AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She approached him, her arms open wide in silent invitation. “Come back to bed,” she murmured. “I’ll hold you while you sleep.”
With a weary nod, he allowed Liv to guide him back to the bed, his body sagging with fatigue as he sank into the fresh sheets. In the safety of her arms, he closed his eyes, surrendering to sleep. Assured he was asleep, she fell out too.
* * *
The sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting soft patterns across the room. Jackson stirred from his sleep, his eyes shifting to the peaceful form of Liv sleeping beside him. In that quiet moment, as he watched her chest rise and fall with each steady breath, a wave of love washed over him.
He marveled at her strength, recalling Turk's words about how she was willing to brave the flames to find him during the warehouse fire. The realization of just how much she meant to him settled deep within his bones.
Liv's eyes fluttered open. “How are you?” she asked, her voice husky with sleep.
Jackson couldn't help but smile at the sight of her, his heart swelling with affection. “Better this morning, thanks to you.” He reached out to brush a stray lock of hair away from her face.
A soft chuckle escaped Liv's lips as she stretched languidly, her movements graceful and fluid. “Hmm, I should help you shower and change sheets more often if it means waking up to that smile,” she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
* * *
Shortly after, they dressed and made their way downstairs for breakfast, where the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the chatter of Liv's sisters, Brad, Luke, and Turk as they gathered around the dining room table. But amidst the familiar faces, Liv's attention was drawn to a figure she hadn't expected to see—Mr. John, the Waverlys’ butler.
As Jackson and Liv entered the room, Mr. John rose from his seat, his expression serious yet determined. Liv's brow furrowed as she addressed him, “Mr. John, what brings you here?” Her curiosity was piqued by his unexpected presence.
Mr. John took a deep breath. “I've been following the news closely,” he began, his voice grave with concern. “And I couldn't stand by any longer while Waverly Junction suffers from the pain and destruction caused by these fires. I believe I may know a way to put an end to them.
“Sinclair Waverly,” his voice remained steady, “was a man of great influence and power in Waverly Junction many years ago. He helped build our town as it is today, along with the visions of his grandson Christopher in the more modern days.
“But with power often comes darkness,” he continued. “Sinclair Waverly is not without his flaws. He wielded his influence with a heavy hand, and there are secrets that have remained hidden for generations. Rumors abound regarding Mr. Waverly's involvement in acts of corruption and deceit. And, sadly, most are true,” Mr. John revealed.
“He is also a man who keeps detailed records of that influence. He has a large safe where he stores ledgers recording these acts, though some have not been recorded. The only evidence of these acts is their impact on the lives damaged by them.”
A chill ran down her spine as she contemplated the extent of Sinclair Waverly’s depravity. “Mr. John, whose lives are you speaking of?” She wasn’t going to offend the butler by asking why he stayed in Sinclair’s employ or stayed quiet. She needed information.
“Sinclair loves hunting. His prey: women,” Mr. John continued. “He grew worse when his beloved wife, Edna, passed away. She was the real power behind the Waverly name. Sinclair was forty-five when she died in 1976. He grew angry and hungry for power and women.”
A knot tightened in her stomach as she contemplated the countless women who had fallen victim to his predatory nature.
“He used money, blackmail and threats to control them,” Mr. John asserted.
Liv asked, “How about three specific women? Do you know their stories? Jule Waverly, Rainey Ashcroft, and Emily Moore.”
Mr. John nodded. “Mrs. Jule—she’s not a weak woman. She married Mr. Silas for money and power. She seduced Mr. Sinclair after Mrs. Edna passed. They have a mutually beneficial relationship.” He paused, his expression turning sad. “Miss Rainey—she joined the household for money. Mr. Sinclair proved she was a grifter. She researched and impersonated an Ashcroft. He was able to prove the Ashcroft line died in 1953 with Cassandra Ashcroft, who was a missionary in Africa.
“Sinclair loved Christopher. He also loved Rainey. He planned to keep her secret.” The butler’s eyes teared up. “She became pregnant and gave birth to a boy. He knew the child was either his or Christopher’s. He was thrilled the child was a Waverly. That fire broke him. He lost the three most important people to him. After the tragedy, he wanted to insure the child’s future.
“Sinclair has always believed Silas to be weak-willed, incapable of living up to the responsibilities of being part of their family. And, with Rainey's baby in the picture, his resentment has only grown stronger. Sinclair always said of his son, ‘Weakness runs in his veins, and I won't have it tarnishing the future of this family.’
“After Christopher and Rainey died, every time he thought of the child, he was reminded of what he had lost, of the dreams that had been shattered. But as long as Sinclair had a say in the matter, Silas would never lay a hand on that child. He said, ‘I won't allow my son’s weakness to infect the next generation.’
“He didn’t want Silas and Jule anywhere near that child. He made sure that baby was adopted by a loving family. He’s watched him become a good man.” His breaths came faster. “Mr. Reynolds, you are that baby boy. Upon Mr. Sinclair’s death, you—not Silas—will be named the Waverly heir.”
Jackson shuddered. “That son of a bitch hurt countless people, and somehow I’m supposed to feel good about this?”
“Part of why I’m here. Mr. Reynolds, you’re supposed to live the life your parents taught you to live. And after what I’ve shared with you, it’s about seeking justice and redemption for those who have suffered.”
Mr. John sipped his now cold cup of coffee. “Miss Emily.” He shook his head. “She believed in women’s rights. She was a go-getter. No one in town thought she would win. She’d be the youngest member of the town council.”
Liv’s brow rose. “She didn’t win, did she?”
“No, Mr. Sinclair negotiated that win. I took her home after she paid her debt. She was naïve; she conceived that night and carried a boy. Mr. Sinclair believes in convenience. The night Rainey gave birth, he made sure Emily did too. The doctors performed a C-section. This way he could see the child without arousing suspicion. The boy was taken from his mother and given to a vetted couple, the Wheatons. They received monthly stipends to help give that baby a good life.”
