Secrets Never Told Page 25

  Enid glanced at the clock on the wall. “I know you have to leave soon, but I’d like to ask a final question. Who is the accomplice under arrest?”

  “The young woman who was an accomplice to Sheriff Waters’ killing is Darla Smith. She is Angelina Peterson’s daughter.” The room gasped again, and Enid tried not to show her own surprise. “The father listed on her birth certificate is David Smith, which may be a false name.”

  Josh continued, “We’re not sure who the actual biological father is, or where he is, but we will do our best to locate him. Fred Peterson claims he has no idea who the father was. When Fred found out Angelina was pregnant, he sent her to West Virginia. After Darla Smith’s birth, Fred took her to live with relatives and brought Angel back to South Carolina with him.”

  “Have they lived at 7 Crows Farm all along?”

  “No, the farm was foreclosed right around the time Angel went missing. Fred moved around the state staying mostly in abandoned houses. At some point, he went to West Virginia and brought Darla Smith back with him. They had been staying back at the 7 Crows Farm only a few months before Boogie was killed.”

  “Did Clyde Peterson know he had a granddaughter?”

  “I don’t believe Angel’s father knew about Darla. It’s a tragic situation. Fred Peterson controlled his sister Angel, physically and emotionally, and then he went after her daughter. While it may appear Darla Smith willingly participated in Sheriff Waters’ killing, she may also be a victim. She’ll be examined by a psychologist for possible Stockholm syndrome and other psychological factors that may have contributed to her involvement. That investigation will continue also.” Josh stood up. “I’m sorry, but I need to go now.”

  “Thank you for your time, Sheriff Hart,” Enid said. After Josh left, she sat alone at the front of the room. The other reporters were talking in small groups, and Cade and Jack had their heads together. For now, she had to keep her focus on writing this article. In her world, this article would be a big deal, but it was hard for her to enjoy the situation when there had been so much tragedy all around.

  CHAPTER 67

  The DNA from Clyde and Fred Peterson provided the match to the bones found at the inn. What had been good odds that the bones were Angel’s were now a certainty. With Lillian and Boogie gone, there was no way to know all the details of what happened. Who did Lillian overhear talking at the inn that led her to Pinewood Cemetery and Angel’s bones? Was it Boogie or someone else? That secret might never be told.

  After Enid’s articles were published, the Tri-County Gazette got a lot of national attention. The series focused first on the bones found at the inn, and then the murder of Sheriff Waters. The final articles tied it all together.

  In Madden, at least, Enid had achieved rock-star status, which made her uncomfortable. She avoided the diner, and when a State reporter asked for her interview, she insisted talking by phone. But this afternoon, she needed to go out. Angel’s remains were being put to rest, and Enid would be there.

  When Enid arrived at the small church where the service would be held, she recognized Clyde Peterson standing near the closed casket. Next to him was Darla, his granddaughter, with a Bowman deputy standing guard nearby.

  Angel, Fred, and Clyde had led a complex life woven of lies, threats, and fear. And now, Clyde Peterson looked like a broken man. After years of carrying the heavy burden of untold secrets, he kept his head low. The church minister read two verses of scripture and said a few words about God’s love triumphing over evil at the graveside service behind the church. He offered condolences to Clyde and Darla, who wept quietly. Clyde made no attempt to console her. They didn’t share memories of birthday parties, family dinners, and other things that bond families. Instead, they were linked by death and unspeakable betrayal by one sibling against another.

  After the minister’s brief comments over the grave, the deputy escorted Darla back to the patrol car. Enid and Jack were there, as well as Jean Waters. Theo also attended, since Angel’s bones had rested at the inn for years. No other family or friends gathered around to pay their respects to Clyde.

  “Wonder what will happen to Darla?” Enid asked Jack after the service.

  “At best, she might get off on manslaughter with a lenient sentence if they find she was victimized by Fred.”

  “It’s such a tragic situation.”

  Jack nodded. “You ready to go? I’m in the mood for a chocolate milkshake. Can I interest you in one?”

  “I’d love to, but I need to wrap up a few things. Can I take a rain check?”

  “Sure. That is, if you’re planning on sticking around.”

  Enid stopped walking and looked at Jack. “What does that mean?”

  “Well, it means you’ve got bigger fish to fly than hanging around here with me at the Tri-County Gazette. And now that Cade’s back in your life, you’ve got some decisions to make about Josh.”

  “I’m going to Josh’s tonight for an overdue conversation. Can’t say I’m looking forward to it. As for Cade, we’ll always be close friends. But I don’t think we can make it work, not as a couple. We’ve both changed over the years.”

  Jack opened the door of the pickup and helped Enid inside. “Well, if you change your mind about that milkshake, just give me a call. Rachel is coming home this weekend, and I can’t wait to see her. I know she’d love to see you, too.”

  Enid stared out the window, watching Clyde by the grave as the workers began lowering the casket. “As much as I’d like to see her, I need some time alone, to think things through. Give her a hug for me and thank her again for me for helping us find Clyde. She’s going to make a terrific cyber investigator.”

  ◆◆◆

  Jean walked toward the grave where Clyde was standing. “Mr. Peterson, my name is Jean Waters. May I talk with you?”

