Chapter 4 - The House That Wasn't Home
Mark recognized the caller's voice but couldn't immediately place it.
It belonged to someone who spoke slowly, as if giving orders were a favor.
At dawn, Detective Ellis met him outside the Whitcomb estate.
Police tape crossed the garden path, and county engineers were examining the well.
Margarethe was inside with her attorney, insisting Lily had entered the well on her own.
"She told me you were making this into a family scandal," Mark said through the study doorway.
His mother rose from Henry Whitcomb's old leather chair.
"You don't understand the responsibility of keeping this family together."
"I understand my daughter was trapped in a hole."
The attorney, Leonard Pike, lifted a folder.
"Mrs. Whitcomb is willing to cover any medical costs, provided this remains private."
"My daughter is not a bill you can pay."
Mark walked out before he broke something.
In the kitchen, Beatrice Dunn, the housekeeper who had worked here since Mark was a boy, caught his sleeve.
"Mr. Mark, your wife came here the winter before she got sick. She asked questions about the old pump room."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"She made me promise not to until she could prove something."
Beatrice pulled a folded recipe card from her apron.
Claire's handwriting covered the back.
FOR LILY, WHEN SHE'S OLD ENOUGH TO ASK WHY THE WATER NEVER BELONGED TO US.
Underneath were three numbers: 12-4-9.
Mark read the words twice.
"What water?"
Beatrice glanced toward the study.
"The springs, Mr. Mark. All those acres your mother plans to sell."
May you like
Before she could explain, a heavy door slammed at the end of the hall.
Beatrice whispered, "She knows I talked to you."
