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“He was on the council with Dad and David Reynolds.” Liv's curiosity deepened further as she listened to her sister's findings. “What else can you tell me about him?”
Molly took a deep breath and continued, “Only what I could find from a google search and know from town gossip. As the town attorney, he was known for manipulating the town's legal system, always working to protect the city council's interests. He had a long history of corrupt legal practices, and there's a trail of ruined lives that followed him. It seems he may have made some powerful enemies along the way.” She tapped the file. “That’s how I identified him. The body matched DNA he used to fake his death in 1993.”
“Faked his death?” Liv shook her head as her sister continued, absorbing the information about Robert Kendrick's connection to the town's power structure and his shady legal dealings.
“I would also check in with Mom. You know Dad was on the council? She knows a lot about the town. She may be able to fill in some more info.”
Liv did need to know more. “How did he die?” She thought about his faked death. “Really die?”
“Serum carboxyhemoglobin levels show he was dead before the fire. Waiting on the tox screen. But the bullet wound at T-2 would be a good start. Through the aortic arch. No bullet.” Molly pulled a picture clear and handed it to Liv. “The CT-scan showed metallic artifact of a ring on the wedding finger engraved with ‘Bobby loves Edith.’”
“Do you think he was killed at the estate?” Liv asked.
Molly shook her head. “He wasn’t dead too long. But he wasn’t killed at the estate. Very little fluid in the body, yet the dirt below the body was clear. Oh, and the tooth in the vial wasn’t his. The DNA belonged to a woman.”
“Thanks, Mol,” Liv said, her tone more genuine now. “This is a start. When do you think you’ll have the ID on the other bodies?”
“Running DNA. The third cryptic message reads, ‘In the flames of adversity, the phoenix finds its strength, emerging reborn from the ashes of its trials.’” She sighed. “Do you have any idea what these mean?”
“Not until you identify the two other bodies.” Liv yawned.
“What are you wearing to the Harvest Dance tonight?”
Liv slipped on her coat. “Shit. I forgot.” Jackson.
Molly shook her head. “Well, you better get home and change. The current town council is turning it into a fundraiser for the injured and displaced from the fires. Hatfield’s always has good food and good music. It should be fun.”
* * *
As Jackson waited outside the restaurant, he was greeted by the familiar faces of townspeople making their way inside for the festivities.
“Evening, Jackson!” called out Mrs. Jenkins, the town's resident baker, as she bustled past with a tray of her famous apple turnovers. “Hope you're ready for a night of dancing!”
“Looking sharp, Jackson!” chimed in Mr. Thompson, the local mechanic, giving him a friendly nod as he held the door open for a group of giggling teenagers.
Jackson returned their greetings with a smile. The Harvest Dance was always a well-attended event. But on the heels of the two fires, there was a huge turnout. Hatfield’s parking lot was buzzing with people from the community, all coming together to help those affected by the two recent fires. Also in attendance was a large contingent of local firefighters who worked tirelessly to combat the fires.
Jackson walked over to Liv’s arriving Uber and opened the passenger door. “Hey, you made it.”
Liv smiled. “Sorry I'm late. You're looking sharp, Jackson.”
He leaned in and helped her out of the rideshare. “Thanks, but you... you're stunning.” He inhaled deeply.
Blushing, Liv teased him, “Oh, stop it. You clean up pretty well yourself.”
Jackson offered his hand, and with a gentle twirl, he led her gracefully into the dance. Liv curled into his body like she belonged. He could enjoy this feeling.
Hatfield's Restaurant buzzed with excitement as it was transformed into the perfect venue for the annual harvest dance and fundraiser. The spacious dining area had been cleared of tables and chairs, making way for a makeshift dance floor adorned with strings of twinkling fairy lights and colorful autumnal decorations. A stage had been erected at one end of the room, ready to host the live band and DJ that would provide the evening's entertainment.
Tables lined the perimeter of the dance floor, each one adorned with crisp white tablecloths and centerpieces of freshly cut flowers in vibrant fall hues. At one end of the room, a long buffet table groaned under the weight of an array of delicious dishes, freshly baked pies and decadent desserts.
As they entered the venue together, hushed conversations followed their path.
“Isn't that Liv Everhart with Jackson Reynolds?” a woman whispered.
A second woman said, “Yeah, they're clearly here together. Wonder what that's about.”
“The fires. It’s probably for work,” a third woman dismissed the potential of a romance.
