Battle of Wills: A Whitlock Victorian Cozy Mystery by Emily Parks

Author:Emily Parks [Parks, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bree Livingston Publishing
Published: 2021-09-04T23:00:00+00:00

12

“I don’t think it’s been there for very long,” Oliver said, looking at it critically. “Granted, I don’t always climb the tree, but I still would’ve noticed it at some point.”

“No, I think my grandfather left it here for me.” Clara ran her hands over box. “He must’ve known that I’d come here at some point. I suspected that he left clues behind for me, but now I know for certain. He knew I would come looking for the truth.”

“He knew you better than anyone else,” Oliver said somberly.

“We found a few hidden keys today,” Clara said thoughtfully, “three in total. We also found a ring and a few letters. I think one of those keys might open this box.”

“Perhaps the ring, the keys and they letters are everything you need to find his will,” Oliver said, scratching his chin as he spoke.

“I think it’s more than that,” Clara said, glancing at him from the corner of her eyes. “I think this could lead me to whoever murdered him.”

Oliver jerked suddenly, causing her to look at him in concern. His expression was troubled, and he looked at her as if he expected her to retract her earlier statement.

“I beg your pardon?” he asked when she didn’t say anything.

“I’m almost certain that my grandfather was murdered,” Clara said, looking back at the box, “and before you accuse me of losing my mind, I’ll have you know that I have evidence to support my claim.”

“I’d never accuse you of losing your mind,” Oliver grumbled. “I’d think it, but I’d never say it out loud.”

She scoffed at him, and he grinned at her, clearly happy to have lightened the mood somewhat.

“Why don’t you tell me about all the evidence you’ve collected so far,” Oliver said.

She looked at him warily but when she determined that he wasn’t teasing her, she relented and began telling him about everything she had discovered.

It was helpful to lay it all bare in front of him and she realized a few things while she spoke. Talking to him always helped to clear her head, and as they conversed, she remembered all the times they had gathered under the oak tree and talked about the things that bothered them.

Clara had always worried about gaining her mother’s approval and Oliver spoke about all the dreams that filled his head. They always told each other things that they never dared to tell anyone else. As a result, they formed a unique bond. He was the first person Clara spoke to about her brother’s bullying, and he taught her to fight, which led to Malcolm’s first bloody nose.

She started from the beginning and spoke about Malcolm’s cold greeting, and the way she’d been attacked on her first night back. He was careful not to interrupt her, but the way he engaged while he listened let her know she had his full attention. Sometimes it was a hum, or a nod, or a low whistle.

When she got to the part about the will, he started to speak, so she paused but he shook his head and motioned for her to continue.

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