Chapter 8

Life and Death

"In a murderous time, the heart breaks and breaks, and lives by breaking."

Just as Preston had described it, Aidan's beach house was a modern monstrosity from the outside as well as from the inside. With bliss Jessica thought of her own home and the warmth of it. She loved the wood and the coziness of the furniture that appeared old-fashioned and overbearing compared to the almost empty home of Aaron's twin brother. The very few pieces of furniture were all made of glass and chrome. Everything was very modern and expensive, but also soulless, which was actually not something she had taken the lawyer for.

How had Preston described him? "He's a thinker, an intellectual…"

Curious, Jessica looked around. The living room offered a fantastic view over the beach and in front of the window stood a large table with two chairs. One sofa and a small coffee table stood in one corner of the room and a modern painting on the wall made sure the room didn't look completely hopeless.

"I've only moved in five weeks ago," Aidan explained, as if he had been reading Jessica's thoughts. "And I can't decide on the furniture. But these days I'm not much here anyway, so I'm not bothered by it just yet."

"I understand. It always takes a while before a house becomes a home. Your view is phenomenal!" Jessica said, as she stepped to the window. The sky had become cloudy and the greyness of the horizon told Jessica that the weather was about to change.

"Yes, it is," Aidan confirmed. "There's something humbling about the ocean, don't you think? I always feel rather small when I stand here and watch as the water rumbles and roars."

"I know what you're talking about. I'm from Maine."

"So, what can I do for you?"

There he was the lawyer, not wasting time to get the point. "I am curious," Jessica admitted. "I was wondering how you feel about your brother's escape from prison."

Aidan shrugged. His hands were buried in his pockets, but Jessica had a feeling he was clutching his hands to fists. "I'm not happy about it, as you can imagine. As a lawyer this kind of… irresponsible action is nothing I can support. It's just unnecessary."

"Were you surprised when you heard the news?"

"To tell the truth I was. I thought Aaron was more clever than that. I don't know what went into him. If he had asked for my help, I would have told him to think about it not just once, but twice." He sighed. "I'm sorry for Kate. She doesn't deserve this kind of sorrow."

"She seems quite upset about it," Jessica confirmed and wondered if she had found the right moment to ask him the questions that were the reason why she came here.

"So, you don't think she knew about his plan to escape?"

Aidan's head darted around. Satisfied she had caught him off guard she explained, "I need to get the whole picture. From what I heard, Kate and Aaron are like soul mates. I wonder if he would really keep such a massive plan from her."

"He would," Aidan answered without hesitation. "He would never endanger her and force a situation on her she couldn't handle."

Jessica nodded. "Yes, some men are like that. So, if you and Kate didn't know about his plans...who did?"

Again Aidan shrugged. "Perhaps he found a confidant in prison who helped him. Someone with the contacts he needed. Aaron is extremely resourceful and he is someone who attracts loyalty."

"That sounds very impressive."

"My brother is an impressive man. Maybe you will get to know him one day."

"Oh, I hope so."

She turned away from the window and while looking around her eyes fell onto the large table that was covered with maps and a sea chart as well as a compass and two mugs. The smell of fresh coffee hung in the air.

"Are you planning a trip with your new yacht?" she asked, pointing at the chart. "Kate told me about your plans to sail around the world," she added when she saw how puzzled he was by her question.

Aidans' eyes followed her as she closed in on the table. "No, at least not right now. It's more of a hobby at the moment." With quick steps he closed in on her. She tried to get a good look at the maps, but Aidan was quicker and so the maps vanished in a drawer beneath the table top. "I won't go on vacation before my brother is back safe and sound," he said.

"That could take a while," Jessica remarked, a little drier than intended. "After all, he is serving a life sentence for murder. Even without considering the consequences for his escape that is a long time." As innocently as possible Jessica let her fingertips graze one of the mugs. It was still warm.

"My brother is innocent and time will prove it."

Jessica considered that for a moment, and then she changed the subject, "Tell me… what do you know about Thomas Chambers?"

Again, Aidan was surprised. "Why would you ask that?"

"Well, he sought me out and told me about his vendetta. In fact, he warned me about the whole family."

"Did he?" Aidan scoffed. "The guy never gives up. Tell me, which one of his conspiracy theories has he told you?"

"That your brother, you and Kate murdered his sister Deidra in cold blood during that night on your father's yacht."

Aidan shook his head. "The man is obsessed. Always was, always will be."

"To me he came across as someone who can't find his peace as long as he doesn't know what really happened to Deidra."

