Chapter 6

A few good men

"Night will fall and the dark will rise when a good man goes to war."

After three hours of research in the local library Jessica took off her glasses and massaged the bridge of her nose. Her eyes had started hurting a while back and on top of it she was getting tired. The artificial, somewhat dark light of the library was annoying to say the least. With a sigh she closed the big volume in front of her and leaned back. As expected, she hadn't found much about the death of Deidra Chambers or the following investigation. The involvement of Kate and the twin brothers had barely been mentioned. However, the search through the gossip columns about the Harpers had proven to be successful. Kate and Aaron's wedding two years ago and the murder trial had received a lot of media attention. Before, Kate and her husband had been the darlings of the rainbow press until Aaron had been tried for murder. After his conviction it had become quiet around the glamorous couple.

"Mrs. Fletcher?" Surprised to hear someone addressing her directly Jessica looked up and found the same man she had seen arguing with Kate only hours before standing at her table.

"Yes?" she asked cautiously.

"Mrs. Fletcher, my name is Thomas Chambers."

"I know who you are," she said. "What can I do for you?"

He was surprised by her response, but he recovered quickly. "May I?" he pointed at the chair opposite her. Curiously, she scrutinized him while he sat down. He was a good looking man, though he looked older than he was. His hair was streaked with gray and he appeared jaded and tired like someone who had fought his battle for too long.

"Please."

"How do you know who I am?" he asked, presenting his badge.

"I was in the room next door when you and Kate Harper were arguing this morning."

He smirked and drew a deep breath, "I see. So I assume Mrs. Harper has told you about me?"

Jessica hesitated. She wasn't sure what she should tell him, because she didn't know why he was seeking her out. Did he follow her? How did he even know she was in the library?

"She told me the story of a young woman who died in an accident," Jessica replied, trying to sound vague. "And about a brother who thinks it was murder."

Chambers nodded. "That's accurate, but not the whole story."

"Is that the reason you are here?" she asked with a genuine smile. "Do you want to tell me your story?"

"It's not just a story," Chambers said. "This isn't one of your novels. I'm here because I want to tell you the truth. Kate and Aaron are about stories, but I am talking about what really happened."

Jessica contemplated his words and asked, "You know, in my lifetime I've learned that there's more than one angle to the truth."

"Is that the reason you sleep under the same roof with Preston Giles? Do you see more in him than a double murderer – is that your angle?"

His direct question astonished Jessica and she needed a few seconds to recover. "I don't know what Preston Giles has got to do with all this. I thought your vendetta was against Kate and the Harper brothers."

He ignored her remark. "Preston Giles is the reason you are here, isn't he? You put him behind bars, you know what he did and why, and you're still here. So what do you owe him?"

"Nothing. Not everything in life is about owing something to someone."

"In my experience it is," Chambers said.

"So that is the reason you brought Aaron Harper behind bars for a crime he probably didn't commit? Do you feel he owed it to you?" She was simplifying matters, but she didn't want to leave his provocation unanswered. She didn't like to be pushed around like this by anyone, but especially not by a stranger and he should know it. He took her counterattack with an approving nod.

"He owed it to my sister. He led her on for months before she died, because he wanted to make Kate jealous. He played with her and when he was tired of her, he killed her. Deidra could be very annoying and persisting when she wanted something. I warned her against him and his friends, but she didn't listen to me. I knew something terrible was going to happen to her when she went on that boat."

"And what makes you so sure it was murder?" Jessica asked.

"There are too many things that didn't add up; tiny details that make no sense when you look at them."

"For example?"

"Two days after the so called accident Kate took part in a swimming competition. She won. I'm sure you found a picture of that day in the papers."

"I have."

"Doesn't it strike you as odd that she won just after she couldn't save a so called friend from drowning?"

"It is unusual," Jessica admitted, "But Kate seems to be someone who is very good at compartmentalizing."

