olivia asked.
“A warehouse on the east side. I’ll get you the address. Hopefully when the insurance comes through for the library, we will quickly rebuild.”
The conversation veered toward the Terrene Theater and Fiddler’s Restaurant again. “Do you have any idea why someone would want to burn those places down?” Her eyes searched Sinclair’s for any signs of hidden knowledge.
As they spoke of owning the burned buildings and the insurance covering the financial losses, Olivia probed deeper, trying to understand potential motivations behind the arson. The Waverlys exchanged glances, their expressions untroubled.
“We”ve racked our brains trying to figure that out,” Mrs. Waverly admitted. “Aside from being an inconvenience to us, we can”t understand why anyone would target us like that.”
“Have you looked into the injured and your tenants? Maybe the issue is there?” Michael asked.
Olivia hated what she was feeling. She believed them.
“Mr. Waverly, development on the western parcel has been dormant since Christopher passed away. Is there any reason someone might believe you would begin development there?” Michael asked.
“Yes,” Sinclair answered.
The answer surprised both detectives.
Olivia raised a brow. “Yes?”
“It’s time. The arsonist, for whatever reason, has chosen to destroy some of our downtown holdings. The Waverlys never give in. We will rebuild. But now it’s time to complete Christopher’s vision. The plans are with the town council for the approval process.” Sinclair’s tone was deliberate and fierce.
“Are these the same plans Christopher had with Rainey Ashcroft? Plans that would unite the two families…”
“Detective, they are gone. There is no need to speculate,” Sinclair interrupted Olivia.
“Sir, no disrespect intended, but their murderer was never found,” Michael calmly retorted.
The senior Waverly clasped his fingers together and nodded at his son. Silas looked at his father and found his voice. “Christopher had his share of disagreements, especially with the old town council. His passion for preserving the town”s history clashed with their development plans. But those disagreements were in the past. Our son is now gone over forty years.”
Jule added, “We can”t think of anyone who would have a motive to destroy what Christopher worked so hard to build. He was brilliant. His ideas were spectacular. The fires have been devastating for us because of those destroyed memories. But to have to do with Christopher today, I find that doubtful.”
“When did your plans for development go to the town council? Before or after the theater fire?” Michael asked.
“Detectives, I don’t understand why you think the development is tied to the fires. But we submitted the plans to the council months before we completed the burn unit construction.” Sinclair Waverly walked to the bar and poured a drink. “Detectives?” He raised his glass.
Both detectives declined. “The night Christopher and Rainey died, where were you?”
“Waverly Cove at the symphony. We have season tickets,” Jule admitted.
Liv did the calculation in her head. Waverly Cove was a larger city in Waverly County, about forty minutes away, with a population of about one hundred thousand people. “Christopher, Rainey and the baby were in the home with your servants?” Olivia asked.
“Our chauffeur was with us. And the remaining staff had the night off,” Silas sighed. “Detectives, this discussion is growing tiresome.”
“We’re sorry, but we’re trying to sort out some very serious crimes.” Michael’s lips formed a tight white line. “I promise, only a few more questions.”
Olivia shifted her focus to the past, inquiring about Christopher”s involvement with the old town council. “What was Christopher fighting about with the town council?” she pressed.
Sinclair Waverly replied, “There were disagreements about the development plans for Waverly Junction. Christopher was passionate about preserving the town”s history, and he clashed with the council over what he saw as reckless and unproductive changes. I’d think your mother would be able to tell you, Detective Everhart. She was a patrol officer in those days.”
A shudder ran down her back at the mention of her mother. Olivia remained stoic and pressed further, “I know Christopher loved Rainey. Do you have any idea who the father of her infant is?”
The Waverlys exchanged a glance once again, this time uncertainty clouding their eyes. “We were not privy to Rainey”s personal life,” Sinclair Waverly maintained the same story.
Olivia delved into a more delicate topic. “If Christopher had married Rainey, what would have been the repercussions of a Waverly marrying an Ashcroft?” she asked, seeking to understand the potential implications of such a union. The detectives waited for the Waverlys” response.
Sinclair Waverly cleared his throat before responding, his words carefully chosen. “In our town, Detectives, names can carry the weight of history and expectations. The union of a Waverly and an Ashcroft would have been met with mixed reactions. It”s not just a matter of personal choice; it carries the echoes of the past.”
Mrs. Waverly nodded in agreement, her gaze distant. “The Waverlys and the Ashcrofts have had a long history in Waverly Junction. There”s been both friendship and conflict. Marrying across those lines would have stirred up old sentiments, both positive and negative.”
Silas Waverly continued, “Christopher”s love for Rainey was genuine, but the town has a way of holding on to its traditions, and such a marriage would have been seen as breaking from those traditions. It might have caused tensions within the community.”
The community.“How did you feel about Christopher marrying Rainey?” Olivia asked Sinclair.
Sinclair scoffed. “She was a maid.”
“So, it wasn’t her being an Ashcroft that bothered you?” Michael tag-teamed.
“It didn’t matter. Christopher was going to make her a Waverly.” Sinclair sipped his drink.
“And the newborn?” Olivia had been waiting to ask this question.
It felt like the air left the room. “The child was a write-off. We had him adopted.” Sinclair stood. “Now, if there is nothing more,” he ended the interview.
“If we have any more questions, we will reach out. And if you think of anything, no matter how small, let us know.” Michael passed Sinclair his business card.
The butler held open the front door. Olivia turned, and with one more look at Christopher’s portrait, she turned to the butler. “If you think of anything to help our investigation…” She handed him her card.