"We told him what happened to Deidra. We told the police and we told him over and over again. He doesn't want to believe us, because he wants to blame someone for her death. Some people are like that. They need someone to blame, otherwise they can't accept the ugly truth that accidents happen."

"I know what you mean." Strangely enough she had to think about Preston. His thirst for revenge on the people who had done him wrong had led him into the abyss. In the end he had become a lone warrior just like Chambers.

"I bet there's one thing Chambers hasn't told you," Aidan said, bringing her back to reality.

"What do you mean?"

"Back then, in the same summer Deidra died, Chambers was hitting on Kate. He was crazy for her, but she wasn't the least bit interested in him."

"I see." Now it was Jessica's turn to be surprised. "No, he hasn't told me about it, but neither has Kate…"

Aidan laughed, "Because Kate has always refused to believe he had feelings for her. I think she was a bit embarrassed by it all. For Kate there were only two things important that summer. Swimming and Aaron. No one and nothing else could compete with that. In some ways it's still like that."

"So you think Kate's refusal of Thomas Chambers is the source to his bitterness and that he uses Deidra's death only as an excuse?"

"I don't know what he thinks or what drives him," Aidan said with a shrug. "All I know is that he has made our lives a living hell for the past year and I resent him for that."

"And how did you feel about Carter McIntyre?"

Aidan shrugged as if he had never thought about it before, "He was an old, stubborn man. In a way he was like Blake. Men like that just don't know when their time is over."

"Were you around when Aaron and Carter argued the night Carter died?"

"Yes, I was in the house, but I was not present when they had their argument."

"So, you can't tell me what it was all about?"

"Aaron told me it was about the future of the company. Apparently Carter didn't like the direction Aaron wanted to take with the company. Since our father's death Aaron has done his best to improve our logistic branch, but Carter and Blake never trusted Aaron's abilities."

"I see."

"The only important thing about that night is that Carter left the study alive," Aidan added pointedly. "I saw him when he left the house, huffing and puffing like one of the three little pigs."

"Do you know where he went after that?"

"My guess is he went to see Blake, but I don't know that."

"So, you saw him leaving the house…?" Jessica repeated his statement and Aidan again confirmed it with a nod. Didn't Kate tell her Aidan had left for his beach house? She made a mental note to recheck Aidan's official statement.

"And did you hear his car leaving?"

Aidan thought for a moment, then he shook his head. "No idea, but I have to admit I didn't pay much attention to his exit. As soon as I saw him leaving, I went upstairs to talk to Aaron."

"And where was Kate?"

"In the kitchen with Melanie. I didn't see her again that night."

"Do you love Kate?"

This time he wasn't surprised and perhaps he had already expected Jessica to ask him. "Kate's my brother's wife and my best friend and it might suffice to say that I love her – in the best possible way."

Jessica understood that their meeting was over now. She looked at her watch and said, "My goodness, I have to go. Thank you for your time, Aidan."

His smile was detached as showed her to the door, "My pleasure, Mrs. Fletcher."

As agreed, Jessica met Preston at the beach. The wind had freshened up and the sky became darker. Preston looked as if he was freezing and again Jessica noticed his grey complexion. Maybe the sea air wasn't what he needed to recover from his injuries.

"Let's go back," she said and linked arms with him.

"So, what did he tell you?" Preston wanted to know.

"Actually nothing I didn't suspect earlier," Jessica said pensively. "He was quite opaque."

"He's a lawyer. It's part of his profession."

"Yes, I know, but still…" Unsure what to make of her conversation with Aidan she fell silent. After a while Preston started grinning. "I can hear your brain cells working. What is it, Jess?"

His comment caused her to smile, "I'm not sure… it's actually a crazy theory and I have no proof…"

"Try me."

Her smile broadened. "No, not just yet, but you could do me a favor."

"Anything."

"Try to find out as much as you can about Aidan's new yacht and his beach house."

Preston stopped in his tracks, puzzled. "What on earth…?"

"When did he buy it? How much did it cost? And perhaps the layouts, plans, contracts… Do you think you could do that?"

"Of course," he said. "But I'm not sure I like your way of thinking."

"I just want to make sure Aidan and Kate are not involved in Aaron's prison break," Jessica explained. "They wouldn't dare to hide him in the main house, but the beach house and the yacht are two options that have to be considered."

Preston sighed. "I know, but I don't like sniffing about Kate and Aidan."

"I don't like it either," she admitted. "And I really hope I'm wrong."

He affectionately touched her cold hand. "I have an idea. Can I invite you for some lunch?" he asked. "There's a nice place at the harbor where they serve good seafood. We could also risk a look at Aidan's new boat…"

"You know, I'm suddenly extremely hungry, but…."

