Chapter 32 – Close to The Chest
After hearing the voice message, Avery gathered her things once again (along with the note from her gracious benefactor) and made her way back home.
With three knocks at the door, Mrs. Aquitaine knew that it was her daughter at the door. She quickly gathered the paperwork and the craft cocktails to the living room before getting the door. There was much they needed to discuss.
“Mom, I am here! Your voice sounded concerned on the phone,” she said as they hugged.
“In light of recent information I thought we should talk in person.” After closing the door and locking it securely, they proceeded to the living room. “Here, I made us some drinks.”
“Why thank you, I think with everything going on we should have a time of enjoyment.” She said as she grabbed the cocktail and clinked glasses. Avery sipped before asking, “So what is this all about? Is there news about dad’s death?”
“No, unfortunately there isn’t much. It has to do with Elijah. The police have found him dead in the industrial-side of town. I still don’t know why he’d be there, I’ve told him so many times that there was no place for an Aquitaine.” After that she looked off to the side and sipped her drink.
“What? So two Aquitaines in one week? Is this the revenge of some murderer?” Her leg started twitching as she took another sip. She had the list in her bag and questioned whether or not to show it to her mother.
“Well in keeping good spirits, I wanted to talk about the business. I had not told you that your father’s company was undergoing some scrutiny from outside agencies. Alleged fraud and lack of funds. And in the coming weeks your father and I thought it was important to change the life insurance just in case something should happen.”
“Wait, you knew that he could have been in trouble but not disclose that with me? Why? I am your daughter.” She quickly stood up as to be the bigger person, yet it only played as a sign of dominance. To make one feel guilty and smaller, she would do her power play and look down upon them. “How could you? If that was the case, do you not think I would want to have more time with dad?”
“We didn’t want you to be caught in the crosshairs. Your father was a hardworking man and loved you deeply.” Her tone was more endearing and subtle as to comfort the misfortune.
After a moment a pause began to take over the room. Neither knew what to say next. Tension formed and all they could hear was the ticking of the grandfather clock huddled in the corner.
“Okay, I can see that. And I have something to share with you. It’s a note and a list.” Avery pulled the documents from her bag. She passed the papers to her mother.
Confused at first, Mrs. Aquitaine reread the note before continuing on to the list. “What is this? Why are you on this list and how does this person know you and insight about your father’s murder?”
“Honestly I don’t know but it has to be someone we know. They were able to sneak that note in my bag and manage to get into your fortress of a house.” She said as she sat next to her mother. “I think it’s a hitlist.”
Tears began to form on both of their faces as they were reminded of one of the names in particular, Elijah. The tragically killed cousin and nephew. “In light of recent information, I must have been saved by some adversary.” She cringed.
“This is a lot to take in but we must stick together if we plan to make it out. I’ve already lost your brother and I don’t know what I would do if I lost you too.” Mrs. Aquitaine leaned over to comfort a sulking Avery and said, “We will figure this out.”