  Clyde lifted his gaze from the casket to look at Jean. “Did you say Waters?”

  “Yes, I’m Bernard and Lillian Waters’ daughter. I’m a cancer doctor in Memphis, at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.”

  “Guess those rumors were true, then. I never did ask Bernard outright about ‘em. Figured if he wanted me to know he’d tell me. And then we kinda drifted apart in recent years.”

  Jean put her hand on Clyde’s arm. “I just want you to know how sorry I am about everything. Perhaps if my father had . . . if he had done something when you told him about your son and about Angel…”

  “That’s not for you to take on, but I appreciate your kind words.”

  Jean dropped her hand. “I’ll write a letter or do what I can to make sure your granddaughter is treated fairly. She’s a victim, too.”

  “I appreciate that, ma’am, but you’ve already done a lot. They told me you paid for the casket and burial. I can’t repay you.”

  “No need to. I can’t make up for what happened to you and Angel, but I was glad to help.”

  “And I want to thank you for all the kindness Miss Lillian showed Angel. Her mother died when she was a baby, so Angel looked to Miss Lillian at the inn. They were close from the time Angel was a little girl, and I was glad she had someplace she felt safe.” Clyde Peterson looked over to Angel’s grave, where the workers were beginning to lower the casket. “I’m so ashamed of myself. I should have done more to protect her.”

  “We all have regrets. Try to forgive yourself. That’s what Angel would have wanted, I’m sure. Now that you don’t have to live in hiding from your son, what will you do?”

  “Don’t know exactly. Hadn’t thought much about it. But I’ll be fine.”

  Jean extended her hand to Clyde. “Goodbye, Mr. Peterson. Take care of yourself.”

  Clyde shook her hand. “You, too, ma’am.”

  CHAPTER 68

  Enid watched Josh stirring a pot of spaghetti sauce on the stove. He had on a white cotton chef’s apron that looked like it had been washed too many times. He turned around toward Enid. “It’s almost ready. You hungry?”

  “It smells delicious.”
Although, Enid wasn’t hungry. “Can I help you with anything?”

  “The wine is open on the table. Why don’t you pour us a glass?”

  Enid pulled the wine stopper from the bottle and poured a small amount of cabernet sauvignon in each glass. As soon as she finished, Josh walked toward the table with a steaming dish in his hand and sat it down where Enid usually sat.

  “If that’s for me, I can’t eat that much,” Enid said.

  Josh leaned into her and kissed her lips gently. “Sure you can.”

  When they were seated, Josh raised his wine glass. “To you, and to your tenacity in solving the mystery of the bones at the inn.”

  They tipped their glasses, and each took a sip. Enid took a spoon and twirled several strands of pasta around it and then tasted it. “This is really good.”

  Josh grinned. “Thanks.”

  For the remainder of the meal, they talked about Madden, and how it was changing with all the new development around it. They also talked about Boogie. “I imagine you were hurt to find out Boogie wasn’t the man you thought he was.”

  Josh scooped up the last spoonful of sauce from his bowl. “We don’t know all the story, so I’m trying not to judge him. But on face value, it is disturbing.”

  Enid put her napkin on the table. “I’ll help you clean up, but then we need to talk.”

  “Don’t worry about the dishes. I’ll get them later.” Josh took her by the hand and led her to the large screened porch on the back of the house. He lit a candle on the table, and they sat in the two big chairs facing the woods. An owl perched in one of the big pine trees hooted, the sound eerily floating through the night shadows.

  “I know you’re upset because I didn’t tell you what was going on with my brother,” Josh said.

  “Was it because you didn’t trust me?”

  Josh took Enid’s hand in his. “Not at all. I trust you with my life. I’ve told you before I’m a protector. It’s my nature. Besides, you were busy getting bones reconstructed and trying to find out what happened.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m so proud of you.”

  “Is it all settled with your brother now?”

  “Troy’s got a good attorney, and we’re working with her and the prosecutor to get a minimum sentence. And now I want to find my sister.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Your friend Karla knows Kimi, although she goes by Heather now.”

  “What? How is that possible?”

  Josh told Enid about his conversation with Karla.

  “Where is Kimi, or Heather, now?”

  “I think she’s in New Mexico. She paid Troy’s bail, although he doesn’t know it was her. I want to talk with Heather first, make sure she’s the real deal, before I tell Troy.”

  “Did you ever find out where the tip came from, the person who called the media about you?”

  “I put a lot of people away in New Mexico, some really bad people. It could have been any one of them. The story about my wife and then her killer getting killed was in all the papers, so it could have been anyone who wanted to cause me some trouble.” He shook his head. “They sure accomplished that.” He paused. “I may find out one day, but right now, I need to focus on moving forward, not looking back.”

  “Can you forgive Troy for not stepping forward earlier?”

  “Troy will never grow up. He’s an irresponsible, hot-headed kid. But he’s my only brother, and I love him. I tell myself he wouldn’t have let me take the fall for him, but truthfully, I’ll never know.”

  Enid shook her head. “This whole mess is amazing. Real life really is stranger than fiction.”

