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“No, I’m referring to the construction site near the pond. The builders ran out of funds after some setbacks and abandoned the project. When offered a significant amount of money for the land, they were happy to sell. Now, if I can convince said woman to share her story with people, they’d be inspired to learn to defend themselves, too.”
“So, what are the director and founders discussing in their meeting?”
“They’re finalizing the paperwork to change the bylaws. In the future, any sale of the sanctuary would only go to sanctuary-specific debt, named charities, and animal relocation services.”
Seyla’s smile unfurled in her spirit long before it ever touched her lips. “So, the sanctuary’s safe?”
Jax pushed a strand of hair away from her eyes. “Yes. Your sanctuary is safe.” He tipped his head to the side. “Read the article.”
The first part of it detailed Chase’s crimes. According to Victor, who’d interviewed Chase in jail, the man had admitted to penning the threatening notes, the attempts on her life, the attack on Vanessa, and sabotaging the sanctuary. In addition, he’d confessed to killing Bennett Emmerlin, Laurel Anderson, and Hannah Ponz. Janet, who’d agreed to be a material witness for the prosecution, had only helped with the scare tactics until the end.
“Why Vanessa?” Seyla asked.
“He thought she was you,” Jax said.
Seyla nodded. “Right. I forgot. We’re the same height and build. Plus, she had my hoodie on that day because of the rain.”
Chase had killed Hannah Ponz, the last manager, because she’d designed the zip line attraction. The article said he dated anurse at the doctor’s office Hannah frequented, which gave him access to her file. After discovering she took an MAOI inhibitor, he routinely laced the woman’s food and drinks with increasing amounts of fermented liquids like balsamic vinegar to induce a massive heart attack. It had worked perfectly, with nobody the wiser.
In an odd twist, Chase refused to divulge the details of his father’s murder.
The next part revealed his motives. Seyla already knew Bennett Emmerlin’s obsession with Laurel Anderson had ruined his marriage. However, the next part floored her. “His dad killed Laurel’s husband, Scott?”
“Yeah,” Jax said. “Although the sheriff at the time declared it an accident, Chase has admitted that he accompanied his dad when the man sabotaged the plane.”
“Most likely, that’s what pushed him over the edge.” Seyla pointed at the article. “He said his ex-wife would regret leaving him when he recovered. Does that mean she’s okay?”
Jax nodded. “She is.”
“I’m glad. Still, I can’t imagine how hard that was for him, knowing she left because of his multiple sclerosis diagnosis.”
“Yeah. Sad, right?” Jessa said. “She corroborated that, although she said there were a lot of other factors involved as well.”
“Being married to him, it’s likely she witnessed suspicious behavior, whether she knew it or not at the time. But if she did, she’d surely deny it out of fear of being considered an accomplice. I doubt we’ll ever know,” Jax said.
Seyla read the rest of the article about Jax’s corporation stepping in to help with security at the sanctuary along with their new plans for a training facility down the road. The sanctuary received praise for its programs, with several stories featuring the animals, along with their rescue details. Seyladropped the paper to her side, stunned. Victor Soros had done a fantastic job promoting the sanctuary, although it most likely galled him to do so. Whatever his personal feelings, she’d accept the positive publicity without hesitation.
“Wait. I don’t see anything naming Allen, Travis, Theo or Ethan in here. None of them were involved?”
Jax shook his head. “The sheriff’s department already checked them out. Allen and Theo had alibis for each one of the incidents. Turns out, Allen’s wife left him and his son. She’d begun dating other men. That’s why he was on his phone most of the time. He texted and called her nonstop in a campaign aimed at convincing her to return. The text message you found came from a burner phone. She said “It’s done” because she didn’t want to save their marriage.”
“How awful. What about Travis and Ethan?”
Jax sniffed in disgust. “The police pulled Travis over down the road for speeding. However, he was driving in this direction. The two guys with him had parole violations. Pretty shady characters. They got Travis for speeding, in addition to a DUI. He might actually serve time. Chase denied Travis’ involvement, but who knows whether or not that’s true? Ethan had solid alibis for the times you were attacked.”
“Wow. What a tangled mess.” Seyla shook her head. She looked at Jax. “Why? Why did you do all this?” The words were quiet, yet her confusion spoke volumes.
She watched Jax swallow hard once the rest of the group melted away, understanding their need to talk. Alone.
Seyla dropped her head, embarrassed at his attempt to let her down gently. “Never mind. I get it. I appreciate your help. Your obligation is over. You’re a good friend to Matt, you know that?” Seyla glanced over one shoulder at the guys standing several feet away, pretending they didn’t hear the conversation. “Where is he, anyway?”
“He’s…adjusting.”
What did that mean?
Jax squinted at her. “You think I did this for Matt?” He closed his eyes for a second. “You’re right. He did ask me to keep you safe.” He opened his eyes, taking hold of Seyla’s hand. “But I didn’t do this for Matt. I did it for you.”
“Why?” It made no sense. He didn’t owe her anything.