"Yes?"

"I'm not sure about the sea food… I'm from Maine, you know."

He laughed. "I'm up for the challenge, but first we have to do our homework!"

Thomas Chambers hand tightened around the receiver. He swallowed hard. Until now he had though he had seen everything. Nothing could throw him off the road. He was an experienced federal agent, a servant of justice. It had been painful to realize that there was no way he could find vengeance for Deidra's death, unless he used blackmail to bring her murderer to justice. Life had taught him that the end justified the means. And now he got the news that put his belief upside down.

He promised his caller to deliver the news to Kate Harper and her brother-in-law. He didn't know why, but he felt obliged to do so. This time he wouldn't gloat, nor would he patronize her. It was a strange, even sick bond that connected him to the Harpers and especially Kate. It probably wouldn't bode well when he appeared on her doorstep considering the circumstance, but he felt it was his duty to tell Kate that her husband was dead. He wanted to tell her that he was sorry after all.

Preston and Jessica's trip to the marina was successful. They located Aidan's new yacht "Freedom", but as expected there was not much to see aside from the fact that it was one of the biggest vessels there. Since the weather was looking worse by the minute, the place was deserted and they were the only people on the jetty.

"I hope you are not thinking of trespassing," Preston joked when he noticed how Jessica rose on her tiptoes to have a better look through a porthole.

"Of course not." Although she wished she could risk a look inside the yacht.

"Wouldn't it also be quiet stupid to hide on Aidan's yacht? Wouldn't be that one of the first places to look for the fugitive's brother?"

"Of course, it's indeed so obvious that no one would believe it."

"Which makes it the perfect hideaway," Preston concluded with a grin.

"It's just too fitting to be a coincidence," Jessica said and decided to let the idea be at least for a while. "But I guess, it's unlikely….Let's go to have some lunch."

The restaurant was indeed a beautiful place and the food was as superb as Preston had promised her. It felt good to discuss her sometimes contradicting ideas about the murder and Aaron's escape from prison with Preston. She was at ease with him in way she usually only felt when Seth was around and they exchanged their theories about a crime. But the longer she observed Preston, the more she became worried for his health. While she had ordered a white wine with her braided sole, he had stuck to mineral water. Also, she had overseen him taking a pill when she returned from the restroom.

"Can I ask you a question that doesn't quite fit the case?" Preston asked, after the waiter had cleared their plates.

His phrasing made her curious. "Why not?"

"Why did it take you so long to become a professional writer? You told me you wanted to become a journalist, why didn't you?"

Perplexed, she sank back in her seat. That was certainly a question she hadn't expected.

"Don't look at me like that," he chuckled. "I've read every book of yours and unlike other writers you keep becoming better and better. Why did you hide your talent for so long?"

Jessica contemplated his question for a minute before she answered. "You know, before I met my husband I did a lot of things… newspaper, even theater, but in the end I decided to become a teacher. I didn't hide my love for writing; I just gave it another outlet."

"You mean, you decided to settle down, instead of conquering the world."

She leaned over and said softly, "I don't have any regrets, Preston. Would my life have been different if I had started writing earlier? Perhaps…." She paused. "But I'm not sure, if I would have given my manuscript to a publisher myself. I was just lucky my nosy nephew had a girlfriend who happened to work for you and put it right on your desk, instead of hiding it in a pile of other unread manuscripts."

He chuckled. "I never properly thanked Grady for his intervention… Do you actually believe in coincidence?"

"I wouldn't know." For a minute they just looked at each other, unsure how to proceed in their conversation until Preston cleared his throat.

"How is Grady?"

"He's fine. He's married to nice girl and has become a father. It took him a while to get there, but I think he's happy."

"Do you know how very few people can actually say that?"

She nodded softly. "I know. I like my life as it is. I don't think I would be the same person, if I had gone another way."

"And you're truly fine with sitting here with me at the same table?"

"I am."

"I guess I should be grateful for that," he said warmly. "Jess, I want to tell you something, but I'm afraid you could misunderstand me."

"I can't deny the possibility exists," she admitted.

He reached out to take her hand. "Jess, I…"

Jessica never knew what he wanted to tell her, because a man stopped at their table and interrupted them. It was Thomas Chambers. With an annoyed sigh Preston released her hand.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Fletcher… Mr. Giles, I assume. I don't think we have been introduced."

"No, we haven't," Preston said and Jessica could tell he wasn't keen on getting introduced to Chambers now. "But my daughter's told me everything about you."

