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Michael crossed his arms, his brow arched. “We don't know the full story yet. I don’t think he’s the arsonist, but Jackson might have insights that could help us unravel this mystery.”
The whiteboards, filled with information, now stood as a testament to the intricate puzzle they were determined to solve. Liv stared at the Waverly family tree, and her mind set on a destination—the new Waverly estate. With resolve in her eyes, she and Michael traveled the winding roads until they reached the grandeur of the current Waverly residence.
Introducing herself to the butler, Olivia requested permission to speak with Christopher's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Silas Waverly, and to Mr. Sinclair Waverly. The butler, with an air of formality, led them to the living room, where they were left to wait. The room was opulent, but Olivia's attention was immediately drawn to a large painting hanging above the fireplace. She inquired and was told the painting depicted Christopher Waverly. The resemblance to Jackson was uncanny. A lump grew in her throat.
Taking a deep breath, Olivia steeled herself for the conversation that lay ahead. When Silas and Jule Waverly entered the room, their eyes held curiosity.
After initial pleasantries, Olivia introduced Michael and delicately broached the subject. “I’m sure you’re aware we recently found a body on the remains of your previous estate. We’re here to understand what happened the night of the fire that claimed your son’s life,” she said, her gaze focused on the older couple.
As Silas Waverly spoke, his eyes reflecting the pain of the past, Liv listened attentively. His narrative painted a vivid picture of the night that forever altered the direction of the Waverly family. However, Olivia couldn't help but notice the selective nature of his recollection.
Silas delved into the chaos of that tragic night, describing the desperate attempts to save the estate and the devastating loss of Christopher. Yet, conspicuously absent was any mention of Jackson's birth mother, Rainey, or the discovery of the deathly ill infant. Liv's detective instincts stirred a subtle suspicion. Why did Silas choose to omit those details? Was it a protective measure or a deliberate act of concealment?
As the conversation unfolded, Liv delicately interjected, “Mr. Waverly, I appreciate you sharing these memories with me. It must be incredibly difficult. Can you also help me understand what happened to Rainey Bradshaw that night? And the infant found in the midst of the chaos?”
Silas's eyes flickered momentarily, a subtle shift in his expression, as if grappling with whether to reveal more. “It's a painful chapter, Detective,” he finally replied. “Christopher’s fiancée... she... she didn't survive the fire. And, yes, we—well, the firefighters—found her infant. It was a heartbreaking discovery amidst the chaos.”
“But the child survived.” Jule Waverly sighed grimly.
Olivia sensed there were more details concealed beneath the surface, and as she continued to unravel what happened that night, she was determined to uncover the full truth, no matter how painful it might be. “Were you aware that Rainey Bradshaw was actually Rainey Ashcroft, and therefore, that infant was also an Ashcroft?”
As Olivia gently shifted the conversation toward Rainey Ashcroft, the air in the room became palpably tense. The Waverlys exchanged glances, and Olivia sensed a guarded reluctance in their responses.
“Rainey Ashcroft was working as a household maid, is that correct?” Michael inquired, trying to find a path to the truth.
Silas nodded, his expression tightening slightly. “Yes, she worked for us under a different last name.”
Liv pressed further, “What were your personal feelings toward Miss Ashcroft?”
Jule, Silas's wife, fidgeted uncomfortably. “She was a competent maid, did her job well enough,” she replied, her tone measured. “Christopher told us he loved her.”
Liv picked up on the hesitancy and continued, “Do you have any idea who the father of her infant was?”
Silas spoke up, “We weren't privy to Rainey's personal affairs. The details of her relationships were her own.”
As Olivia sensed the evasive responses, she asked a more pointed question, “Could Christopher have been the father? Or was it someone else within the household?”
Silas's eyes flickered, and Jule seemed to grow noticeably nervous. “No, Detective, Christopher wasn't the father,” he stated firmly.
Jule, avoiding direct eye contact, added, “And, as for anyone else in the household, we weren't aware of any such connections.”
Liv shared a knowing look with Michael. She recognized the dance of secrets and unspoken truths within the pair. The dynamics of relationships, both within the household and with Rainey, added layers to the puzzle.
Michael took copious notes before he navigated the next part of the conversation. He shifted toward the sites of the recent fires. The Waverlys' expressions changed, an angry mix of emotions surfacing.
“Do you own the Terrene Theater and Fiddler’s Restaurant?” Michael inquired, his gaze searching theirs for any clues.
Silas Waverly nodded, a solemn acknowledgment of their ties to these establishments. “Yes, both properties are under our ownership.”
Olivia dug deeper. “You own many properties in Waverly Junction. Do these have any special significance?” She had requisitioned the Waverly financial paperwork as well as the insurance paperwork. She also asked if any of the injured or the families of the dead were suing.
Jule Waverly took a deep breath before responding, “The fires, especially the one at the Terrein, were a blow to us. It's not just about the physical damage; these places held memories and dreams. The emotional toll was very significant. The financial loss is the least of it.”
Silas added, “The theater and the restaurant were part of our vision for the town. The fire disrupted not just our personal lives but also the vision our son had for the community.”
Olivia chewed her cheek—neither mentioned the injured and homeless. Her next question pushed deeper into Christopher's vision for Waverly Junction and its connection to Rainey Ashcroft. “Tell me about the land on the west side.” The mention of undeveloped land in the western part of town hinted at a larger narrative, and she sought to unravel the history that tied Christopher Waverly’s dreams to the town's landscape.
“These places... were they solely Christopher's vision, or was Rainey Ashcroft also involved in the planning or execution?” Michael asked.
