“Please don’t,” Doris said. “I wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing you two were staying there.”
“The house isn’t haunted,” Frances argued, not sure why she was pushing the issue.
“Not byghosts,” Maude said.
“Trying to be practical,” Nick held up his hands, “the house hasn’t been lived in for nearly a year. It’ll likely need a good cleaning before it’s fit to stay in again.”
“That’s right.” Luke shook his head at Frances. “Do you think your uncle has been paying to have the place heated all this time?”
“All right. All right.” Frances didn’t know how to explain the compulsion she felt to visit the house again. She spent so much time dreaming of the place, especially lately, that the idea of entering the home of her youth put her on edge too. But going in there and facing her fears might be the only way to be free of them.
14
The Merricks welcomed them into their home. Charles’ father’s efficiency impressed Nick. The man didn’t waste time getting to the reason for the visit.
“I’d like to introduce a good friend of my father’s,” Charles said as they gathered in the parlor after dinner. He indicated an older man wearing the largest handlebar mustache Nick had ever seen. Charles said, “This is George Littrell. He specializes in estate law.”
After the introductions were completed, Mr. Littrell moved to the front of the room. He cleared his throat, looking pompous.
“Even before I was approached about taking on this case, I—and many of my colleagues—have been watching it with interest. I knew Albert Lancaster well, and I’d met his brother William—and heard things about him. Albert’s early demise was a shock to all of us. I offer my condolences for your loss.” Littrell nodded his head to each of the sisters.
Beside Nick, Frances had stiffened. She looked like she wanted to say something rude, so he tightened his clasp on her hand.
She sighed. “I know,” she whispered and said nothing else.
“I’ve had a chance to review your marriage papers,” Littrell continued, “and the court ruling on Mr. Hamblin’s authority to sign for each of you. Everything appears to be in order. It should be quite straightforward now for you to take possession of your inheritances. We have an appointment in the morning with the bank.”
Frances straightened a little, and Nick knew she was thinking of the safe-deposit-box key. They’d discussed it on the train until they were all sick of the topic. He’d been surprised at what a large industrial city Indianapolis was and wondered how many banks there were. How difficult was it going to be to find which bank had the box?
“I want to know if it’s a crime to pilfer money from an account you’re only an executor over,” Frances said.
“Your uncle’s accountant and his attorney will be in attendance,” Mr. Littrell said, seemingly unfazed by her confrontational tone. “At your brother’s request and citing your uncle’s questionable actions in trying to force you to return to him, I’ve sent word he need not attend.”
“Now I’m disappointed,” Frances whispered to Nick.
“Why? You can’t shoot him.” He kept his tone light. “They’d put you in jail.”
“Because I want to look him in the eye and ask him if he murdered my father.”
Leave it to Frances to take the bull by the horns.
The thought gave Nick pause. Maybe that’s what he needed to do in regard to their relationship. They’d been married for two weeks now, and he could tell she was getting used to it. After last night, he thought she might even decide she didn’t mind being married to him. Was it time to tell her how he felt and suggest they stay married? Maybe tonight when they were alone.
* * *
“I thinkit’s time we put all the different pieces together.” Frances turned to Charles. “Like those photos of my father’s will. If we can’t see those, we can go to the court and look at them ourselves.”
“I’m sorry,” Mr. Littrell said, his brows creased, “what about photos?”
“Frances wants to compare the signature on her father’s will,” Charles said. “It appears the director of the county staff is a friend of William Lancaster’s.”
“Ahh. Yes.” The attorney gave the tips of his mustache a little twist. “I can see where that would be a problem.”
“Like not being able to account for certain records,” Nick added.
“The deed to their home,” Charles said.
“Interesting,” Mr. Littrell said. “Mrs. Reynolds is correct. We should create a list.”
