CHAPTER 25
When Sophie and Chad along with General Lee appeared later that morning, they were greeted with yellow police tape encircling the garden and a county coroners ambulance waiting at the curb.
Whoa, dudette, Chad said as I met them at the garden gate. Did you do something to Jack?
No, I replied with a half grin. Although now that I know how to hide a body for almost eighty years, I might consider it.
Sophie touched my arm. So you found her?
Her nose was red and swollen, and I tried not to stare as I answered. Yes. Its a long story, but both Louisa and Joseph were buried in the garden. Ill tell you the specifics laterthings are kind of hectic right now.
Sophie blinked at me through exceptionally unattractive John Lennon glasses. I guess your trip to Vermont was a success, then.
In more ways than one. We found the diamonds, too.
Sophie tightened her rainbow scarfthe one that matched her Mork suspenders currently attached to a pair of oversized painters pants. Thats great, isnt it? That means well be able to finish the restoration.
I watched as my dad tried to guide the police excavation to spare as much of his garden as possible. From my vantage point it appeared the police shovels were winning. I hope so. Im hiring a lawyer to make sure that I get to keep them, but from what Jack tells me, I own the house, so technically theyre mine. Im thinking that Ill send a large donation to the Daughters of the Confederacy, seeing as how Jefferson Davis wanted the funds to go to the widows and orphans of soldiers. But not to worry. There will be plenty left over for the restoration.
Chad raised his hand and high-fived Sophie. Great, she said as she took General Lees leash off of her wrist and handed it to me. Now you can afford to hire a dog sitter.
I looked at Chad in confusion and he shrugged. Soph here is allergic and the Leester cant come with me when I move into Sophies house.
Youre moving in with Sophie?
Sophie patted my arm again. Its only temporaryand just as roommates. Im trying to help him out because his current lease expires at the end of the month, and you havent found him the right house yet.
I wanted to point out that the reason I hadnt found the right house for him yet was because he kept canceling our appointments to go see one. But I still had visions of being godmother to their firstborn so I didnt mention it. Instead I asked, But what do I do with a dog?
Its easy, said Chad, thrusting a bag of dog food at me. Hell let you know what he needs.
Great, I said, looking down at soulful brown eyes and a wagging tail. Maybe Jack wants a dog.
General Lee looked up at me, and I could have sworn he frowned before giving a little bark.
Sophie sneezed. Were going to be late for yogaIll call you later. Maybe we can try breakfast at that new place, City Lights, and you can fill me in on everything, and I can tell you what my next projects will be for the house.
Fine, I said. But the first thing were going to do is repair the fountain and garden. I think my dad might cry if it stays like that for too long.
Fair enough, said Sophie. Ill talk to you later, then.
I watched them walk away, with Sophie hitching up her pants every few steps as Chad guided her away from sidewalk cracks and other obstacles.
My smile faded as I recognized Marcs car pulling up to the curb. I considered turning and running in the opposite direction, but then I remembered Louisa facing down a gun, and it gave me the courage to stand my ground.
Marcs face became serious as he approached. He must have seen from my expression that I wasnt happy to see him. He glanced over at the police activity in the garden. Are you all right? Whats going on here?
Were digging up your grandfather and Louisa Vanderhorst. The police can fill you in. Right now, Im going to go walk my dog. I placed the bag of dog food on the sidewalk next to the gate and wrapped the leash around my hand.
General Lee had begun to snarl at Marc, doing his best to seem ferocious and managing to look like nothing more than a furball with teeth.
Marc reached for my arm to stop me, and I pulled back. Whats wrong, Melanie?
I pasted a smile on my face. How was Vermont, Marc? Did you do any sightseeing while you were there, or was it all about trying to see if Susannah Barnsley had the diamonds?
He dropped his hand. Oh. So you know.
Yes, Marc. I know. I know that youve been lying to me since we first met. At least Jack had the decency to admit it when I confronted him. But you continued to lie to me. My voice remained surprisingly strong, and I was able to keep the tears at bay.
He looked convincingly remorseful. Im sorry. You dont know how sorry I am. He took a step forward, then stopped. I do care for you, Melanie. I care deeply. Please... can you let me explain?
General Lee continued to snarl, so I picked him up. You have two minutes, and then you need to leave.
He looked like he was about to argue for more time but decided against it. Fine. About a year ago, I came across a safe-deposit box that had belonged to my grandfather. In it was an old newspaper article about the Confederate diamonds and a later newspaper announcement of Nevin Vanderhorsts christening. There was a picture with the announcement of Nevins mother wearing a diamond necklace. I put two and two together and figured that somehow Robert Vanderhorst must have had access to the diamonds. He scratched the back of his neck. Ive been having a few financial difficulties lately, and I thought if I could find those diamonds, I could pay back some loans and get back on my feet.
And thats when you bought Magnolia Ridge since this house was still privately owned. Unfortunately, all that was left at Magnolia Ridge was the remnants of an old still. Then Vanderhorst died and left me the house, and you saw your opportunity.
A stricken expression crossed his face, and it made me feel a little better. But thats not the whole story, Melanie. Yes, initially, I was just after the diamonds. Then I got to know you better, and everything changed.
A new realization dawned on me. And the vandalism and break-insthat was all you, wasnt it?
He closed his eyes. They werent going to hurt anybody. And you werent supposed to be home the time you surprised the intruder. Look, it was stupid but I was desperate. But Im not that guy anymore. Youve changed me.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jack emerge from the front door and spot Marc and me on the sidewalk. With a tight expression on his face, he approached through the garden, avoiding the police activity.
Matt, its great to see you again. How was Vermont?
Marc narrowed his eyes. If you dont mind, Melanie and I are having a private conversation.
Actually, I said, I think were done here. I put General Lee down and began to cross the street.
Wait, Melanie, please. Let me make it up to you. Marc grabbed my arm, and when I tried to pull away, he didnt let go.
If you know whats good for you, Matt, youll let go of the ladys arm. Jacks voice had a hard edge to it that I hadnt heard before.
Marc continued to hold me back. Please, Melanie, give me another chance.
Jack stared patiently at the sky. Im warning you. Im not going to ask you again. Now let go of the ladys arm.
Marc didnt let go. Melanie? he pleaded.
Dont say I didnt warn you. Jack pulled back his arm, and in one quick motion, he slammed his fist into Marcs jaw. Marc lost his balance and fell to the ground. He sat where he landed, rubbing his jaw, but didnt get up.