“Not to bring up old pains, but they drove a wedge between Chablis and Dax. It cost them seventeen years.”
“You’re right. My mom did a number on them. But Dax’s mom had a hand in that as well. They all wanted Dax to follow his dreams. If he and Chablis hadn’t broken up, he’d never have become an NHL star, and who knows, he could have resented Chablis in the long run, something my sister and her husband have discussed and accepted. They have no regrets.”
“Why are we talking about this?”
“Even though my folks didn’t come out and tell you everything right out of the gate, that doesn’t mean you can’t trust them. They are between a rock and a hard place. But their willingness to give you full access should tell you something about who they are.”
“We’re dancing around something that you want to get off your chest and it’s starting to annoy the fuck out of me.” She pushed her plate to the side. “Just say it.”
“I want you to think about who had access to this cottage and to my parents’ house.”
“Oh, I get it. You don’t think Fred and Anna are trustworthy?”
“Don’t put words in my mouth,” Noir said. “Fred’s a stand-up guy. He’s been the chief of police for ten years and his record is impeccable. It’s Anna who concerns me and I just told you why.”
“Just because she twists things and manipulates things doesn’t make her an evil woman.” Tamsyn stood, strolling toward the liquor cabinet. She pulled down a bottle of whiskey and poured herself three fingers.
She’d always been more of a whiskey girl than a wine chick. Although, wine had been growing on her, but when conversations got tough, she went for the hard stuff.
Noir wasn’t sure if she reached for the beverage because she disagreed or because she was conflicted. The only thing he was sure of was she’d gone into work and defense mode.
That was never a good sign.
“Your mom does the same thing when she gets the chance,” Tamsyn said. “I watched that three-legged race. She cheated and all because she needs to be the center of attention, just like Anna.”
“My mom didn’t win. And Silas cheated too.” Noir laughed. “But my mom cheats every year, and everyone lets her because outside of Mrs. Cummings, no one wants to organize the Holiday Showcase and let’s face it. My mom puts on a better show.”
“Okay. I’ll give you that.” Tamsyn leaned against the counter in the center of the kitchen. “But Weezer is a manipulator. You’ve said so yourself, or are you going to have amnesia about the time she forced you into going out for a sport.”
He smacked his forehead. “God, no. And that was awful. However, she was worried about how antisocial of a kid I was. She wanted me to make friends outside of my twin. Looking back, it wasn’t the worst semester of my life.”
“Are you kidding me? God, I wish I saved our texts. You were miserable, especially standing on the sidelines, almost never seeing the field.” She shook her head. “That was only made worse when you did play and you either fumbled or ran in the wrong direction.”
“Yeah. That was embarrassing. But at least I understand the game now. I actually enjoy watching it with my family on Thanksgiving. It’s given me something to bond over with my brothers and dad.”
“You never played football again.”
“Of course not. I sucked at it. However, I immediately went and joined two clubs at school because of that experience. Both Nebbiolo and I did and we made a couple of friends thanks to my mom’s meddling. She might not go about things in the best way, but she’s always been able to gauge what’s best for us.”
Tamsyn laughed. “Oh, really. I think some of your siblings might have a different perspective about how Weezer handled their situations. Like Riesling. That was tough to watch what she and her daughter went through.”
“Again, my mom was right about that shitbag ex of my sister.” He held up his hand. “I don’t agree with how my mother went about some things, especially the way she treated Chablis when Malbec left town. That was downright mean. But everything she does comes out of love. Can you say the same thing about Anna? Or shall I remind you of how she embarrassed the hell out of you when you didn’t want to go to the prom and she bought you a dress and bribed the richest, most popular boy in school to take you.”
“Christ. That had to be the worst night of my high school life. Hunter Wellington is still a dick.” Tamsyn lifted her glass and downed half of it. “But that doesn’t make her a bad person.”
“I didn’t say that either. But we both know Anna is about show. About what other people think. My mother couldn’t care less. I get you don’t completely trust my mom. In your shoes, I might not either. But my dad? I don’t understand that. Which is why I’m not comprehending why you’re keeping the information about the necklace to yourself.”
“I’ve trusted Carter ever since I found out he wasn’t my father,” Tamsyn said. “Without question or reservation. But he’ll always stand by his wife. I have no idea how that necklace got into your bathroom. I know neither one of us put it there. Zinny lived here before you did and she would have no reason to do that.”
“Neither would my folks and don’t say unless one of them forgot.”
She arched a brow. “I’m not accusing your parents of anything.”
“But you’re thinking it.”
“Of course I am. I have to. I’m a cop. I have to look at everything.”
“Alright,” Noir said. “Are you considering Anna could have done that too?”