  Josh turned in his seat to face Enid. “I’m going to rent Boogie’s house from Jean for a while.”

  “I think that makes sense. You need to be closer to the sheriff’s office.”

  “Have you thought any more about moving into my house in Madden? You could redecorate or do whatever you need to.”

  The owl hooted and flew into the darkness.

  “We can talk about this later.”

  Josh leaned back in his chair. “I’m afraid I’m going to lose you. You have so much more to offer than Madden, or I, can give you. And then there’s Cade. He’s still in love with you. So is Jack.”

  Enid laughed. “That’s ridiculous. Cade and I will always be friends, nothing more. As for Jack, he’s . . .” She couldn’t find the right word. He was more than a friend.

  Josh smiled. “Aside from my competition, I think the biggest challenge we have to overcome is our jobs. I felt awful that I couldn’t talk to you or give you information. I was even afraid of being seen with you while the investigation was going on.”

  “I think we need to give it a little time. If it’s real, we’ll work it out.” She paused. “So when are you going back to New Mexico to find your sister?”

  “Not right away. When I do go, will you go with me? There’s so much I’d love to show you.”

  “I’ll think about it. Actually, I’ve always wanted to go there.”

  “When you’re ready, we’ll go. Deal?”

  “Deal. Now let’s go clean up your cooking mess. I need to get some sleep.”

  “Are you staying over?”

  Enid leaned over and kissed Josh. “Not tonight. I need to be alone to sort through some things. I hope you can understand.”

  “I’ll take whatever I can get. Just don’t leave me.”

  EPILOGUE

  Enid watched Madelyn move from person to person at her victory party at the inn, working the room. She was clearly in her element. Even though Theo and Jack planned the event to celebrate Madelyn’s election to the state senate, Enid looked around and realized that everyone important to her was in the room: Jack, Rachel, Josh, and Cade. And, of course, Madelyn and Theo. These people were her extended family now. The only person missing was Jean, who had returned to Memphis.

  It had been more than a month since Josh had asked Enid to move into his house. The more she thought about it, the more she thought of it as his house. Her little rental house was home, for now at least. She planned to tell him she appreciated the offer but would decline.

  “She looks the part, doesn’t she?”

  Enid turned around to see Cade behind her. “You startled me. If you’re talking about Madelyn, then, yes. She’s a natural politician.”

  Jack walked over to join Cade and Enid, while Josh talked with Rachel. Jack looked at Cade. “Well, did you tell her yet?”

  “About what?” Enid asked.

  Cade cleared his throat. “I was just getting ready to tell you. What Jack is referring to is that my boss wants you to come to work for the Associated Press. I should say come back to the AP. He’s looking for another investigative reporter, and he respects your work.”

  Enid’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, my. I wasn’t expecting that.” She gathered her thoughts. “Needless to say, I’m extremely flattered.”

  “And?” Cade asked.

  “And, I’ll consider it.”

  “I thought you’d jump on that offer,” Jack said.

  “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that promotions and bigger salaries don’t necessarily bring happiness,” Enid said.

  Cade briefly shifted his focus to Madelyn, who was chatting with a small group of admirers across the room. Enid felt someone tapping on her shoulder and turned around.

  “Hello, Enid.”

  “Phyllis, I didn’t know you were here. It’s good to see you.”

  “I was running late and just got here. Senator-elect Jensen invited me.”

  Enid exchanged knowing glances with Jack. Madelyn helped the Long family find a good criminal attorney to clear Reggie’s name. She also made some calls to make sure the motion to vacate Reggie’s conviction would get the attention it deserved, and that the family would be compensated. Of course, Madelyn would want to capitalize on a photo op with Phyllis, which would explain why the State newspaper reporter was here. Such was the life of a politician. B
esides, the publicity would be good for Phyllis and her family as well. Reggie deserved some positive press.

  “We’re all happy the way things turned out,” Jack said to Phyllis.

  “Yes, it’s great day for justice,” Cade added.

  “Thanks to all of you for what you did to help clear Reggie’s name.” Phyllis turned to Enid. “May I have a private word with you?”

  “Of course.”

  Enid and Phyllis excused themselves and walked out on to the inn’s porch. The weather was unseasonably cool.

  “I won’t keep you long,” Phyllis said, rubbing her arms to stay warm. “I just wanted to say special thanks to you for what you did.”

  “That’s not—”

  “Wait, let me finish. I mean, you had every right to turn your back on me, the way I tried to deceive you in the beginning and then withholding information out of fear. I just thank God you didn’t let my foolishness stop you from doing the right thing.”

  Enid took Phyllis’ hands in hers. They were warm, even in the chilly night air. “I just wanted to help you find the truth. Nothing else mattered, then or now. I can’t imagine the fear you must have had in coming to see me. You couldn’t trust law enforcement after what happened to Reggie, and you didn’t know me at that time.” She squeezed Phyllis’ hands slightly before releasing them. “I want to thank you, for your courage, and for doing what was right for your brother and your family.”

  “I’m so sorry I judged Angelina without knowing all the facts. I should have believed Reggie when he said she was a good person.” Phyllis smiled. “I wish they could have had the life they wanted together.”