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Charlotte, her eyes reflecting the weight of the past, hesitated for a moment before inviting her daughter and Jackson to sit. She recounted the events leading to the tragic fire that claimed the lives of Christopher Waverly and Rainey Ashcroft, known to the town as Rainey Bradshaw. The story matched what they already knew.
“What was the town’s reaction?” Olivia asked.
“The news of Chris and Rainey's plan to reunite Ashcroft Crossing and Waverly Junction into a new land for both the Waverlys and the Ashcrofts sent shockwaves through the town.”
Olivia and Jackson listened intently as Charlotte spoke.
“It had to be a big mistake. It was foolish. Chris and Rainey were going to destroy the status quo. Robert Kendrick advised them that the council would sue. Voices were raised. Threats were made.” She blew out a breath. “I was a patrol officer then in Waverly County. The Waverly Junction chief assembled a group of us to maintain the peace.
“The tension escalated as Christopher, passionate about his vision, clashed with Robert Kendrick. The conflict reached a point where punches were thrown, leaving the council chamber in chaos.
“Christopher stormed out with Rainey.” She blinked as the memories flooded back. “Later that night, Jackson, your dad was on duty. Our phone rang. There was a fire. The Waverly house and the woods were up in flames.
“Liv, your dad and every available firefighter responded. The driveway was blocked by a fallen tree. By the time they got water on the home and gained entry, they found Christopher and Rainey collapsed by the main doors. They apparently died from smoke inhalation.”
“So, it was a homicide,” Olivia said.
“Yes, as far as I’m concerned. But when it happened, the fire was ruled a tragic accident. The report at the time said the fire was started by lightning. But it was a clear night with a full moon. Another cover-up.”
Charlotte walked to a bookshelf, pulled down a large book, and sat beside Olivia. After opening the book, she handed her a file. “This is what happened. When I moved up the ranks, I compiled as much information as I could. I could never get definitive proof of who, but I’m sure the fire was started by the council.”
“Christopher and Rainey’s plan to unite the two powerful families ended in disaster.” Jackson blew out a harsh breath.
Olivia reached for Jackson’s hand. She couldn’t understand why the town had held these secrets for so long.
Charlotte seemed to read her daughter’s mind. “Waverly Junction was created by a bunch of people looking for a new beginning. They came from a powerless world seeking new power.” She shook her head. “Whoever is starting these fires is forcing the secrets into the light.”
“Mom, it’s more than that. Jackson’s whole identity is wrapped up in this, and his life is at stake,” Olivia spat.
Charlotte sighed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to lessen the importance of this whole situation, Jackson.” A furrow creased her brow, a silent plea for understanding as she struggled to articulate the depth of her remorse.
“I'm sorry too,” Liv murmured, her voice tinged with anger. She reached out tentatively, her hand hovering in the space between them before finally resting gently on his arm.
Jackson nodded with acceptance. “My mom told me some, but, Charlotte, from what you heard, how was I found?”
“As they lifted Rainey’s body, David and Chuck couldn’t believe their eyes. Curved in the crook of her arm was a newborn boy, gasping for breath, clutching a silver rattle. They took turns providing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.”
The folder contained news clippings. One of the headlines poetically proclaimed a life had emerged from the ashes of destruction. Olivia gulped. “Jackson, you’re the phoenix,” she whispered.
“Mom, what would happen if the town found out there was someone with dual heritage, Ashcroft and Waverly?” Olivia’s question lingered.
“Well,” Charlotte considered Olivia's question, “if the town was already against Chris and Rainey's plan to unite the two families, the discovery of someone with both Ashcroft and Waverly blood could further complicate matters.”
Charlotte continued, “The town might react with a mix of curiosity, suspicion, and perhaps even fear. Dual heritage can carry its own weight, especially if the person challenges established norms and traditions.”
Olivia's mind raced. Waverly Junction was resistant to change. Did the current town council run things like in the past? And, if so, would they find it difficult to accept the idea of someone being both a Waverly and an Ashcroft?
As Olivia’s mind whirred, Charlotte said, “People might question the legitimacy of the person’s claim to both families. It could become a divisive issue within the community.
However,” she sighed, “there could also be those who see this person as a symbol of unity.”
“Mom, with the library fire, where might there be other records? Who else might be able to give us information?” Olivia rolled her shoulders. “God, if I don’t figure this out, more people are going to die.”
Jackson got up and started to pace the Everhart living room.
When her mother didn’t answer right away, Liv switched gears. “Mom, can you tell me more about the fire that claimed Dad and Jackson’s father’s lives? How did it happen?”
Charlotte took a deep breath. “It was a terrible night, Liv. Jackson's father was responding to a call for a house fire in Ashcroft Hills. When word spread how bad the fire was, your dad and Fred responded with the next battalion.”
