I just had to make up the name... I hope you find it to your liking.
Thank you reviewers, I love you all! Thanks to you too, reader, I wish you're finding this story enjoyable.
Chapter 9: Was it true?
The post-burial reception for Jordan's grandma was being held in the ballroom of her residence at Beacon Hill... the Ginsburg residence. Lily had had made sure that the entire guest list was properly informed about the ceremony. Jordan and Woody had made the arrangements for the funeral, with the lawyer of Jordan's grandma breathing down their necks. George, the butler, had made all the arrangements for receiving the guests.
The house was full of people coming and leaving, the wealthy and prominent guests that Jordan didn't know - with some exceptions like Chief of Police or some judges from the court, and all her family from the morgue. She had never imagined that she would be doing such a thing, all dressed-up and all well-behaved… And unexpectedly she recognized one very familiar face.
"Dad…" Max was coming right to her and when they were close enough, he held his daughter in a warm welcome. Jordan was only able to weep softly in his chest, forgetting that she was mad at him and that she wasn't going to show her feelings in his presence.
"Jordan, honey… I'm sorry" She didn't know for what he was regretful, for the death of the mother of his beloved wife or for abandoning her daughter for so long. They were in that position for such a long time that many eyes were able to watch them from many different perspectives of the ballroom. If any of the persons that were at that gathering would have wanted to finish the events that had started with Malden, it might have been a pretty easy thing to do…
"Lieutenant Rickman" George saluted the Navy officer standing in the entrance door of the ballroom.
"It's Major Rickman now, George. Long time no see," the man greeted him.
"Long time indeed, sir" answered the butler as he offered a glass of wine to the Navy officer.
"What has left of the Ginsburg family, George? A granddaughter with no descendants and a bunch of unfinished charity projects… too much time has passed George, too much since Emily was a beautiful high-society girl." Major Rickman seemed to be lost in a memory while he was sipping his drink. George just nodded and left to attend other guests.
Woody recognized the Navy officer and went to meet him. "Major Rickman, I didn't know you knew the Ginsburg family sir."
They shook hands. "Detective… Hoyt isn't it?" And Woody just nodded. "Well, it was a very long time ago. Hey, Detective, have you found some more leads? Do you have a suspect yet?" the older man asked Woody.
"Well, we do have a lead but there isn't much evidence yet, sir. You'll find out later 'cause we have to do a little more research at the Country Club," answered Woody.
"Whenever you like, Detective, I'll be pleased to help you"
"Thank you, sir" And with that, each man went to take care of his own business.
Finally, Jordan had to let go of her father. As she was the hostess of that infamous memorial service with so many outstanding people, her little personal affairs had to wait. Max went to greet Woody and the people from the morgue, and Jordan went to continue her performance of a sophisticated and distinguished lady.
At some time in the middle of the day, she was exhausted and had the need to rest a little in order to accomplish the rest of the journey. She left the ballroom and entered one of the many rooms with which the residence was equipped. The room in question had been her own room when, at very young age, she had to stay in that house. She was lying on the bed with her eyes closed for a moment when she heard some steps approaching her. "You already miss me?" and, as she was expecting Woody to answer her, she was startled to feel a pair of man's hands on her mouth, blocking any effort she could make to shout.
"Easy, sis. I don't want to hurt you." And Jordan got more surprised to find her brother, very much alive, by her side. "Sorry to disappoint you, no detective this time… As I said, I don't want to hurt you, so, if I remove my hand from your mouth, you promise me you aren't gonna yell for help? I don't want to disturb our special guests." Jordan nodded and James let her.
"James, you're alive." was the only thing she was able to think, still dazed with her brother's appearance.
"That's an understatement, sis." Jordan didn't know what she was feeling… was she scared? Was she happy? This sudden event was rather confusing. But as she had been doing lately, against her better judgment, she did as her heart ruled and hugged her brother.
"I don't know if I'm happy, James, but I'm grateful and relieved that you're alive," she said while they were holding each other. She felt his embrace was warm and… loving? Was it true? Was he greeting her as a loving brother?
"I thought you knew by now that I was back, sis," James threw a questioning look to his sister.
Jordan got more confused, if that was possible. "Why would I? You haven't been too chatty with me lately…"
"Well, your detective definitely knows about me, I made sure that he got the message. Didn't he tell you?" James answered.
"Well, no…" Jordan was getting angry at Woody again.
"Alright, I think I judge him wrong. Now I have to explain to you everything from the beginning. We don't have much time; you know I don't need to be found here. George is taking care of the door right now, but when they realize that you're not at the ballroom they'll come looking for you."
"What is it, James? I'm all ears."
"Ok, as you can see, I'm here at grandma's home and I've been here since my disappearance in the Charles. I was pretty injured and I recurred to George, who is the only good soul I've met beside mom… and grandma." Jordan's heart was breaking because of this news. Who could imagine, her only brother…
"At first, grandma didn't know I was here because I didn't trust her, but George convinced me to meet her… She was nothing like I imagined. She was kind and almost like the mother I didn't have…" some emotional break in his voice betrayed him for a moment, but he quickly recovered his self-control.
"I've been doing some, let's say inquiries as a private investigator, but mostly I've been digging on our mother's death, and... on our grandmother's death as well. And I found some stuff that I think can be considered as a good lead. I've already left some hints to your detective, but I think he's not as good as you believe he is, sis, don't get me wrong," he was going to continue, but at that precise instant George entered the room.
"Come on, James, they're coming, they're already on the stairs. You have to leave, quickly!"
"I'll contact you later, sis. Keep your eyes open" And with that, James hurriedly left. George remained in the room and stared at Jordan. "I hope you won't say anything about what we know, Jordan, because if you do that, they'll request me to declare and I don't want to rat your brother out."
Jordan equaled his stare with one of her own and answered "Of course not, George... by the way, you're nothing like I imagined…"