"Mr. Chambers," Jessica said quickly. "Why are you here?"

"I was told by the maid, you were here. I've just been talking to Mrs. Harper. I'm afraid I had to deliver some bad news."

Jessica didn't understand. "Did you find Aaron Harper?" she asked.

Chambers hesitated, "If you want to put it like that… Aaron Harper is dead."

Jessica and Preston exchanged a shocked glance.

"What happened?" Preston asked in disbelief.

"It was a car accident. Apparently the car with Harper and an accomplice drove over a cliff only a few miles away from here. There was an explosion… two bodies were found in the wreck."

"Oh my God!"

"I told Mrs. Harper and her brother-in-law what happened. I'm afraid she didn't take it very well," Chambers said, and Jessica noticed that he, against his usual habit, avoided eye contact.

"We should go," Jessica said to Preston. "Kate will need you." They both rose to their feet and Preston called for the waiter to settle the bill.

"What is there that you aren't telling me?" Jessica asked in a low voice when Preston had left get their jackets.

Chambers swallowed. "I tried to talk to Kate, but she… she wouldn't listen to me."

"She's naturally upset and hurt. This must be rather painful for her!"

"Just tell her I never wanted it to end like this."

So Aidan was right, she thought. Thomas Chambers did indeed have feelings for Kate. "That's something you'll have to tell her yourself," she said, and rushed over to Preston who was waiting for her at the exit.

The rain started as Preston's car passed the gate to the estate. Thunder was rolling in the distance and Jessica started to feel nervous. Something was wrong. She couldn't point her finger on it, but her gut told her to be on her toes.

"So much for your theory that Aidan is hiding Aaron," Preston said.

"I never said I was sure," Jessica returned. "I just wonder what happened…."

"Maybe the driver lost control of the car," he suggested. "I'm sure we will know more soon."

He stopped the car and held his coat over their heads as they rushed to the front door.

"Where is my daughter?" Preston asked before the maid could greet them.

"I don't know…." She looked helplessly around. "I haven't seen her since the FBI agent left."

The bad feeling in Jessica's stomach intensified. "Let's go upstairs," she suggested, but as she had feared Kate's bedroom was empty, as well as every other room. Kate was gone.

"I'm going to search for her!" Preston said and Jessica was practically on his heels when he stormed downstairs.

"Preston, please, let's call the police! There's a storm coming up!"

"The police haven't been a lot of help in the past! And since when are they searching for people unless they have been missing for more than 48 hours?" he argued as he buttoned his jacket. "I think I can find her!"

"Preston!" Her worry turned into rising anger. Going outside in this weather was insane and stupid, but he was stubborn and she didn't know how to convince him to do the right thing.

The telephone rang and cut her off.

"What is it?" Preston barked into the receiver. Jessica watched him with growing nervousness. There was a determination on his face that she didn't know how to handle. His face became stony as he turned to her.

"I see. She's here. It's for you." Preston gave her the receiver. "Doctor Hazlitt for you."

"Oh…" she blushed. She had completely forgotten Seth had wanted to call her.

"Seth, what is it?" Jessica asked, watching Preston in the corner of her eye. He had turned away, but she was sure he was listening.

"So that was the famous Mister Giles," Seth greeted her sourly. "A bit of an unpleasant fella, if you ask me."

Jessica closed her eyes and tried to concentrate, "Please, Seth… Not now. What did you find out?"

"Aye… so, I did a bit of snooping around. Turns out the late Doreen Napier died of a mix of pills and vodka."

"That's what I heard. Was it suicide?"

"The autopsy couldn't discover anything else, but that doesn't have to mean anything."

"I see." She was a bit disappointed. Her gut had told her that Blake had lied to her about Doreen, but she couldn't prove anything.

"But there's something else that might interest you…"

"Yes?"

"Mrs. Napier never suffered from Alzheimer's."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard quite right. Her whole life Doreen suffered from manic depression. Perhaps you should ask Mr. Giles about his late ex-wife's health – unless of course you prefer to spare yourself that kind of backstory."

The sarcasm in his words hurt her the same way the facts surprised her. For almost a minute neither of them spoke. She was confused and sad. The day was finally taking its toll on her and she felt how the tension that had captured her body caused her head to ache.

"Seth… I…"

"It's all right, Jess."

"No, obviously it's not. Can we talk about this when I'm home?"

"When will you be home?"

"In a few days. I'll call you."

"Be careful."

Jessica hung up and turned around. For a reason that wasn't quite obvious even to herself she felt the need to explain Seth's call to Preston, but he was gone.

~~tbc~~