Chambers laughed bitterly, causing another visitor to give him an angry look. "Is that how a writer describes a cold-blooded woman?" he asked, upset. "She's good at compartmentalizing."

"Mr. Chambers…," Jessica sat up. "What do you want from me? So far all you've told me are well known facts. And none of them prove murder."

"I know. That is the reason Kate and the Harper brothers have never been tried, but that does not make them innocent. I know Kate and Preston Giles have asked you to investigate the murder of Carter McIntyre and I'm here to ask you to leave it alone."

"Why?" Jessica asked. "Because Aaron Harper is innocent and you are afraid a new investigation, or even worse a new trial, could prove it?"

Chambers shifted on his chair and lowered his voice, "No, but there's something you should know before you proclaim Aaron Harper innocent. Before the police arrested him, I gave Aaron a choice. I offered him a way out, if he told me the truth about my sister's death."

"And he refused?" Jessica assumed.

He nodded. "Yes. He went to jail without hesitation and without a real fight. That's proof enough for me. And you know what else, Mrs. Fletcher? I think whoever killed McIntyre is still out there – or to be more precise, in Harper's house. Preston Giles may think it's all right to ask a private citizen to get involved in a murder case, but I don't. Aaron's on the run and I'm sure he will turn up here sooner or later and when does, thing will get ugly. I think you are in danger."

Jessica was a little amused. "As far as I can tell I'm not in grave danger yet."

"You really trust Giles, don't you? I wonder why."

"I'm afraid that is none of your business."

Chambers sighed and again Jessica noticed how worn out he looked for a man of his age. "Forgive me, Mr. Chambers," she said, "But haven't you fought long enough for something you will probably never prove?"

"I'm not done yet. The war isn't over, Mrs. Fletcher."

"Are you sure the collateral damage is worth it?"

Chambers rose slowly. "The truth is always worth a fight. Veritas omnia vincit – the truth conquers all, sooner or later. I'll see you, Mrs. Fletcher."

Jessica watched him as he left the library, taken aback and amazed at the same time. The picture of the can of worms was coming back to her mind.

Returning to the estate wasn't nearly as easy as leaving it Jessica realized when she saw the assembled crowd of journalists that were sieging the entrance gate. Jessica quickly told the driver to take her to Blake Napier' s estate instead. With any luck she could sneak her way back to the house through the famous Sleeping Beauty door without being seen - and perhaps she could also meet with Blake Napier in private. She had his hunch it would be best if Preston wasn't present when she talked to him.

Jessica was lucky. Blake Napier was at home and didn't hesitate to invite her in.

"Be my guest, Mrs. Fletcher," he said as he led her through the house. "I'm glad to offer you shelter from the maddening crowd out there."

"Thank you!" Jessica said.

"Can I get you something? I was about to have some tea, or do you want something stronger?"

"A cup of tea will be just fine," she answered.

"Wonderful. Let's go outside. The weather is too good to stay inside."

Jessica followed him across a room that looked like a private library and led outside into the garden. The table was already set for two, as Jessica noticed. Maybe for Blake and Melanie?

"I hope I am not disturbing you," she said, as she settled into a chair.

Blake dismissed her apology. "Don't worry about that. I just got a call, my guest will be late and you will always be welcome in my house."

Jessica had a feeling he was lying about his "guest", but she decided to put him at ease. Blake was no fool and he wouldn't talk to her if he had the impression she was too observant. "That is very kind of you."

"I would ask you to sign one of your books for me, but I'm afraid I left them in my apartment in Manhattan."

"I'll tell my publisher to arrange a signed copy for you. You have a beautiful home. Kate told me, she grew up here."

Blake nodded, "She did. The twins and she used to play in this garden. Do you see the tree over there?"

Jessica followed his gaze. She had seen the maple tree before. "I think I saw a photo of Kate and the twins sitting in it."

