Page 18 of The Curse Breaker

“Maybe not, but it’s right here on the paper in front of you,” Peter said cheerily. “I have the original will from the trust created in 1850 if you’d like to see that as well. Just be careful as they’re delicate.” He slid them in front of Angus, who put on glasses to read.

Angus read it over quickly then grimaced at Vivian. “He’s right.” Vivian pursed her lips.

Go Peter. Benny glanced at Wally, who winked.

“Furthermore, I’ve been doing some digging, and we might have some issues with the estate terms and this letter in question,” said Peter, who pointed to something on an original document page. “As written by Evelyn Terry herself, Benny—henceforth known as Everly Benedict—must find an ‘is-land.’ She uses the same wording in her will.” Peter looked up, his face blank. He fought a hint of a smile. “I’m not entirely sure what an is-land is, are you?”

Benny’s fingers started to tingle. A loophole.

“That’s preposterous! She means island. It’s a hyphenation.” Angus said gruffly.

“What I know is that Evelyn asked Everly to find an is-land, and since an is-land is not an island, the terms of this agreement must be called into question,” Peter said. “And now that we have time—seeing as how it is only June twelfth and Everly has till June twenty-fifth to find this is-land, in accordance with her will, you and I can continue discussing this, outside the home that Benny and her mother will continue to occupy till this is sorted out.”

Angus pounded the table. “Stapleton, this is ridiculous!”

Benny felt every muscle in her body relax. She didn’t know how Peter did it, but he’d bested the Rudds. She and her mom weren’t going anywhere today at least. He’d bought them time. Did Evelyn make that mistake in the letter and the will on purpose? Benny might never know, but either way, Peter was going to fight, which meant she could focus on playing Evelyn’s new game and winning.

“Angus,” Vivian said curtly. “Rudds do not shout.” She stood and smoothed her silk pants. “Mr. Stapleton, I trust you and Angus will continue this discussion.” She nodded at the officers, and they stepped out of the kitchen. Then she turned back to Benny. “I hope you and I can continue to be cordial. I’d hate for you to avoid the lighthouse fundraiser at the vineyard because of all this nonsense.” She gave a wave of her hand, revealing a pearl bracelet.

As if a life-changing inheritance is nonsense, Benny thought. “The event is still on with the storm?”

“It’s moved locations, but yes. And it should be lovely. Catherine Cannon is one of our benefactors and she spares no expense when it comes to historical events,” Vivian added. “As Evelyn Terry’s blood, I insist you be there. Catherine will want to meet you. She’s a huge history buff, and Evelyn is responsible for the lighthouse, so you should represent her.” She stood straighter. “Despite the unpleasantness between the Rudds and Terrys, we should both be there.”

Benny rubbed her arms to keep warm and tried to commit Catherine’s name to memory. If she was friendly with Vivian, Benny would have to be on guard. Vivian was someone she already knew she needed to watch. She wasn’t sure her mom realized the same.

“That sounds lovely, doesn’t it, Benny?” her mom prodded, giving her a hopeful look.

Benny did not have time for a fancy party. Nor did she want to go to one, but all the adults were looking at her expectantly. Kimble would not be happy to hear she was doing anything other than hunting for treasure, but what choice did she have? She’d have to find a way to do both. “Of course, Mrs. Rudd.” Benny smiled. “I’d love to be there.”

Greenport Herald

May 7, 1830

Rudd Family Erects Monument in Missing Son’s Honor

by Regan Powell

The Rudd family has dedicated a fisherman’s monument on their property in Greenport in memory of Elias Rudd’s son Axel, who was lost in a storm five years ago. The family welcomes anyone who has lost someone in the waters surrounding Greenport to visit the monument. “We will never forget the circumstances or the people who took our son from us,” said Elias, who attended the dedication ceremony with his wife, Giuliana, and surviving children, Russell, Hansel, and Gretchen.

Many who have lived a great while in Greenport know well how young Axel, aged twelve, went missing the night of the Blood Orange Moon in the summer of 1825. The lad’s father has long claimed his son was last seen with his friend Evelyn Terry. He believes the two had planned to take a boat over to an island when the storm befell them. Evelyn Terry, the child of Russell and Louise Terry, has sworn she does not know how the Rudd boy disappeared. In the years since the incident, the ill will the Rudd family harbors for Evelyn Terry has never diminished. “She knows what she did and someday the truth will bring us justice,” Elias Rudd has said. “She is not welcome here.”

The Rudd family made it known that the Terry family was not invited to the ceremony. Nonetheless, Evelyn Terry has remarked to this reporter, “I mourn for all those who have been claimed by the waters of Greenport.”

The Greenport Fisherman Monument is a most impressive eight-foot bronze sculpture, depicting a mariner manning a ship’s wheel. The statue is situated atop a granite pillar that faces Greenport Harbor. At the base of the statue sits a rock bearing a bronze plaque which reads: For those lost at sea, we mourn for thee.

Seven

Benny

“That woman is something else,” her mom said bitterly, closing the door behind Vivian, Angus, and the police officers. She looked at Peter, Wally, and Harris stonily. “Officers? Really? Was she going to escort Benny and me from the house?”

“Let me worry about Vivian Rudd. I’ve handled mediations like this before,” Peter said, turning to Benny. “You focus on finishing Evelyn’s game. Are you close?”

I found the island. It killed her not to say those words aloud, but Harris was in earshot. “I’m close.”

“Good.” Peter patted her shoulder. “That’s what matters.” He adjusted his ball cap, which was back on his head. “I’ll be in touch about everything else.”

“Thank you, Peter,” her mom said, opening the door again. A light rain had started to fall as Peter left, and Zara walked up the gravel driveway with Gil. It was strange seeing Gil in a T-shirt and joggers, looking like any other boy his age.