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Liv stood and picked up the box. “Let’s head to the archives. Maybe we will find something there.”
As they walked past the front desk, Michael was heading inside. “Hey, Liv, Jackson,” his voice lowered, “what are you two up to?”
“Just sorting through evidence for the investigation,” Liv said.
Michael waved three file folders. “I just picked up the ME’s reports. I am heading to the three scenes to see if I can find bullet fragments or blood deposits.”
“We’re heading over to the newspaper office to see if we can find something in their archives to get a history lesson. I’ll catch up with you later.” Liv and Jackson headed out.
They dove into the records of the Junction Gazette in the basement of the town library. Light bulbs hung on cords illuminating dust particles floating in the air. They were determined to unearth the truth about the town's origins and see if they could find records of bloodlines. The soft whirring of the microfiche machine filled the air as they meticulously searched through decades-old newspapers, flipping through faded pages.
“Look at this.” Liv pointed as the gears clicked and stopped on a headline that read, “Origins of Waverly Junction: The Ashcroft and Waverly Saga Revealed.” She shivered. “I never knew any of this.”
Jackson took out his phone and shot a picture of the article. “Neither did I.”
The article recounted a shared history between the Ashcroft and Waverly families. “What caused them to fight? We need to figure out the match that lit the fire.” Jackson continued to read.
Liv pulled her hair up into a messy bun. “At the heart of the conflict was a fight over land, power, and influence. The Ashcrofts and Waverlys, once co-founders of the town, disagreed over control and ownership of key parts of the town, each vying for power and authority. It’s like the Hatfields and the McCoys,” Liv tried to joke.
Jackson pressed his lips together. “Not funny. What made each piece of the town so special?” His spine stiffened with each word he read.
“Tensions escalated when a prized piece of land, pivotal for the town's growth, became the center of the feud. The Ashcrofts claimed historical ownership, while the Waverlys contested it, fueling an intense legal battle that spiraled into personal animosities,” the article continued.
“It doesn’t say which piece was prized,” Jackson said. “Keep going. Maybe there is another article.”
Liv skimmed further:
Betrayals, manipulations, and a series of back-and-forth legal maneuvers made the rift between the two families worse. The feud turned acrimonious, dividing the once-united town into factions loyal to either the Ashcrofts or the Waverlys. The culmination of the conflict led to a divisive referendum, where the majority voted to name the town Waverly Junction. Ashcroft Crossing lost, and the power shifted, ending the Ashcrofts’ influence.
Liv continued her search. “God, Jackson.” She showed him another article.
Waverly Junction, February 23, 1980 - In a devastating turn of events, the historic Waverly mansion was engulfed in flames last night, resulting in the tragic loss of two lives. Christopher Waverly, a prominent member of the community, along with Rainey Ashcroft perished in the blaze. An unnamed newborn boy survived.
The fire, which broke out shortly after midnight, quickly spread throughout the Victorian-style residence, trapping its occupants inside. Despite the valiant efforts of local firefighters, the intensity of the inferno proved insurmountable. However, amidst the chaos and devastation, two brave firefighters from Waverly Junction Fire Department, David Reynolds and Chuck Everhart, managed to rescue the newborn boy from the burning wreckage.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, with initial suspicions pointing toward arson. Of particular interest to investigators is a recent altercation between Christopher Waverly and the town council regarding proposed land development projects in the area. Sources suggest that tensions were running high, and some speculate the fire may have been a deliberate act of retaliation.
The loss of Christopher Waverly and Rainey Ashcroft has sent shockwaves throughout the tight-knit community of Waverly Junction. Waverly, who was engaged to Ashcroft, was a well-known figure, deeply involved in various community initiatives and philanthropic endeavors. Their untimely deaths have left a void that will be felt by all who knew them.
Meanwhile, the newborn boy, miraculously rescued from the flames, is currently receiving medical attention at the local hospital. The heroic actions of firefighters David Reynolds and Chuck Everhart have been praised by residents, who are grateful for their selfless bravery in the face of danger.
As the investigation into the fire continues, residents of Waverly Junction are left grappling with grief and uncertainty, mourning the loss of two cherished members of their community while grappling with the unanswered questions surrounding this tragic event.
Jackson read and reread the article.
“Are you alright?” She wrapped an arm around his waist.
He exhaled. “Yeah. I never thought to do this.” He snapped a picture of the article.
Liv rolled to the next one. “This was published three months after the fire.”
In the confines of Waverly Junction, the enigmatic figure of Rainey Ashcroft stirred intrigue and speculation amongst the townsfolk, leaving behind a legacy veiled in mystery. Known to many as Rainey Bradshaw, she quietly served as a maid within the esteemed walls of the Waverly estate, her presence casting a captivating spell over those who crossed her path.
Whispers of Rainey's past swirled through the community. Some speculated she harbored a vendetta against the Waverly family, while others surmised her true intent lay in unraveling the secrets of her lineage. Yet, amidst the conjecture, the truth remained elusive.
Tragedy struck abruptly, as Rainey's life was cut short, leaving behind unanswered questions. Despite our efforts, this local newspaper failed to unearth any living descendants of the Ashcroft lineage.
Adding a layer of happiness to her tale, it was revealed that Rainey's surviving child, a son clutched in her arms, survived the devastating fire. With no Ashcrofts and the Waverly family denying any claim to him, he was placed for adoption.