Blake nodded, "That's the one. The three used to play everywhere. Over there's this little door that connects this estate with the Harper estate."

"Yes, I've heard about it."

"It was my wife's idea," Blake said and a small shadow crossed his face. "Doreen thought it was a good idea. She was a close friend of Aaron and Aidan's mother."

"I know Doreen died last year."

For a moment Blake fell silent, then he cleared his throat and said, "Yes, she was very ill. Alzheimer' s. A vile disease, malicious and cruel." Jessica took her time to observe Blake while she was drinking her tea. She noticed the scar on the back of his hand while he absent-mindedly ran his thumb over it.

"It must have been a horrible time for the family. First the murder trial, then Doreen's death, and now the news about the prison break," she said, hoping he would take the bait.

"It was," Blake agreed solemnly. "But most of all it was all very hard on Kate. Though I don't think she knew how ill her mother was until it was too late, and now Aaron…. " his voice trailed off.

"What do you mean? She didn't know how ill her mother was?" Jessica asked curiously.

Blake put his cup down and pointed to his scar. "How much do you know about Alzheimer' s?" he asked.

"Enough to know that people who suffer from it show signs of cognitive defects and untypical, often erratic behavior," Jessica answered as vaguely as possible.

Blake nodded, "True. Doreen wasn't herself last summer. She was aggressive, angry with herself, the world – and me. One day, shortly before Carter's death, she stabbed me with a letter opener in the back of my hand. It took months to heal."

"Oh my…."

"Yes, it was horrible. And from there it went downhill until she died two months later."

"How did she die?"

"She committed suicide. I woke up one morning and she wasn't there. I searched the house and when I didn't find her, I knew something terrible must have happened. I found her at the beach, in her hand an empty bottle of vodka and sleeping pills. She didn't leave a note."

Jessica gasped and wrinkled her forehead. She had no idea Doreen had committed suicide. Neither Kate nor Preston had mentioned it. Did Preston even know about this? Was it relevant for the case?

"I'm very sorry," she said, truly moved.

"Thank you. I guess all we can do is live with the things we can't change. Life goes on and so must we."

"That is true."

"Is there a reason why you're here without Nathan... Preston, I mean? Last night I had the impression he was your shadow."

"I don't know where he is," Jessica wanted to avoid a direct answer. She was curious about Blake's relationship with Preston, but she didn't want Blake to question her in return either. She had noticed that Blake had used Preston's real name and she doubted it had been a mistake. Obviously Blake intended to seed doubt about Preston where and whenever he could.

"He keeps avoiding me when possible and I'm grateful for it." Blake smirked, again awaiting Jessica's reaction.

"I know you didn't part on good terms."

Blake laughed. "Please, Mrs. Fletcher…."

"Call me Jessica," she interrupted him.

"Jessica…. I know he thinks I'm to blame for his misfortune and his broken marriage, but I assure you, he did it all to himself."

Jessica preferred not to answer. "I'm not here to judge that," she said.

"Perhaps not, but you are here, because he asked you to."

She couldn't deny that. Nevertheless she wanted to give their conversation another turn. "Tell me, Blake… what do you think about Carter's murder?"

"You mean, if I think Aaron killed him?" he asked. "I don't know. All I know is that Aaron and Carter had a fight before Carter was killed. Aaron has a quite a temper and Carter knew how to push his buttons. Maybe he overdid it that night and that caused his death."

Jessica let this sink in and then she asked, "Did you have to testify in court?"

"No," Blake answered. "I didn't have to."

He didn't offer any further explanation and so Jessica decided not to push him. So far she had learned enough. She finished her tea. "Thank you so much for your time. I think I have to go now."

Blake didn't try to keep her from leaving. "I meant it, you're always welcome in my home,"

"As long as I come here without my 'shadow'", she quoted.

"You've got me there." He shook her hand and pointed at the garden door that connected both estates. "There's the rabbit hole," he said, and Jessica couldn't fathom whether he was joking or not.

