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“We weren’t aware of that,” said Jack, giving DuBose a sharp glance.
“We have plenty of money. Gordon came from wealth and he’s handsomely compensated at the bank. We live in Faulkner’s Woods. It’s only a short walk from here.” She eyed Jack. “You know it?”
“Just by reputation. It’s the nicest area in Freeman County.”
“I would rather my parents’ estate just went to Sam. He needs it. We don’t.”
“You care for your brother?” asked DuBose.
“He was going off to college when I was still an infant, so he and I had never been close. We did grow closer when we lost our brother and sister to illness. But the last few years have been... difficult for him.”
DuBose said, “Did your father ever talk to you about a man visiting here who made him very angry? He has been described as carrying a bag like a doctor does. Your father was heard to say that he had enemies everywhere and no one was going to force him to leave his home. That might have prompted him to have Gates change their will, separate out the house and property and create the tontine-like arrangement.”
“No, he never mentioned anything like that to me.”
Jack glanced around and said, “Did your husband come here with you?”
“No, Gordon’s at Willow Oaks playing golf with some clients of the bank.”
“Do you think he would talk to us now?” asked Jack.
“I’m sure he would be happy to speak with you. He was going to have lunch there, too. You could probably catch him after that. He was the one who suggested helping my parents, by the way.”
“That was good of him,” said Jack.
“Well, if there’s nothing else, I was planning on taking some things and going back home,” said Christine. She added soberly, “I have the funerals to arrange.”
“I didn’t see a car outside. We can give you a lift.”
“No, that’s all right, Jack. It’s just out my parents’ rear gate here and a short walk, as I said, to Faulkner’s Woods. I can actually use the fresh air.”
Christine had turned to leave but then looked back. “If you ever hear from Jeff, tell him I said hello. And tell him I hope he’s okay.”
“I sure will,” said Jack.
After she left DuBose said, “Why do I think she never got over your brother?”
“It’s only fair, because I don’t believe he ever really got over her.”
CHAPTER 46
IN THE BOOKLINED STUDY, JACK found something in the trash can. It was an opened package that fit the description Cora Robinson had provided.
“This might be what was delivered on the morning of the murders. It’s from Norfolk,” he said, checking the return address. “I didn’t search this room the first time I came to the house.”
“Who’s the sender?” asked DuBose.
He looked at the name. “Craig Baker, Attorney at Law,” he said in surprise. “And the package was addressed to Anne Randolph. I wonder where the contents are.”
“And I wonder why Battle’s folks didn’t find it.”
Jack said, “I think the only thing they looked at in this house was the room where the murders happened, and they found Jerome.”
“Presumably this is Leslie Randolph’s study. Pipes in the rack. Hunting prints on the wall. So why would a package to her be in his trash can?”
“And we need to ask Craig Baker why Anne Randolph needed a lawyer.” Jack glanced at the fireplace. “Hold on.” He walked over there and moved the screen away from the opening. “Someone’s built a fire here recently.”
“In summer? Can you make out anything?”