That evening dinner was a quiet affair. The news about Aaron's escape from prison was darkening the mood. Every attempt from Jessica to start a conversation was hopeless and in the end a very pale looking Kate excused herself with a headache. To Jessica's surprise Preston decided to retire for the night as well and so she also went up to her room. After she had changed into her nightwear she sat down to reread some of the notes she had taken in the library. She compared and added them to the big file Preston had given to her and came to the conclusion that she was missing something. During their conversation, Chambers had told her some things in Deidra's death didn't add up, and it was the same with Carter McIntyre's death. She repeated the story about the fall from the balcony in her head… Kate had seen him falling, but she didn't know who pushed him. Yet the lights must have been switched on that night. Kate was the only witness to the fall, so she was the linchpin. The only one who could tell what really had happened – unless she was lying. Kate, Kate, Kate…. Everything was leading to her.

Jessica looked at her watch. It was half past eleven, the perfect time for a cup of chamomile tea before she went to bed.

To her surprise she found Preston in the kitchen, his sleeves pushed up, stirring something that smelled like cocoa.

"I thought you went to bed," she said, a little surprised.

"I couldn't sleep," he answered. "Can I get you anything?"

She shook her head, "Thank you… I can help myself. I just need a cup of tea."

She passed him, close enough to brush his shoulder with hers, and filled the kettle with water. "You were rather quite this evening," she said.

"I guess today's news put a damper on my mood." He shrugged and helped himself to a mug.

Jessica understood and wondered if now was the time to ask the question she had wanted to ask him for ages. "Preston… I never asked you about it and you don't have to tell me, but…."

With an ironic smirk he finished her question, "How did I escape prison all those years ago?"

She nodded, glad this was easier than expected. "I admit I wasn't as sophisticated as Aaron, but those were different times and I didn't have the money to buy myself a group of accomplices. To make it short, there was an explosion and the police thought I had died."

"Did anyone else get hurt?"

He shook his head. "No, though it was more a matter of luck rather than good planning."

"So you believe Aaron did escape prison rather than being kidnapped?"

"Kate doesn't like to hear it, but this afternoon I told her to get used to the idea. Prison can be a lonely place. I can't blame him, if he really did it."

The kettle whistled. Jessica filled her cup and added a tea bag. She watched the bag sinking into the water, as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world, because she wanted to slow down her overworking brain.

"Can I ask you a question now?"

She looked up and startled when she found him standing right next to her.

"Of course." She hoped she wasn't blushing, but the sudden warmth in her cheeks betrayed her.

"That night in Cabot Cove, before I came to visit you… you weren't alone."

"No, I wasn't." The heat in her face intensified.

"I know I have no right to ask, but I'm curious. You've never mentioned him since we've arrived."

Jessica sighed inwardly. Seth was her best friend. He was a big part of her life. Sometimes too big and sometimes too close. More than once his over protectiveness had ended in a serious argument between them. Just like two days ago, when he warned her about leaving Cabot Cove with Preston.

"Seth Hazlitt is a good friend," she said.

"Nothing more?"

She threw the tea bag into the trash bin, before she answered. "Nothing more."

"I wish you would let me be your friend too."

"You know it is not that easy," she said with a sigh.

"I know." He looked into his cup. "But I would like a chance to try. I want to be a part of your life – not as a lover or husband. I've disqualified myself for that when I killed two people. But I'd like to be your friend."

They were slowly reaching the heart of the problem. They had once told each other that their mutual attraction could lead into something much more serious, but in any case they would end up as good friends. Now, after him going to prison for double murder, easier said than done. Could she be friends with a man who broke her heart?

"I'm not sure I can do this, Preston," she said truthfully.

He nodded, "I understand. Just think about it. Please."

"I will." She gave him a smile. He raised his mug into her direction. "Good night, Jess. Sleep well."

"Good night, Preston."

~~tbc~~